Expungement in Louisiana
For many people in New Orleans, a past arrest or conviction lingers long after the case is closed. Even if the charges were dropped, dismissed, or years old, they can still appear on public background checks and affect your ability to secure job opportunities, housing, and professional licenses. The good news is that Louisiana law allows many individuals to clear their criminal record through expungement—a vital legal process that can give you the fresh start you deserve. Securing a trusted Expungement Lawyer New Orleans is the first step toward reclaiming your future.
At Smith & Bloom Criminal Defense, our attorneys appear daily across the street from the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Traffic & Municipal Court, and Orleans Parish Prison, guiding clients through every step of the expungement process.
➡️ Contact us today to find out if you’re eligible to have your record sealed or cleared.
What Expungement Really Means for Your Future
Expungement is the process of legally removing or sealing a record of an arrest, dismissal, or conviction from public access. Once granted by an Orleans Parish judge, the record is no longer visible to most employers, landlords, and standard background-check companies.
It is crucial to understand that expungement does not destroy the record, but rather makes it confidential. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and certain state licensing boards (e.g., medical, teaching) will still have access to the sealed file, but you can generally and legally deny the existence of the conviction to private employers.
In Louisiana, expungement applies to three categories:
- Arrest-Only Records: Charges that were dismissed, refused, or where the defendant was found Not Guilty.
- Misdemeanor Convictions: Typically eligible after a specific waiting period.
- Certain Felony Convictions: Generally non-violent offenses that meet strict criteria.
➡️ Contact an experienced Expungement Lawyer New Orleans if you’re unsure whether your record qualifies. We can review your case and file the appropriate petition in Orleans Parish court.
Do You Qualify? Louisiana Expungement Eligibility & Waiting Periods
Eligibility is highly dependent on the type of offense and the time that has passed. It is critical to confirm your status before paying the non-refundable filing fee.
| Case Outcome/Offense Type | Eligibility Criteria & Waiting Period |
| Arrest Only (Dismissed/Acquitted) | No Waiting Period. Eligible for immediate expungement (unless it was for a DWI). |
| Misdemeanor Conviction | 5 Years from completion of sentence/probation, and no subsequent felony convictions during that period. |
| Felony Conviction (Eligible) | 10 Years from completion of sentence/parole/probation, and no subsequent convictions (misdemeanor or felony) during that period. |
| Completed Diversion Program | Generally eligible for expungement immediately upon successful completion of the program. |
Ineligible Offenses
It is important to know that certain crimes, such as violent felonies, sex offenses (including those requiring registration), domestic abuse battery, and specific drug distribution charges, are never eligible for expungement under current Louisiana law.
That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced Expungement Lawyer New Orleans review your case before filing.
➡️ Contact us to confirm your eligibility and avoid costly mistakes that can delay or reject your case. We can verify your criminal history with the State Police.
The New Orleans Expungement Process: Timeline and Costs
While the process has been streamlined, navigating the Orleans Parish system still requires precision. A single mistake in paperwork will result in denial and require the client to start over—and pay the filing fee again.
The Step-by-Step Process
- Eligibility Confirmation: We obtain your certified criminal records (RAP sheet) to confirm the disposition of your case.
- Petition Filing: We prepare and file the formal Motion for Expungement with the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk.
- Agency Service: We ensure the petition and Order are correctly served upon the District Attorney’s Office, the arresting agency (e.g., NOPD), and the Louisiana State Police.
- Review Period: The agencies have a set time (typically 60-120 days) to review and object to the motion if they believe the applicant is ineligible.
- Judicial Order: If there are no objections, a judge signs the final order, and the agencies are legally required to seal the public record.
Expungement Costs and Timeline
- Filing Fee: The mandatory, non-refundable court fee is $550.00 (payable to the Clerk of Court).
- Total Timeline: The process typically takes 6 to 12 months from the date of filing until all agencies (State Police, NOPD, Clerk of Court) have fully processed and sealed the record.
At Smith & Bloom, we handle every detail for our clients. Our close proximity to the courthouse means we can file paperwork, follow up with clerks, and address any issues in person—saving you months of stress and delay.
➡️ Contact us to start your expungement petition and clear your record efficiently.
Why Clearing Your Record is a Critical Investment
An expungement is not just a piece of paper; it is a fundamental act of professional and personal liberation. An old conviction can follow you for years, limiting access to basic opportunities like employment, housing, or education.
Once your record is expunged, you gain the power to:
- Pass Background Checks: Open doors to better-paying jobs that were previously inaccessible.
- Secure Housing: Remove a common barrier to renting an apartment or house in competitive areas of New Orleans.
- Reclaim Confidence: Legally state that you have not been convicted of the expunged offense (with statutory exceptions).
- Pursue Licensing: Expedite and improve your chances of obtaining professional or occupational licenses.
Clearing your record isn’t just a legal process—it’s a personal one. It’s about reclaiming your reputation and creating a clean slate for the future.
➡️ Contact us if you’re ready to move beyond your past and start fresh in New Orleans.
The Advantage of a Local New Orleans Expungement Lawyer
Expungement in Louisiana involves multiple agencies—the Clerk, the District Attorney, the State Police, and the arresting agency—each with its own deadlines and procedures. A small mistake in the paperwork can cause long delays or outright denials, forcing you to pay the $550 filing fee again.
That’s why having a local Expungement Lawyer New Orleans who knows the Orleans Parish system is the key to an efficient process. Our office, located directly across from the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, allows us to:
- Act Immediately: File documents and follow up with court staff in person.
- Know the Judges: Understand the specific requirements and procedures of the presiding judges.
- Avoid Delays: Quickly correct procedural errors before they become long-term denials.
➡️ Contact us to work with a New Orleans criminal defense attorney who knows how to navigate local courts efficiently.
Taking the First Step Toward a Clean Slate
Expungement is more than just a legal formality—it’s a chance to rebuild your life without the shadow of your past following you. Whether you were arrested years ago or recently completed a sentence, you may have options to clear your record and restore your reputation.
At Smith & Bloom Criminal Defense, we’ve helped countless clients across New Orleans move forward through strategic, efficient, and compassionate representation. If you’re ready to take back control of your future, we’re ready to help.
Contact Smith & Bloom Criminal Defense today to begin your expungement process and start fresh with a clean record in New Orleans.
