About Assumption Parish
Assumption Parish, Louisiana (locally called a parish rather than parish) is located in the southeastern region of the state along Bayou Lafourche. Established in 1807, it was named for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, reflecting the area's strong French Catholic heritage. The parish seat is Napoleonville, a small historic town named after Napoleon Bonaparte. Assumption Parish encompasses approximately 339 square miles and has a population of around 22,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
The parish is characterized by sugar cane fields, historic plantation homes including the famous Madewood Plantation House, and proximity to the Atchafalaya Basin. The economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly sugar production, along with oil and gas extraction. Major waterways include Bayou Lafourche and portions of Lake Verret.
The Assumption Parish Government operates from the Assumption Parish Courthouse at 4813 Highway 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390. Key parish offices include the Clerk of Court, Assessor's Office, and Sheriff's Office, all serving the public records needs of residents. The parish blends Cajun culture with rural Louisiana charm, featuring annual festivals and preserved antebellum architecture that attracts history enthusiasts and tourists exploring Louisiana's plantation country.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the parish. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the parish jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and has specialized divisions such as narcotics and investigations to address specific issues within the parish. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives aimed at fostering better relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Assumption Parish is primarily handled by the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office, which covers the unincorporated areas. Additionally, the Napoleonville Police Department serves the municipal area of Napoleonville. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response to incidents throughout the parish.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office, located at 4087 Highway 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the parish. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (985) 369-6666 and maintains a website at www.assumptionsheriff.com. The agency operates the Assumption Parish Detention Center, which houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences. Inmate information can be obtained by calling the detention center directly at (985) 369-7281 or through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides an inmate roster with booking information.
- 44:1 et seq.) and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office during normal business hours.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in arrest records and may be available through the detention center or by formal public records request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
- Citizens seeking arrest history or warrant information should contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division directly or submit a written public records request citing Louisiana Revised Statute 44:1.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Assumption Parish includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and a sex offender registry. The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the sheriff's office or the state bureau, which provides comprehensive information on an individual's criminal history within Louisiana.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Assumption Parish are maintained by the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, following the guidelines set by the Louisiana Public Records Act. An Assumption Parish arrest record typically contains the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Assumption Parish Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in the parish. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines.
- The bond process in Louisiana allows for cash, property, or bail bonds, and recently arrested individuals can be located through the sheriff's office resources.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Assumption Parish are taken and retained by the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by request. Louisiana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so once a mugshot is part of the public record, it remains accessible unless expunged through legal processes.
Courts & Case Records
Assumption Parish is served by the 23rd Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, family law, successions (probate), and juvenile matters. The 23rd Judicial District Court is located at 4813 Highway 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, and shares the building with the Clerk of Court. The court can be reached at (985) 369-6653. The Assumption Parish Clerk of Court maintains all court records and provides public access to case files, judgments, and court minutes.
- Fees for certified copies are established by Louisiana statute, typically $2.00 per page plus certification fees.
- City courts handle misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and small civil claims under $5,000, though Assumption Parish has limited municipal court activity.
- Researchers can request specific case information by providing case numbers or party names.
- The Clerk of Court office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for record requests and court filings.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Assumption Parish are maintained by the Assumption Parish Clerk of Court, which serves as the ex-officio Recorder of Conveyances. The office is located at 4813 Highway 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, and can be contacted at (985) 369-6653. The Clerk's office maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, UCC filings, judgments, successions, plat maps, and other land-related documents dating back to the parish's establishment. These records are indexed by grantor/grantee and can be searched in person during business hours.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, typically $2.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification.
- 44:1), these records are public and accessible during normal business hours, with reasonable copying fees permitted.
Some parishes in Louisiana offer online access to recorded documents, though availability varies; interested parties should contact the Clerk directly to determine current online search capabilities. Property tax records are maintained separately by the Assumption Parish Assessor's Office, located at 4813 Highway 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, phone (985) 369-6571. The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, and assessment rolls.
Many Louisiana assessors provide online property search tools through their websites or the Louisiana Tax Commission website. The Assumption Parish GIS mapping system may be available through the parish government website, offering parcel viewers and property information. Under Louisiana Public Records Law (La.
R.S.
Vital Records
Vital records for Assumption Parish are managed at both the local and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Assumption Parish can be requested from the Louisiana State Registrar, Vital Records Registry, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160, or in person at the State Office of Vital Records located at 1450 Poydras Street, New Orleans. The state office can be reached at (504) 593-5100. Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $7.00 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests, faster for in-person applications.
- Couples must apply in person, provide identification, and pay the license fee (typically $27.50).
- Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the Clerk of Court for statutory fees.
- VitalChek offers online ordering for Louisiana vital records at www.vitalchek.com with expedited processing for additional fees.
- 40:31-40:39, vital records access is restricted to protect privacy while allowing legitimate access.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest under Louisiana Revised Statute 40:32. Birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 50 years to immediate family members and legal representatives. Marriage licenses are issued by the Assumption Parish Clerk of Court at 4813 Highway 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, phone (985) 369-6653.
There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the ceremony. Divorce records (judgments of divorce) are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of court records. Under La.
R.S.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Assumption Parish involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Fictitious name registrations (DBAs or trade names) are filed with the Assumption Parish Clerk of Court at 4813 Highway 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, phone (985) 369-6653. These filings are public records searchable at the Clerk's office. Formal business entity formation (corporations, LLCs, partnerships) must be registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.la.gov/BusinessServices where users can verify business registrations, view filed documents, and check entity status free of charge.
- The Assumption Parish Chamber of Commerce, though not a government entity, provides business resources and networking opportunities for local enterprises.
Sales tax registration is handled through the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Professional licenses (contractors, health professionals, etc.) are issued by respective state licensing boards. Local business licenses and occupational permits may be required by Assumption Parish Government; inquiries should be directed to the Assumption Parish Administrative Office at (985) 369-7435.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are issued by the Assumption Parish Planning and Zoning Department, which can be contacted through the parish government offices. Construction projects typically require permits from the parish building inspector. Under Louisiana Public Records Law (La.
R.S. 44:1), business license records and permits maintained by parish offices are public records available for inspection during normal business hours.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Assumption Parish are administered by the Assumption Parish Registrar of Voters, located at 4813 Highway 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390. The office can be reached at (985) 369-7488 during business hours. Voter registration in Louisiana is available online through the Louisiana Secretary of State's GeauxVote portal at www.GeauxVote.com, which allows eligible citizens to register, update their registration, or check registration status. Voters may also register in person at the Registrar's office, at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, or through mail-in registration forms.
- The registration deadline is 30 days before any election (20 days if registering online).
- Louisiana requires voters to provide their Louisiana driver's license number or state ID number when registering.
Polling place locations for Assumption Parish can be found using the GeauxVote online tool by entering your address, or by contacting the Registrar of Voters directly. The parish typically operates multiple voting precincts across Napoleonville and surrounding communities. Early voting is available at designated locations approximately two weeks before major elections.
Election records that are public in Louisiana include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Louisiana Board of Ethics, candidate qualifying information, and precinct-level election results. The Louisiana Secretary of State maintains historical election results at www.sos.la.gov. In the November 2024 general election, Louisiana parishes typically saw turnout ranging from 55% to 65% in presidential election years, with Assumption Parish generally reflecting statewide rural parish patterns.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House midterm elections and potential Louisiana state races. Absentee voting (mail-in ballots) is available to qualified voters including those who will be absent from the parish on election day, those 65 and older, persons with disabilities, and other statutorily specified categories.
Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters, with specific deadlines typically 4-5 days before the election for mail ballots. Under Louisiana Election Code (Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes), election administration records are public, and citizens may request information about voter registration statistics, election results, and voting procedures.
Economy & Demographics
Assumption Parish's economy has traditionally centered on agriculture, particularly sugar cane cultivation, which remains a cornerstone industry with several sugar mills and extensive agricultural operations throughout the parish. The Cora Texas Manufacturing facility represents significant industrial presence in the area. Oil and gas extraction has historically contributed to the local economy, with numerous wells and related services operating in the parish, though this sector has experienced fluctuations with energy market changes.
- The median household income in Assumption Parish is approximately $48,000 to $52,000 according to recent census estimates, below the national average but consistent with rural Louisiana parishes.
- Major employment sectors include agriculture and food processing, manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare, and education.
- The parish's proximity to Interstate 10 and navigable waterways provides logistical advantages.
The parish school system is among the largest employers. Tourism related to historic plantation homes, particularly Madewood Plantation House, contributes to the local economy, attracting visitors interested in antebellum architecture and Louisiana history. Commercial fishing and crawfish farming provide additional agricultural income.
Unemployment rates in Assumption Parish have typically ranged from 4% to 7%, varying with seasonal agricultural employment and broader economic conditions. Economic development efforts focus on attracting light manufacturing and leveraging the parish's location along major transportation corridors. Challenges include population decline in recent decades and competition from larger metropolitan areas for business investment.
Recent infrastructure improvements and industrial park development aim to diversify the economic base beyond traditional agricultural reliance.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Available In-Person | Property: ✅ Clerk & Assessor Access | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Sheriff Roster Available | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Online via Secretary of State | Elections: ✅ Online via GeauxVote | Overall Score: 7/10 — Assumption Parish provides reasonable access to public records, though many require in-person visits or phone contact; state-level online systems supplement local access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Assumption Parish
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Assumption Parish, Louisiana.
Nearby Counties
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