A criminal conviction can impact many different areas of your life, even once you’ve already completed your sentence. An offense on your criminal record can make it difficult to move on with your life. It’s possible to seal it, but you have to know how to get your record expunged in Louisiana. The process can be long and complicated, especially if you were convicted of a serious crime.
It’s wise to hire a Louisiana expungement lawyer to help you navigate the expungement process. Your attorney can evaluate your case and help you file all the necessary documentation to initiate the expungement process.
They can also help you avoid common mistakes that can delay the process or ruin your chances at sealing your record altogether. Even so, it’s beneficial to understand how to get your record expunged in Louisiana for yourself, too.
How to Get Your Record Expunged in Louisiana
Louisiana is known for having strict expungement laws and extensive legal procedures. Despite Louisiana adopting the Clean Slate Act in 2023, Louisianans still have to petition for expungement individually due to a lack of updated technology. Under the new law, certain non-violent convictions can be expunged automatically depending on the facts of the case.
Once the Clean Slate Act is implemented, it’s estimated that the timeline from filing the application to expunging your record could be as little as 90 days. As it stands now, there’s often a long backlog for expungements across the state. An estimated 550,000 people in Louisiana qualify for expungement as of recent years.
An expungement can improve your chances of finding employment and housing. Although this process does not completely erase the conviction, it can seal it from public view. An expungement can still be seen by law enforcement.
Petitions for expungement are filed through the Clerk of Court in your parish and are handled through the city court or district court in your area, depending on the original charge. It’s important to note that both misdemeanors and felonies can be expunged depending on the facts of the case.
The city court oversees qualifying misdemeanors and city ordinance violations, while the district court is reserved for felonies and other more serious crimes. Regardless of the level of charge you’re trying to get rid of, it’s helpful to have a Louisiana expungement attorney on your side to help get you through your case.
Common criminal offenses that are eligible for expungement in Louisiana include:
First-time marijuana possession
Minor misdemeanors
Navigating Louisiana’s expungement laws and successfully sealing your record can be a difficult process, and the right legal representation can make all the difference throughout your case. From filing paperwork to defending you in formal hearings
FAQs
Does Expungement in Louisiana Completely Remove the Conviction From My Record?
No, expungement in Louisiana does not completely remove the conviction from your record. When you file for expungement, you’re petitioning to have your record sealed from public view.
It makes it so that landlords, private employers, and the general public can’t see the conviction anymore. Additionally, you can legally say you haven’t been convicted of a crime. That being said, law enforcement and certain state licensing boards may still be able to access the record.
What Can’t Be Expunged From a Criminal Record in Louisiana?
What can’t be expunged from a criminal record in Louisiana includes more serious crimes. Even after you serve your sentence, you are unable to have these convictions removed from your record. Common crimes that can’t be expunged in Louisiana include:
Offenses against minors
You must typically wait five years to expunge a misdemeanor and ten years for a felony. A Louisiana expungement lawyer can confirm if you’re eligible for expungement.
How Do I Start the Expungement Process in Louisiana?
To start the expungement process in Louisiana, you typically start by contacting a Louisiana expungement attorney to discuss your options and file all the proper paperwork. It’s recommended that you obtain your criminal history by getting a Right to Review.
This is how you confirm that all the information on your expungement application matches the state’s rap sheet. Be sure to fill out the order to expunge completely. Mistakes can cause delays and other issues.
How Can a Louisiana Expungement Attorney Help With My Case?
A Louisiana expungement attorney can help with your case, depending on the type of support you need. For starters, your attorney can evaluate your criminal history and confirm your eligibility for expungement.
They can also file accurate petitions with the Clerk of Court, District Attorney, and State Police and represent you at formal hearings. Your legal team’s goal is to help you seal your record from public view, so you can move on with your life.
Hire an Expungement Lawyer in Louisiana to Discuss Your Case in More Detail
Expunging a crime can be a complicated process. There are rules to follow and deadlines to be aware of in order to secure your Certificate of Compliance and officially expunge a crime from your record. After that, you can work toward a better future with more freedom to do what you want to do.
If you’re navigating an expungement case, let a local criminal defense lawyer from Stockstill Defense Firm get you through the process. Our local law firm is a part of the:
American Bar Association
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in LA
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
We’re also rated by SuperLawyers® and are peer-rated AV-Preeminent® with Martindale®.* You can count on us to have the skills and resources to help you navigate these complex legal processes and work towards your freedom.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about how we can help with your expungement case. We serve our clients throughout the Acadiana region and beyond from two offices. You can find us in Lafayette near I-10 and I-49 and in Lake Charles between I-10 and I-210. Call us to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.