Louisiana Warrant Search

A Louisiana warrant search is a check through law enforcement records to determine whether a warrant has been issued in an individual's name. Warrant searches are conducted for various reasons, including for personal knowledge, as an employment precaution, and to assist officers in completing an arrest.

Persons who wish to conduct a warrant search in Louisiana may contact criminal justice agencies that issue and execute these warrants directly or use third-party resources. Either way, a searcher can expect to find details on the warrant subject, the issuing agency, the reason for issuing the warrant, etc.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a written authorization given by a court that permits law enforcement officers to complete an arrest against the named individual. Warrants authorize the officers to carry out actions that would be a violation of an individual's constitutional rights. According to Article 202 of the Louisiana Statutes, warrants are only issued when probable cause is established.

The types of warrants issued in Louisiana include:

• Bench Warrants
• Arrest Warrants
• Search Warrants
• Complaint Warrants
• Ramey Warrants.

Are Warrants Public Records in Louisiana?

Yes, warrants are public records in Louisiana. The Louisiana Public Records Law allows public records to be accessible upon request, and since warrants are created by government agencies, they are classified as public records. Warrants restricted from public view, such as juvenile warrants, need authorized access.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Louisiana?

A person can look up a warrant in Louisiana by searching third-party sites that offer access to public information, like warrants, for free or for a fee. The full name of the warrant subject is required to complete the search. Also, to access the full report of some of these sites, users may have to pay a one-time fee or set up a subscription. The cost ranges from $1 to $25 and varies with provider. Third-party sites usually contain records from all counties in the state, so this search is advantageous as it removes the need to search through multiple county websites for a warrant record.

What is a Search Warrant in Louisiana?

A search warrant in Louisiana authorizes an officer to search an individual or property in connection with a crime. According to Louisiana Laws of Criminal Procedure CCRP 162, before a search warrant is issued, probable cause must be established. Otherwise, a search without probable cause would violate the individual's constitutional right.

For a search warrant to be valid, it must meet the following criteria:

• Specify the exact place to be searched
• State the evidence the officers are looking for, although additional incriminating evidence not specified can also be seized (CCRP Article 165)
• State the probable cause for issuing the warrant.

Are Search Warrants Public Records in Louisiana?

It depends. Executed search warrants are public records in Louisiana. Since warrant records are created and maintained within the judicial system consisting of government offices, search warrants are classified as public records. The Louisiana Public Records Law allows public records to be accessible upon request. On the other hand, unexecuted search warrants are temporarily restricted from public view.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the time it takes to get a search warrant depends on the robustness of evidence establishing probable cause. It may also depend on the complexity of the case. Thus, getting a search warrant approved may take a few hours to several days. In special cases, however, the search warrant can be expedited and issued immediately in an open court with a judge on the seat. As long as officers have approval from a judge, they can also immediately execute the warrant.

How Long Does a Search Warrant Last?

A search warrant in Louisiana lasts for ten days after it is issued before it expires. If the warrant is not executed by this time, it is returned to the court for reissue. Upon execution, it is also returned to the court.

What is a Bench Warrant in Louisiana?

A bench warrant in Louisiana is a warrant that is issued for the arrest of an individual who fails to show up for a court summons. Bench warrants only expire after they are resolved by the individual. According to Louisiana Laws of Criminal Procedure (CCRP 211.5), bench warrants must meet the following criteria:

• Be in writing
• Be signed by a Louisiana magistrate
• State the offense or charges
• Contain the offender's name
• State a designated place and time for the court summons.

In Louisiana, a lawyer can honor the summons in place of their client for misdemeanor cases without attracting additional charges.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Louisiana?

An arrest warrant in Louisiana is a warrant issued for the arrest of an individual charged with committing a crime. For a judge to sign off on an arrest warrant, the requesting officer must provide an affidavit establishing probable cause. The affidavit will outline the crime the individual is charged with committing and provide evidence or witness testimony. According to Louisiana Laws Code of Criminal Procedure CCRP 496, an arrest warrant is only issued when the probable cause that the defendant named committed the crime is established.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Louisiana

A person can check if they have a warrant in Louisiana from any of the sources listed below.

• Parish Sheriff's Office: The individual can visit their local sheriff's office, give them details like their full name and date of birth, and be given information about the warrant, if any. This method is not advised without legal representation, as the individual may be arrested on the spot if they have an active warrant in their name.
• Legal adviser: Licensed attorneys can check if a person has an ongoing warrant and can advise them on how best to resolve it.
• Clerk of Court: Concerned persons can check if they have a warrant by making an in-person or mail request to the court where the warrant is suspected to have been issued. According to Article 334, the clerk issues a notice about a warrant within 60 days to the prosecutor and a defendant.
• Police Department: A person can contact their local police station in person or through mail to know if they have an ongoing warrant in their name. A run-in with the police, such as at a traffic stop where the offender's personal information is checked, can also lead to the discovery of a warrant and an immediate arrest.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Louisiana?

Yes. An individual can check warrants online in Louisiana by looking up the information on the warrant search tool of their local parish sheriff's office website. Some parishes with online warrant search tools include Baton Rouge with their City Court Warrant Lookup, St. Charles Parish Warrant Search tool, and Lafourche Parish Warrant Search page.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

In Louisiana, a person can find out if they have outstanding or active warrants for free by searching through the channels listed below

• By conducting an online search of the Parish Sheriff's office's warrant search tool (if the parish has one)
• By making an in-person visit to the Sheriff's office in the parish where the warrant was issued
• Contact the clerk of court in the parish where the warrant was issued, as they may have records or online databases for finding active records
• By searching through third-party warrant search websites that offer access to their platform for free.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Louisiana

A person can find out if someone has a warrant for free by searching online through the website of their local parish sheriff's office. To complete an online search, inquiring individuals must be able to input key information into the search field about the warrant they are looking for, such as the subject's full name. It is important to note that only warrants that have not been exempted from public view by the law will be visible in the results.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Louisiana?

The statute of limitations for a warrant in Louisiana depends on the type of warrant.

• Ramey Warrant: It expires 90 days after it is first issued.
• Bench and Arrest Warrants: These do not expire. They remain active for life or until a judge recalls the warrant.
• Search Warrant: These have a lifespan of ten days after issue. They must be returned to the judge for reissue after ten days elapse.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

Most persons only find out if they have a federal warrant when they are served a court summons or when federal marshals arrest them. The United Marshals Service (USMS) keeps an online repository called the Warrant Information System (WIN) containing federal, state, and local warrant records. However, this repository is not publicly available. Nevertheless, finding out the existence of a federal warrant may be possible by contracting a federal defense attorney.