Lafayette Expungement Lawyer
Home / Lafayette Expungement Lawyer
Our Services
Skilled Expungement Attorney in Lafayette, LA
Expungement is a useful legal process that gives people a second chance at a normal life after brushes with the criminal justice system. It’s recommended that you contact a Lafayette expungement lawyer to help you understand your legal rights and options.
Filing for expungement is a complicated process, especially with Louisiana’s strict criminal laws. You may be able to expunge misdemeanors and felonies under Louisiana law, but only under certain circumstances.
For decades, Louisianans throughout the Acadiana region have been turning to Stockstill Defense Firm in their times of need. In addition to defending you through your charges the first time around, our Lafayette criminal defense attorneys know how to navigate the expungement process, too. We know how complicated these cases can be, and we’re prepared to see you through yours.
Filing for Expungement in Lafayette, LA
In Louisiana, the property crime rate is 30.5% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is also higher, at 44.8% above the national average.
Unfortunately, Louisiana is known for having extensive expungement laws and strict requirements. Moreover, long backlogs can make the process take even longer.
Recent data shows that around 550,000 people in Louisiana currently qualify for expungement. The more organized you are on your end, the easier you can navigate the expungement process and resolve it. That starts with understanding Louisiana’s expungement laws.
Once a conviction has been expunged, you can legally state that you were not convicted of a crime. This can reopen a lot of opportunities for you when it comes to finding a job, securing fair housing, and forming meaningful personal relationships.
Only certain crimes are eligible for expungement under Louisiana law. A Lafayette expungement attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options when it comes to having your charges expunged.
To start the expungement process, it’s recommended that you obtain your Louisiana Criminal History by getting a Right to Review. This process confirms that all the information on the expungement application matches the information on the original booking. You must submit all your forms and additional required documentation with the Clerk of Court in Lafayette Parish.
After you file with the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court, you can expect to handle your case through the Lafayette City Court or 15th Judicial District Court, depending on whether the original charge was a misdemeanor or felony.
After you get your expungement, it can still take some time for a conviction to stop showing up on your record. You can expect the order to be forwarded to a number of information clearinghouses, but there are many private background check companies, so the entire process can take time.
A Lafayette Expungement Lawyer You Can Trust
Stockstill Defense Firm brings over two decades of criminal defense experience to the table. We have a thorough understanding of Louisiana’s criminal laws, including the expungement process. Our firm is a part of the:
American Association for Justice
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of LA
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
To top it off, we’re rated by SuperLawyers® and have an AV-Preeminent® peer rating with Martindale®.* As a local law firm, we understand Louisiana’s legal system, and we’re committed to representing those in need throughout South-central Louisiana.
Our attorneys can walk you through every stage of the expungement process, from filing the initial paperwork to representing you in formal hearings; we’ve got you covered. As a local law firm, we’re prepared to advocate for you in and out of the courtroom.
FAQs
How Long Does an Expungement Case Take in Lafayette?
How long an expungement case takes in Lafayette can depend on the details of your case. Under Louisiana expungement laws, agencies have 60 days from the date of filing to respond to your request. After that, you will obtain a hearing date.
If the court grants the motion, you still might have to wait before you get the official Certificate of Compliance. The Louisiana State Police often has a backlog that can delay your timeline.
Is There Any Way to Have a Conviction Completely Removed From Your Record in Lafayette?
No, there is no way to have a conviction completely removed from your record in Lafayette. Expungement seals a conviction from public view, effectively removing the record from the public databases that private employers, landlords, and the general public can access.
That said, law enforcement and state licensing boards may still retain access to the information. It’s not possible to get rid of it completely.
What Crimes Cannot Be Expunged From Your Record in Lafayette?
The crimes that cannot be expunged from your record in Lafayette typically include more severe offenses. It’s important to note that any arrests that don’t result in a conviction typically can be expunged even if the initial charge was serious. Convictions that can’t be expunged typically include:
Offenses against minors
You are not eligible to file for expungement if you have pending charges or are actively incarcerated.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Expungement Case in Lafayette?
You don’t need a lawyer for an expungement case in Lafayette, but it is strongly recommended that you secure legal representation. A Lafayette expungement attorney can explain your legal rights and options based on the facts of your case.
You can count on a Lafayette expungement lawyer to:
Evaluate your case
Gather records
Fill out complicated paperwork
File with the clerk of court
Represent you at formal hearings
Hire an Expungement Lawyer to Discuss Your Legal Options in Lafayette in More Detail
When all is said and done, expungement can help you move on with your life without your past hovering over your shoulder. A Lafayette expungement lawyer can help you get there. Our attorneys at Stockstill Defense Firm have decades of criminal experience that we can use to help our clients through complex legal battles. If you’re ready to discuss your expungement case in more detail, we’re here to listen. Contact an office near you to set up an initial appointment with a member of our team today. We’re located right here in Lafayette near I-10 and I-49, and in Lake Charles, too. *Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
Schedule a Case Evaluation!
Your First Step Toward Building a Strong Defense.