Who can issue an arrest warrant in Louisiana?

According to the Code of Criminal Procedure for Louisiana, any magistrate may issue a warrant for arrest upon the finding of probable cause to believe that an offense was committed and the person committed it. The magistrate may consider a sworn statement or complaint as evidence or testimony under oath when determining if probable cause exists to issue an arrest warrant. A magistrate may issue an arrest warrant for a person in another parish (county) provided he immediately notifies the district attorney for the parish in which the offense is alleged to have been committed.

Who has the responsibility of executing an arrest warrant in Louisiana?

When a magistrate issues an arrest warrant, the warrant is directed to all peace officers (police officers) within the State of Louisiana no matter what parish they may serve. A peace officer may execute a warrant in any parish in Louisiana where he or she finds the alleged suspect or in any parish where he enters in close pursuit of the person arrested.

A peace officer does not need to have the arrest warrant in his or her possession when making an arrest. However, if the person arrested requests to view a copy of the warrant, a copy should be made available to him or her as soon as possible after the arrest. When making an arrest under an outstanding warrant, the peace officer must inform the person of his authority to make the arrest and of the fact that an outstanding warrant for arrest exists against the person. The requirement to inform a subject of the arrest warrant does not apply if the subject flees, forcibly resists before the officer can inform him or if giving the information would jeopardize the arrest.

What resources are there for searching arrest records and warrants in Louisiana?

• Louisiana State Police – You may perform a background check through the Louisiana State Police online or by mail.
• Louisiana State Offender and Child Predator Registry – This online resource provides a list of the state’s child and sex offenders.
• Louisiana Department of Corrections – Provides information on current state inmates within Louisiana by telephone or online.

What resources are available for victims of a crime in Louisiana?

If you are a victim of a crime in Louisiana, you have several resources available to you. One is The Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Fund (lcle.state.la.us/programs/cvr.asp). The fund is designed to help victims and their families who suffer financial stress because of a crime.

The Crime Victims Services Bureau helps victims and families by answering questions, keeping them informed and offering support. Victims and their families can register to receive updated information and notification of the status of inmates..

Louisiana crime statistics

Between 1999 and 2008, when compared to 10 similar states, Louisiana ranked second for the highest number of crimes per 1,000 people. However, during that time period, the rate of crime dropped by 27% – – violent crime decreased by 11% during that time. Of more than the 2,200,000 total crimes committed between 1999 and 2008 in Louisiana, only about 300,000 of them were violent in nature. The crime committed most often was theft (aprox 1,200,000).