Caddo County Criminal Records

What Is Caddo County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:3, which governs the creation and maintenance of criminal justice records throughout the state.

Criminal records in Caddo Parish encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the parish
• Court Records: Official proceedings of the First Judicial District Court of Louisiana, which has jurisdiction over Caddo Parish
• Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
• Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in parish detention facilities or state correctional institutions

The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt. Under Louisiana law, both types of records are generally considered public information, though with varying levels of accessibility.

Criminal offenses in Caddo Parish are categorized as follows:

• Felonies: Serious offenses punishable by imprisonment at hard labor (state prison) for terms exceeding one year
• Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by parish jail terms of up to one year and/or fines
• Traffic Violations: Minor infractions generally punishable by fines

Juvenile records in Caddo Parish receive special protection under Louisiana Children's Code Article 412, which generally seals these records from public view. Records pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age at the time of the offense are maintained separately from adult records and require court orders for access in most circumstances.

The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Caddo Parish include:

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office
505 Travis Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 675-2170
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6780
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court

First Judicial District Court
501 Texas Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6776
First Judicial District Court

These records typically include documentation of charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea entries, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole information when applicable.

Are Criminal Records Public In Caddo County

Criminal records in Caddo Parish are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that all records maintained by public bodies are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The Louisiana Public Records Law states in § 44:31(B)(1): "Any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record." This provision creates a broad right of access to criminal records maintained by Caddo Parish agencies, including the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and District Court.

However, several important exceptions and limitations apply to criminal records access in Caddo Parish:

• Active Investigations: Records pertaining to pending criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under § 44:3(A)(1), which protects "records containing the identity of a confidential source of information or records which would tend to reveal the identity of a confidential source of information"
• Juvenile Records: As previously noted, records involving minors are generally sealed pursuant to Louisiana Children's Code Article 412
• Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971 et seq. are removed from public access
• Grand Jury Proceedings: These remain confidential under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 434
• Certain Victim Information: Details regarding victims of sexual offenses or domestic violence may be redacted from public records

Court proceedings in Caddo Parish are presumptively open to the public, as established by both the Louisiana Constitution and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Louisiana Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to attend criminal court proceedings, with limited exceptions for certain sensitive matters that may be conducted in camera (in private).

Adult conviction records remain permanently public in Caddo Parish unless expunged through formal legal procedures. Expungement eligibility is governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995, which establish waiting periods and eligibility criteria based on offense type and disposition.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections maintains additional records regarding individuals who have been sentenced to state custody, including current incarceration status and release information.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Caddo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Caddo Parish may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:

In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court:

1. Visit the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
2. Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records sought
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
4. Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.50 per page for regular copies)
5. Records may be reviewed immediately if readily available, or staff will notify the requestor when records are ready for inspection

Written Requests to the Sheriff's Office:

1. Submit a formal written request to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
2. Include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and specific information sought
3. Provide contact information and purpose of the request
4. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting return by mail
5. Include payment for applicable fees ($15.00 for a background check)

Court Case Records:

1. Access the First Judicial District Court's public terminals located in the courthouse
2. Search by name, case number, or filing date
3. Request copies of specific documents from court staff
4. Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.50 per page for regular copies)

For criminal background checks, individuals may also utilize the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. This agency maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state and provides comprehensive background checks that include records from all parishes, including Caddo.

Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police Background Checks

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 15:587, requestors must submit:

1. A completed background check request form
2. Fingerprints of the subject (if requesting a comprehensive check)
3. Payment of the required fee ($26 for a name-based check, $39.25 for a fingerprint-based check)
4. Written authorization from the subject of the check (if the requestor is a third party)

Processing times vary based on the method and agency used, with in-person requests typically fulfilled more quickly than mailed requests.

How To Find Criminal Records in Caddo County Online?

Caddo Parish offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of information available online may be more limited than records accessible through direct agency contact.

The primary online resources for Caddo Parish criminal records include:

Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Online Records Search The Clerk of Court maintains a public access portal that allows users to search court records, including criminal cases. This system can be accessed at www.caddoclerk.com under the "Court Records" section. Users can search by:

• Defendant name
• Case number
• Filing date range
• Case type

The system provides basic case information including:

• Charges filed
• Court dates
• Case status
• Party information
• Docket entries

While document images are not available online, users can identify specific documents for subsequent in-person retrieval.

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Inmate Lookup The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function at www.caddosheriff.org under "Inmate Information." This database includes:

• Current inmates housed in Caddo Correctional Center
• Basic booking information
• Charges
• Bond amounts
• Next court dates

This resource is updated daily and provides real-time information on current detainees.

Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator For individuals sentenced to state custody, the Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator provides information on:

• Current custody status
• Housing location
• Offense information
• Sentence details
• Possible release dates

Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check System The Louisiana State Police offers an online background check service through their Internet Background Check portal. This system requires:

• Registration for an account
• Payment of applicable fees ($26 per name-based check)
• Subject consent for third-party requests

Users should note that online systems typically do not provide access to:

• Sealed or expunged records
• Juvenile records
• Active investigation records
• Complete case files with all documents
• Historical records predating digitization (generally pre-2000)

For comprehensive criminal history information, a fingerprint-based check through the Louisiana State Police remains the most thorough option, though this requires submission of fingerprints in person or by mail rather than purely online access.

Can You Search Caddo County Criminal Records for Free?

Caddo Parish residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though free access is typically limited to basic information or in-person inspection. Louisiana Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32, establishes the right to inspect public records without charge, though agencies may assess reasonable fees for copies.

Free options for criminal records access in Caddo Parish include:

In-Person Inspection at Public Terminals The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court provides public access terminals at the courthouse where visitors may search court records at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours:

Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 71101
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
(318) 226-6780

While inspection is free, printing or obtaining certified copies incurs standard fees ($0.50-$1.00 per page).

Online Basic Case Information The Clerk of Court's website offers limited free access to basic case information, including:

• Case numbers
• Party names
• Filing dates
• Case types
• Hearing dates

This information can be accessed without registration or payment at www.caddoclerk.com under "Court Records."

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Inmate Lookup The Sheriff's Office provides free access to current inmate information through their online portal. This resource includes:

• Current detention status
• Booking information
• Charges
• Bond amounts

This free service is available at www.caddosheriff.org under "Inmate Information."

Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator Information about individuals in state custody is freely available through the Department of Corrections Offender Locator. This database provides:

• Current custody status
• Housing location
• Offense information
• Sentence details

It is important to note that while basic information may be accessed without charge, comprehensive criminal history reports, certified copies, and extensive record searches typically require payment of established fees. Additionally, records that require special processing, such as expunged records or those requiring redaction, generally involve administrative fees even for inspection.

For individuals seeking their own criminal records for employment, housing, or personal purposes, the Louisiana State Police offers a reduced fee for "right to review" requests, though this is not entirely free.

What's Included in a Caddo County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained in Caddo Parish typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case, but generally includes the following categories of information:

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
• Residential address at time of arrest
• State Identification (SID) number
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Photograph/mugshot
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Location of arrest
• Booking number
• Initial charges filed
• Probable cause statement
• Bail or bond amount
• Detention facility information

Court Case Information:

• Case number
• Court of jurisdiction
• Filing date
• Formal charges filed
• Statutory citations
• Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
• Attorney information (prosecution and defense)
• Judge assigned
• Plea entered
• Pre-trial motions and rulings

Disposition and Sentencing:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms
  • Probation conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment programs ordered
• Post-conviction proceedings
• Appeal information
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• Habitual offender status
• DWI/DUI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions

Criminal records in Caddo Parish are maintained in compliance with Louisiana Revised Statute § 15:578, which establishes standards for criminal history record information. This statute requires that records be complete, accurate, and include disposition information whenever available.

For individuals with extensive criminal histories, records may include a Rap Sheet (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions) that chronologically summarizes all documented interactions with law enforcement agencies throughout Louisiana and potentially other states if reported to the FBI's Interstate Identification Index.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections maintains additional records for individuals sentenced to state custody, including disciplinary records during incarceration, program participation, and parole eligibility information.

How Long Does Caddo County Keep Criminal Records?

Criminal records in Caddo Parish are subject to retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management program and specific provisions in Louisiana law. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, severity of the offense, and final disposition of the case.

The primary retention periods for criminal records in Caddo Parish are as follows:

Arrest Records:

• Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
• Felony arrests not resulting in conviction: Maintained for 5 years from date of arrest, then eligible for expungement under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 976
• Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: Maintained for 10 years after completion of sentence
• Misdemeanor arrests not resulting in conviction: Maintained for 2 years from date of arrest, then eligible for expungement

Court Records:

• Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
• Non-capital felony cases: Permanent retention of case summary; supporting documents maintained for 20 years after final disposition
• Misdemeanor cases: Maintained for 10 years after final disposition
• Traffic violations: Maintained for 3 years after final disposition

Incarceration Records:

• State prison records: Maintained permanently by the Department of Corrections
• Parish jail records: Maintained for 10 years after release

Sex Offender Registration:

• Tier 1 offenses: 15 years from completion of sentence
• Tier 2 offenses: 25 years from completion of sentence
• Tier 3 offenses: Lifetime registration

It is important to note that while records may be eligible for expungement after certain periods, this process is not automatic. Individuals must petition the court for expungement pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995, which establish specific eligibility criteria and waiting periods based on offense type and disposition.

Digital records maintained by the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court generally follow the same retention schedules as paper records. However, as digital storage has become more prevalent, some historical records that predate current retention schedules may remain accessible even beyond their scheduled destruction dates.

The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains the central repository of criminal history information pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 15:578 and retains these records according to state-mandated schedules. Complete criminal history information is generally maintained throughout the lifetime of the individual, with provisions for expungement or sealing in specific circumstances.

Lookup Criminal Records in Caddo County

Caddo Parish - The official website of Louisiana

Information For & About People in Prison - Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections

Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check System

Criminal Background Check Information - Louisiana Department of Health

Public Information - Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections