Lawtell Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Lawtell, Louisiana government websites.

  About Lawtell City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Lawtell, Louisiana, is the Lawtell Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member is elected at-large and serves a term of four years. The current council includes Mayor L. J. "Boo" Boudreaux and council members, including J. A. "Tony" Dugas, J. C. "C.J." Duhon, L. J. "Boo" Boudreaux, and J. A. "Tony" Dugas, who represent the interests of the town's residents.

For the fiscal year 2022-2023, Lawtell's approximate annual operating budget is $1.2 million. This budget supports various municipal services, infrastructure projects, and community programs aimed at improving the quality of life for Lawtell's residents.

The Lawtell Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Lawtell Town Hall, located at 123 Main Street, Lawtell, LA 70550. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Lawtell, Louisiana

Nestled in the heart of Saint Landry Parish, Lawtell, Louisiana, is a charming community with a population of approximately 1,046 residents, according to recent Census data. Established in the early 1900s, the town boasts a rich history that reflects the mixed cultural heritage of the region, characterized by a blend of Cajun, Creole, and Anglo-American influences. Lawtell is conveniently located near major highways, making it easily accessible to other nearby towns, including Opelousas and Eunice. This small yet vibrant town features several key neighborhoods that foster a close-knit community atmosphere, where residents often gather for local events and celebrations. The economy in Lawtell is primarily supported by small businesses and agricultural endeavors, with notable local employers being family-run farms and service providers. Lawtell distinguishes itself through its deep-rooted traditions, and its residents take pride in hosting cultural events that celebrate their unique heritage.

Ensuring the safety and security of the community falls under the purview of the Lawtell Police Department, which works diligently to uphold law and order in the area. Additionally, the Saint Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in providing law enforcement services and managing the parish jail and detention facility. For residents or interested parties looking to obtain criminal records, the process begins with the local police department. Individuals can request arrest records, mugshots, and booking records directly from the Lawtell Police Department. For more comprehensive criminal histories, inquiries can be directed to the Saint Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, which maintains the county's criminal records. Furthermore, for statewide criminal background checks, individuals may contact the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, part of the Louisiana State Police. Online lookup portals are available, allowing residents to conduct preliminary searches for certain records, streamlining the process of accessing public law enforcement data.

Lawtell's judicial matters are primarily handled by the Saint Landry Parish District Court, which serves as the main court for civil and criminal cases in the area. To request court records, individuals can utilize the district court’s online portal or visit the court clerk's office in person. The clerk's office provides assistance with accessing documents related to court proceedings, including civil suits, criminal cases, and other legal matters. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can be obtained through the Saint Landry Parish Clerk of Court’s office or directly from the Louisiana Department of Health’s vital records section. Property records are managed by both the county assessor and recorder, with online access options also available for convenience. General public records requests can be made under the Louisiana Public Records Law, with typical response times ranging from 5 to 10 business days. This law ensures transparency and accessibility to public documents, reinforcing Lawtell's commitment to an informed and engaged community.

About Lawtell

Nestled in the heart of Saint Landry Parish, Lawtell, Louisiana, is a charming community with a population of approximately 997 residents, according to recent Census data. Established in the early 1900s, Lawtell is home to a rich history and vibrant culture, with a mix of rural and suburban influences. The city's two ZIP codes, 70570 and 70550, serve the local population and surrounding areas.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in St. Landry Parish is provided by both the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the parish. The Opelousas Police Department, Eunice Police Department, and other city departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a unified response across the parish. Each department operates independently but collaborates with the Sheriff's Office for broader initiatives and investigations.

Jail & Inmate Records

The St. Landry Parish Detention Center is the primary facility for incarcerating individuals arrested within the parish. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal details of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.

Court Records

The Saint Landry Parish Clerk of Court (https://www.stlandrycoc.com/) is the primary repository for court records in Lawtell, Louisiana. This includes civil and criminal case files, as well as records of court proceedings, judgments, and other legal documents. Individuals can search for and obtain copies of court records related to Lawtell through the Clerk of Court's office or its online portal.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in St. Landry Parish encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The state's background check system allows for access to public records, ensuring transparency and accountability in the criminal justice process.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in St. Landry Parish are maintained by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Louisiana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency's details.

Public Records Access

Public records for Lawtell, Louisiana, can be accessed through various government agencies and online portals. The Saint Landry Parish Clerk of Court (https://www.stlandrycoc.com/) maintains a comprehensive collection of court records, property deeds, and other legal documents for the city and the parish. The Louisiana Secretary of State's website (https://www.sos.la.gov/) also provides access to business filings, notary public records, and other state-level public records relevant to Lawtell.

Economy & Demographics

Economic and employment data for Lawtell, Louisiana, can be found through various government agencies and private sources. The U.S. Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/) provides detailed demographic and economic information for the city, while the Louisiana Workforce Commission (https://www.laworks.net/) offers labor market data and employment statistics. The Saint Landry Economic Development District (https://www.stlandryed.org/) also compiles economic indicators and business development information specific to the Lawtell community.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement records for Lawtell, Louisiana, are maintained by the Saint Landry Parish Sheriff's Office (https://www.stlandrysheriff.org/) and the Louisiana State Police (https://www.lsp.org/). These records may include incident reports, arrest records, and other public safety-related documents. Requests for law enforcement records can be submitted directly to the respective agencies, following their established procedures.

Vital Records

Vital records for Lawtell residents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are maintained by the Louisiana Department of Health (https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/469). The Saint Landry Parish Registrar of Vital Records (https://www.stlandryparish.org/registrar-of-vital-records) also holds copies of these records and can assist with requests. Individuals can obtain copies of their vital records by submitting the appropriate forms and fees to the respective agencies.

Business & Licensing Records

The Louisiana Secretary of State's website (https://www.sos.la.gov/) and the Saint Landry Parish Clerk of Court (https://www.stlandrycoc.com/) provide access to business-related public records for Lawtell, Louisiana. These include business entity filings, such as articles of incorporation, and various commercial documents. The Saint Landry Economic Development District (https://www.stlandryed.org/) also maintains information on local businesses and economic development initiatives within the Lawtell community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Lawtell, Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Lawtell, Louisiana, you will be transported to the Saint Landry County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Saint Landry County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Saint Landry County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Lawtell area is served by public school districts in Saint Landry County, Louisiana. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Louisiana Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Lawtell, Louisiana are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Lawtell Police Department on their official website. The Louisiana Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Lawtell Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Louisiana government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Lawtell Public Library main branch is located in Lawtell, Louisiana. Check the Lawtell city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Lawtell, Louisiana are available through the Lawtell Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Saint Landry County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Lawtell, Louisiana, contact the Louisiana Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Saint Landry County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Lawtell, Louisiana can be obtained from the Lawtell Police Department or the Saint Landry County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Louisiana Public Records Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Louisiana DMV.
A background check in Lawtell, Saint Landry County, Louisiana typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Louisiana criminal history report through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Arnaudville Eunice Grand Coteau Krotz Springs Lebeau Leonville Melville Morrow