Morehouse Parish Public Records / Morehouse Parish Arrest Records

Morehouse County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Morehouse County in 2026

MorehouseParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Morehouse County, Louisiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through the resources described below. Record availability varies by agency and the nature of the underlying case, and the information presented here is intended for informational purposes only.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Morehouse Parish.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the parish detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent bookings. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety provides facility and contact information for the Morehouse Parish Detention Center, including the jail annex location.

Booking number, charges, and custody status are available upon inquiry
Roster information is subject to update as releases and new bookings occur
Search by full legal name or booking number

2. Local Police Departments

The Bastrop Police Department serves the parish seat and issues press releases and public notices regarding arrests made within city limits. Members of the public may contact the department directly for arrest log inquiries.

Bastrop Police Department
115 E. Madison Ave.
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 283-0122
City of Bastrop

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Morehouse Parish Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the parish court system. Searching by an individual's name may return associated criminal case filings, arraignment dates, and disposition information.

Morehouse Parish Clerk of Court
100 E. Madison Ave., Suite 100
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3343
Louisiana Clerks of Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public and authorized entities may submit requests for criminal history records through the Louisiana State Police. A fee applies for name-based criminal history searches. The official Louisiana state portal also provides guidance on submitting requests for public records, vital records, and health information at the parish level.

Name-based searches are available to the public for a fee
Fingerprint-based searches provide more comprehensive results and are required for certain licensing and employment purposes
Results include arrests from all Louisiana jurisdictions

In-Person Access:

Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office
6444 Patey Road
Collinston, LA 71229
Phone: (318) 874-7855
Fax: (318) 874-5311
Louisiana Department of Public Safety – Morehouse Parish

Records division staff can assist with booking record requests
Valid government-issued photo identification is required
Requestors should provide the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number if known
Copy fees apply per page

Clerk of Court – Criminal Division:

Morehouse Parish Clerk of Court
100 E. Madison Ave., Suite 100
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3343
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Louisiana Clerks of Court

Criminal case files are available for public inspection during business hours
Copy fees are assessed per page for reproduced documents
Certified copies carry an additional certification fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office at 6444 Patey Road, Collinston, LA 71229. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office: (318) 874-7855
Callers should have the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or appear in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Bastrop Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Morehouse County

Arrest records in Morehouse Parish are public records under Louisiana law. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1 et seq., the Public Records Law, all records made or received by a public body in the conduct of its official business are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action taken by law enforcement agencies acting in their public capacity.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental and civic purposes:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement conduct
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism and academic research
Use in background screening processes by employers and licensing agencies
Facilitation of legal proceedings and due process

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer information
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond or bail amount and type
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under current law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential under Louisiana Children's Code Article 412
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim-identifying information in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
Information relating to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution establishes the right of the public to examine public documents and records. This provision, read in conjunction with § 44:1, creates a strong presumption of openness that custodians of records must overcome by citing a specific statutory exemption. Courts have consistently held that this framework reflects the balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy interests.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Professional licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. Louisiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipal ordinances may impose additional restrictions. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in adverse employment or housing decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.

What's in Morehouse County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race or ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (subject to redaction in certain cases)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Bastrop Police Department, Louisiana State Police, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
Louisiana Revised Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge classification (felony or misdemeanor, with degree or class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public record releases

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (District Court, City Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements and victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Medical or mental health screening results
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including motions, hearings, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Morehouse County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Morehouse Parish is governed by Louisiana's Public Records Law. Under § 44:32, custodians of public records are authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies of records, but inspection of records in their original format is available at no charge during regular business hours.

Standard Fee Structure:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 (varies by agency)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee per document
Electronic copies	Varies by agency; may be provided at no charge
Search fee	Not permitted under Louisiana law for standard requests

Inspection of records in person: No charge
Copies of booking records from the Sheriff's Office: Fees assessed per page
Certified court records from the Clerk of Court: Per-page copy fee plus certification fee
Criminal history records from Louisiana State Police: Fee required; current amounts are posted on the Louisiana State Police criminal records page

Accepted Payment Methods:

Payment methods accepted vary by agency and may include cash, money order, or check made payable to the respective office. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request.

Fee Waivers:

Louisiana law does not provide a blanket fee waiver provision for public records requests. However, agencies retain discretion to waive fees in certain circumstances, including requests made by indigent individuals or for records of significant public interest. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public arrest records during business hours
Online booking information, where made available by the agency
Court case index searches at the Clerk of Court public terminal

How To Delete Arrest Records in Morehouse County

Louisiana law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement refers to the physical destruction or removal of arrest records from law enforcement and court databases, while sealing restricts public access to records that are retained by the agency but rendered confidential. Under Louisiana law, expungement is the more commonly available remedy for eligible individuals.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971–999 govern the expungement process. An individual may be eligible to petition for expungement of an arrest record in the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction (charges were dismissed, declined by the prosecutor, or the individual was acquitted)
The individual successfully completed a diversion program resulting in dismissal
A misdemeanor conviction for which the individual has completed the sentence and a waiting period has elapsed
Certain felony convictions after completion of sentence and applicable waiting periods, subject to offense-specific restrictions

Offenses Not Eligible for Expungement:

Sex offenses requiring registration under the Louisiana Sex Offender Registry
Crimes of violence as defined under Louisiana law, in most circumstances
DWI convictions (subject to limited exceptions)

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and any associated court disposition from the Morehouse Parish Clerk of Court
Complete the appropriate expungement petition form, available from the Clerk of Court
File the petition in the Morehouse Parish District Court, 4th Judicial District
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently set by statute and subject to change; fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
Serve copies of the petition on the Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office, the arresting agency, and the District Attorney's Office as required by law
Attend any scheduled hearing; the court will issue an order if the petition is granted
Provide certified copies of the expungement order to each agency holding records subject to the order

Relevant Contacts:

Morehouse Parish District Court – 4th Judicial District
100 E. Madison Ave.
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3343
Louisiana District Courts

Morehouse Parish District Attorney's Office
100 E. Madison Ave.
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3440

Louisiana Indigent Defender Board / Public Defender's Office
Members of the public who cannot afford private counsel for expungement proceedings may contact the Louisiana Public Defender Board for information on available legal assistance.

What Happens After Arrest in Morehouse County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Morehouse Parish, the arrested individual is transported to the Morehouse Parish Detention Center or the Morehouse Parish Jail Annex, both operated under the authority of the Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the parish.

Morehouse Parish Detention Center
6444 Patey Road
Collinston, LA 71229
Phone: (318) 874-7855
Louisiana Department of Public Safety – Morehouse Parish

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint collection and submission to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance / Initial Hearing

Under Louisiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for a first appearance within 72 hours of arrest. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
The individual is advised of their rights

The hearing may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or detention facility. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.

Surety Bond: The individual or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Louisiana law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in with pretrial supervision
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
Drug or alcohol testing requirements
GPS monitoring in certain cases

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which may take several hours depending on facility volume. A written notice of court dates and conditions of release is provided. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is determined based on income. The Louisiana Public Defender Board oversees the statewide public defender system.

Morehouse Parish Public Defender's Office
100 E. Madison Ave.
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3440

Charging Decision:

The Morehouse Parish District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial phase: Discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences occur during this phase. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and motions to suppress or dismiss may be filed.
Plea negotiations: The District Attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.
Diversion programs: Eligible defendants may be referred to pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Trial: The defendant has the right to a jury trial for most charges. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing: Upon conviction, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks, depending on case complexity
Arraignment to resolution: Months; felony cases may extend longer than misdemeanor cases
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under both the Louisiana Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office (Jail)
6444 Patey Road
Collinston, LA 71229
Phone: (318) 874-7855
Louisiana Department of Public Safety – Morehouse Parish

Morehouse Parish Clerk of Court
100 E. Madison Ave., Suite 100
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3343
Louisiana Clerks of Court

Morehouse Parish District Attorney's Office
100 E. Madison Ave.
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3440

Morehouse Parish Public Defender's Office
100 E. Madison Ave.
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3440
Louisiana Public Defender Board

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than legal counsel
Contact family or a trusted individual to assist with bail arrangements
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Morehouse County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Morehouse Parish is governed by Louisiana state law and the records retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office. Under Louisiana law, public records custodians are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, and unauthorized destruction of public records is prohibited.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and Louisiana State Police criminal history repository
Submitted to the FBI's Interstate Identification Index and retained at the federal level

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court
Included in the Louisiana State Police criminal history repository

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Remain in local law enforcement and court databases unless expunged by court order
May not appear on standard background checks but are accessible through official records requests

Acquittals:

Court records are retained; local law enforcement booking records are retained subject to the applicable retention schedule
Eligible for expungement under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971 et seq.

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

Booking records are retained for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule
Among the most readily eligible categories for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the Louisiana Secretary of State's approved retention schedules for law enforcement agencies.

Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records are often retained for extended periods. Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis in many instances.

Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same update requirements as official government databases. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework are not bound by the same standards.

Retention by Agency:

Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office
6444 Patey Road
Collinston, LA 71229
Phone: (318) 874-7855
Louisiana Department of Public Safety – Morehouse Parish

Morehouse Parish Clerk of Court
100 E. Madison Ave., Suite 100
Bastrop, LA 71220
Phone: (318) 281-3343

Louisiana State Police – Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police Criminal Records

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Records remain accessible unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the Louisiana State Police repository is updated; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
No charges filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be eligible for immediate expungement in certain circumstances

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history information for a period of seven years for positions with annual compensation below a specified threshold. Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the compensation threshold. Louisiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal FCRA standard for private employment background checks. Arrests without conviction are not considered evidence of criminal conduct, and their use in adverse employment decisions is subject to scrutiny under applicable equal employment opportunity guidelines.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may submit a written public records request to the Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division at 6444 Patey Road, Collinston, LA 71229, or contact the office by phone at (318) 874-7855. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.