In Louisiana, the short answer is: permanently. Unlike some states that automatically “sunset” or hide old criminal records after a certain number of years, Louisiana criminal records remain public and accessible indefinitely—unless you take proactive legal action to have them expunged.
While the records exist forever, the accessibility of those records changes based on the type of offense and whether you pursue an expungement. Here is a breakdown of how the timeline works in 2026.
1. The “Forever” Rule
If you were arrested or convicted of a crime in Louisiana, that record is filed with the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. By law, these are public records. This means that:
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Background Checks: Employers, landlords, and credit agencies can see them during a standard screening.
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Public Portals: Many parish clerk of court websites allow the public to search for criminal filings.
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News Media: Arrest logs and “mugshot” websites often archive this information permanently.
2. When Can You Clear Your Record? (Expungement Timelines)
While the records don’t disappear on their own, Louisiana law provides a path to make them non-public through expungement. An expungement “seals” the record so that it is no longer available to the general public, though it remains visible to law enforcement and certain licensing boards.
As of 2026, the waiting periods to apply for an expungement are generally:
| Record Type | Waiting Period |
| Arrest (No Conviction) | Immediate eligibility (if charges were dismissed or you were acquitted). |
| Misdemeanor Conviction | 5 years after completion of sentence, probation, or parole. |
| Felony Conviction | 10 years after completion of sentence, probation, or parole. |
Note: Not all crimes are eligible. Crimes of violence, most sex offenses, and certain drug trafficking charges generally cannot be expunged.
3. Recent Changes: The Automated Expungement Process
Louisiana has recently moved toward a “Clean Slate” model to streamline this process.
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The 2025/2026 Update: Under recent legislation (including updates to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 985.2), the state has begun implementing an automated system to identify and process eligible records.
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The Reality: While the law aims to make things “automatic,” the system is complex. Many individuals still find it necessary to file a formal Motion to Expunge to ensure their record is actually removed from private background check databases and local court records.
4. Why “Public” Records Differ from “Official” Records
It is important to distinguish between the two:
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Official Records: These are held by the State Police and the Courts. An expungement clears these.
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Private Databases: Companies like Whitepages or private background check firms “scrape” public data. Even if you get an expungement today, it can take months for private companies to update their records. Acting early is the only way to stop these companies from reporting your past.
Take Control of Your Future
A criminal record in Louisiana is a permanent shadow, but it doesn’t have to be. If your waiting period has passed, the law provides you the right to a clean slate.
At Cogrest Law, we specialize in navigating the Louisiana expungement process, ensuring that your public record is sealed correctly and permanently. Don’t let a mistake from a decade ago dictate your opportunities today.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation to see if you are eligible for an expungement.
