Can You Visit If You Have a Criminal Record? How Louisiana Rules Apply at Ouachita Parish Jail
A criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from visiting someone at Ouachita Parish Jail. Louisiana's approach starts with the assumption that you can apply—the facility then reviews your history and makes a security-based decision.
Louisiana's baseline rule is straightforward: if the person in custody requests you as a visitor, you can apply. That's true even with a record. The process starts when the incarcerated person adds you to their list, then the facility reviews your application.
- Ask your loved one to send you the application - The incarcerated person is responsible for sending out the Application for Visiting Privileges to the family members and friends they want to add.
- Complete Form C-02-008-A (Application for Visiting Privileges) - Fill it out carefully and completely; this is the form Louisiana uses to screen and approve visitors.
A prior conviction alone won't automatically disqualify you under Louisiana's visitation policy. Having a record isn't the same as being banned. You can still apply, and the decision should be based on more than just the fact that you've been convicted.
Note: A conviction won't automatically bar you, but the facility can still deny your application if the nature of your crime suggests you'd pose a security or stability risk. Any such decision must be documented in writing by the Warden or a designee (Assistant Warden or higher).
State Thresholds
- ✓ If you have a felony conviction and you have not been finally discharged from an institution or from probation/parole supervision for more than two years (with no intervening criminal record), you may only be denied at the Unit Head’s discretion with approval from the Chief of Operations.
- ✓ If you had three or more felony convictions in the previous five years, you may be considered ineligible to be added to a visiting list - or removed from it - at the Unit Head’s discretion with approval from the Chief of Operations.
These thresholds don't replace the facility's main standard - they add to it. The core question is always security and stability. If the facility determines your history makes you a risk, that decision must be documented in writing by the Warden or a qualified designee.
On probation or parole? Recently discharged from supervision? Your application may face extra scrutiny under the "two years since final discharge" rule. This isn't an automatic ban - Louisiana's policy still says a prior conviction alone shouldn't disqualify you. But your supervision status can affect how the facility evaluates your eligibility.
Tip: Have documentation that supports your eligibility, like an approval letter from your supervising officer? Include it with your application. Since decisions must be justified in writing at the Warden level, clear paperwork helps the facility make a straightforward, well-supported decision.
If you're denied or removed from a visiting list, the decision can't be made casually. Louisiana's policy requires a documented security or stability concern, with written justification from the Warden or a designee at the Assistant Warden level or higher.
- Ask for the written reason - The policy calls for written justification when someone is deemed ineligible based on security or stability concerns.
- Confirm what the facility allows next - Ask whether you can reapply, and whether there’s a local appeal or review process for visitation decisions.
- Submit supporting documentation - If your situation involves supervision status or past convictions, provide any paperwork that helps clarify your current status and reduces security concerns.
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