Grant Parish Public Records / Grant Parish Arrest Records

Grant County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Grant County in 2026

GrantParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Grant County, Louisiana, including booking data, charge information, and custody status. Members of the public may find records pertaining to the following categories:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal charge information
Court case filings
Inmate custody status
Bond and bail information
Mugshot and booking photographs

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

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Grant Parish Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals arrested and processed through the parish detention facility. Members of the public may access the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office website for available inmate and arrest information. Records available online include arrestee name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis as new bookings occur and releases are processed.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Colfax Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Grant Parish. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be available through the department's public records division. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level law enforcement may submit a public records request directly to the Colfax Police Department.

Colfax Police Department 500 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-3261

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Grant Parish Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records associated with arrests processed through the parish court system. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the Louisiana Supreme Court's case search portal or by visiting the Clerk of Court office in person. Court case numbers linked to arrests provide access to charge filings, hearing dates, and case dispositions.

Grant Parish Clerk of Court 200 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-3246 Grant Parish Clerk of Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Louisiana State Police maintains the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, which serves as the state-level repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search. A fee applies for criminal history record requests submitted to the state repository. The database includes arrest and conviction records from law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Grant Parish Sheriff's Office 217 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-2123 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Grant Parish Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number if available. Copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Clerk of Court:

Grant Parish Clerk of Court 200 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-3246 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Grant Parish Clerk of Court

Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page for reproduced documents.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office at 217 Main Street, Colfax, LA 71417. Requests should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests varies and may take several business days to several weeks depending on record volume and availability.

By Phone:

Members of the public may contact the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office at (318) 627-2123 for general arrest information. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not 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, city police, state police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Grant County

Arrest records in Grant County, Louisiana, are public records accessible to members of the public under the Louisiana Public Records Law, codified at La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq. The statute establishes that all records made or received by a public body in the conduct of its official business are public records subject to inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law. Arrest records fall within this framework as documents created by law enforcement agencies in the performance of their official duties.

The public nature of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:

Government transparency and accountability
Public safety awareness
Community notification
Journalism and investigative research
Employment and licensing background screening
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
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
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 Louisiana law and applicable federal statutes:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed pursuant to Louisiana Children's Code provisions
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover law enforcement officers
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, provides that no person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents. This constitutional provision reinforces the statutory framework established under La. R.S. § 44:1. Courts have recognized the balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy interests, particularly with respect to arrest records that do not result in conviction.

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 restrictions
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. The FCRA limits the reporting of arrest records without conviction to a seven-year period for most employment purposes. Louisiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to applicable federal guidelines. The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is legally significant, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Grant County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public releases

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may include the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office, Colfax Police Department, Louisiana State Police, or other agencies
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Louisiana Revised Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints, which are collected during booking but are not typically included in public record releases
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status indicating whether the subject is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if the subject has been released
Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available at time of record creation

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public releases
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information not typically available in the arrest record itself
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest and include filings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Grant County varies by the method of access and the office processing the request. Under Louisiana's public records law, custodians of records are authorized to charge reasonable fees for the search, examination, and reproduction of public records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 per page
Certified copies	$5.00 per document (varies)
Electronic copies	Varies by office
Search fee	No charge for inspection in most cases

Inspection of records: Members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply only when copies are requested.
Copy fees: The Grant Parish Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office assess per-page fees for reproduced documents. Current fees should be confirmed directly with the respective office prior to submitting a request.
Certification fees: Certified copies of court records carry an additional fee assessed by the Clerk of Court.
Electronic format fees: Some offices provide electronic copies at a reduced rate or at the same rate as paper copies.

Accepted payment methods at Grant Parish offices include cash, money order, and in some cases personal check or credit card. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to visiting.

Under La. R.S. § 44:32, the custodian of records is required to provide access to public records and may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated, though such waivers are at the discretion of the records custodian.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online jail roster and inmate search through the Sheriff's Office website
In-person inspection of public records without copying
Court case number lookup through available online portals

How To Delete Arrest Records in Grant County

Louisiana law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical removal or destruction of records from public repositories, and sealing, which restricts public access while allowing law enforcement to retain the records. The distinction is significant: an expunged record is removed from public databases and the subject may legally deny the arrest in most circumstances, while a sealed record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under La. C.Cr.P. art. 971 et seq., the following circumstances may qualify an individual for expungement of an arrest record in Louisiana:

Arrest with no charges filed by the prosecutor
Charges filed but subsequently dismissed
Acquittal following trial
Conviction of a misdemeanor offense after a waiting period, subject to eligibility requirements
Conviction of certain felony offenses after a waiting period, subject to eligibility requirements and limitations
Successful completion of a diversion or pretrial intervention program

Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement under Louisiana law, including crimes of violence as defined by statute, sex offenses requiring registration, and offenses involving minors in certain categories.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Grant Parish Clerk of Court.
Determine eligibility based on the offense type, disposition, and applicable waiting periods under Louisiana law.
Complete the Motion to Expunge and Order of Expungement forms available through the Louisiana Supreme Court or the Clerk of Court.
File the motion with the Grant Parish Clerk of Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
Serve copies of the motion on the District Attorney's Office and the arresting law enforcement agency.
Attend any scheduled hearing on the motion.
If the court grants the expungement, certified copies of the order are served on all relevant agencies, including the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information and the arresting agency.

Filing Fee: A filing fee applies for expungement petitions. Current fees should be confirmed with the Clerk of Court. Indigent petitioners may apply for a fee waiver.

Grant Parish Clerk of Court 200 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-3246 Grant Parish Clerk of Court

District Attorney's Office – 35th Judicial District 200 Main Street, Suite 200 Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-2951

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

What Happens After Arrest in Grant County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Grant County, the arrested individual is transported to the Grant Parish Detention Center, which serves as the primary booking and holding facility for the parish. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the parish.

Grant Parish Detention Center 217 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-2123 Grant Parish Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process involves the following steps:

Personal identification information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical screening completed
Housing classification determined

The booking process at the Grant Parish Detention Center takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume at the time of intake.

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 the first appearance, the court:

Formally notifies the defendant of the charges
Determines bond or bail
Advises the defendant of the right to counsel
Appoints the public defender if the defendant is indigent and requests appointed counsel

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is at present set at ten percent of the total bond amount in Louisiana.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without 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.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the defendant is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody at the Grant Parish Detention Center pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office – 35th Judicial District 200 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-3246

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for the public defender may retain private counsel. The Louisiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private legal representation.

Charging Decision:

The District Attorney for the 35th Judicial District reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the District Attorney may proceed by bill of information or present the matter to a grand jury. The arraignment, at which the defendant enters a formal plea, is scheduled following the filing of charges.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery.

Case resolution options include dismissal of charges, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, plea agreements, or trial. Louisiana provides defendants the right to a jury trial for offenses carrying a potential sentence of more than six months of imprisonment.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely based on charge severity and court docket
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felony cases: May extend from several months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Louisiana Constitution, Article I, Section 16

Important Contacts:

Grant Parish Sheriff's Office (Jail) 217 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-2123 Grant Parish Sheriff's Office

Grant Parish Clerk of Court 200 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-3246 Grant Parish Clerk of Court

District Attorney's Office – 35th Judicial District 200 Main Street, Suite 200 Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-2951

Public Defender's Office – 35th Judicial District 200 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-3246

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 discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Grant County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Grant County is governed by Louisiana state law, local agency policies, and applicable federal requirements. The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office publishes records retention schedules applicable to local government agencies, including law enforcement and court offices. Under current law, the retention period varies based on the type of record, the disposition of the associated case, and the agency maintaining the record.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions: Records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Felony conviction records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records are retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and court offices. The state repository retains misdemeanor conviction records as part of the subject's permanent criminal history.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges: Local law enforcement agencies retain booking records for a period of years following dismissal. Court records associated with dismissed charges are retained according to the Clerk of Court's retention schedule. Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order.
Acquittals: Court records reflecting a not guilty verdict are retained by the Clerk of Court. Local law enforcement records may be retained for a period of years. The subject may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where the prosecutor declined to file charges are retained for a shorter period and may be eligible for expungement.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the agency's records retention schedule, which is established in accordance with Louisiana state guidelines.
Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records are retained for extended periods, and electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis in many instances.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement requirements as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Grant Parish Sheriff's Office 217 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-2123 Grant Parish Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Louisiana local government records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.

Grant Parish Clerk of Court 200 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417 Phone: (318) 627-3246 Grant Parish Clerk of Court

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period established by the state retention schedule. Electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis in most instances.

The state repository maintains arrest and conviction records from all law enforcement jurisdictions in Louisiana. Retention policy is governed by state law and applicable federal requirements.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records of arrests and convictions. Federal retention is permanent for most record categories. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and constitute a permanent part of the subject's criminal history.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported on most standard employment background checks.
Expungement: Following a court-ordered expungement, local law enforcement and the state repository update their records. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from all databases varies and may take several weeks to months following issuance of the expungement order.
No Charges Filed: Booking records for arrests without subsequent charges are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after a set number of years or upon the subject's petition.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting period for arrests without conviction. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Louisiana does not at present impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal seven-year period for non-conviction arrest records. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases, and subjects who have obtained expungement orders should monitor their records for accuracy.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Grant Parish Sheriff's Records Division at (318) 627-2123 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.