Setting expectations is a critical part of the expungement process. In New Orleans, an expungement is not an overnight fix; it is a multi-agency legal procedure that requires precision and patience. Expungement removes public access to your arrest record and other criminal records, helping to protect your future opportunities in employment, housing, and more.
At GoCrestLaw, we aim for the most efficient timeline possible. While every case is unique, the typical expungement in Orleans Parish takes approximately 4 to 6 months from the initial filing to the final sealing of the record. While some may hope to get an expungement immediately, the process in Orleans Parish typically takes several months due to required legal steps.
Eligibility for Expungement
Determining whether you qualify for expungement in Louisiana depends on several factors, including the type of criminal conviction, your criminal history, and the time that has passed since you completed your sentence. Under the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure, both felony convictions and misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement, but strict guidelines apply.
For most misdemeanor offenses, you must wait at least five years after completing your sentence—including any probation or parole—before you can begin the expungement process. For a felony offense, the waiting period is typically ten years. During this time, you must not have been convicted of any other criminal offense. However, certain crimes, such as domestic abuse battery, stalking, and sex offenses, are not eligible for expungement under Louisiana law.
To start the expungement process, you’ll need to gather an expungement packet from the Clerk of Court in the parish where your conviction or arrest occurred. This packet contains the necessary forms and instructions for filing your motion for expungement. You’ll also need to obtain a background check from the Louisiana State Police or your local law enforcement agency, as well as a certification letter from the District Attorney’s Office confirming your eligibility.
Once your paperwork is complete, you’ll file a motion for expungement with the court. The court will set a hearing date, during which law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office have the opportunity to object. If there are no objections and the court grants your motion, your criminal record will be expunged. While expunged records are removed from public access, they may still be available to certain criminal justice agencies, including the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board.
It’s important to understand that expungement laws in Louisiana are complex, and navigating the legal process can be challenging. Working with an experienced expungement attorney can help ensure that your motion is properly filed and that you meet all eligibility requirements. Attorney fees for expungement services typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of your case. In addition to attorney fees, there are court costs and a filing fee—usually $550—though a fee waiver may be available if you have no prior felony convictions.
The Louisiana Legislature has established uniform expungement procedures and forms to help streamline the process statewide. By understanding your eligibility and following the correct procedures, you can take the first step toward getting your criminal record expunged and moving forward with a clean slate. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help with the process, consulting an expungement attorney can make all the difference.
The Expungement Process Timeline: Phase by Phase
Understanding where your case stands is vital. Here is the typical lifecycle of an expungement at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. The process is governed by specific court rules, which outline the procedures, timelines, and requirements for filing. An expungement also requires the issuance of an expungement order by the judge, which formally directs agencies to seal or remove the criminal record.
Phase 1: Criminal Records Gathering (2–4 Weeks)
Before we can file a motion, we must secure certified documents.
- Clerk of Court: Retrieving certified minute entries and bills of information from Room 210 at 2700 Tulane Ave.
- Louisiana State Police (LSP): Obtaining a certified criminal background check (LSP R&I). This background check includes information about any criminal arrest relevant to your expungement petition and is the foundation of your petition. It must be current.
Phase 2: Filing with District Attorney & The 60-Day Notice Period (8–10 Weeks)
Once the motion is filed, Louisiana law (La. C.Cr.P. Art. 980) mandates a waiting period. The court serves your motion to:
- The Orleans Parish District Attorney
- The Louisiana State Police
- The Arresting Agency (e.g., NOPD or Orleans Parish Sheriff)
These agencies have 60 days to review your record and decide whether to object to the expungement. During this period, they specifically review the criminal charge(s) listed in your motion to determine eligibility for expungement.
Phase 3: The Hearing & Judge’s Signature (2–4 Weeks)
- If no objections are filed: The judge can sign the Order of Expungement “in chambers” without a formal hearing. Before granting the expungement order, the judge will review the record, including any guilty plea, to determine eligibility.
- If an objection is filed: A contradictory hearing is scheduled. GoCrestLaw represents you at this hearing to argue for your eligibility and the granting of the order.
Phase 4: Final Processing & Compliance (4–8 Weeks)
After the judge signs the order, it is not “done” yet. The signed order must be sent back to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification. They perform a final review to ensure compliance with state law and update the master database, which includes sealing your conviction record from public view.
Factors That Can Speed Up or Delay Your Case: Court Costs and More
While the 60-day agency notice is fixed by law, other factors can influence the total duration:
- Accuracy of Original Records: Errors in the original court minutes or NOPD arrest reports can require “amendatory” filings, which add time.
- Court Caseload: The volume of motions handled by the specific Section (A through L) of the Criminal District Court impacts how quickly a judge signs the final order.
- Proactive Monitoring: At GoCrestLaw, we don’t just “file and forget.” We monitor agency responses and push for the final signature as soon as the 60-day window closes. Experienced attorneys with established relationships with court officials may be able to help expedite the expungement process by leveraging their familiarity with the legal system.
Why Timing Matters in 2026
In a fast-moving job market, waiting an extra month for a background check to clear can mean missing out on a career-defining opportunity. Expungement can also protect your interests in child custody cases by limiting access to your criminal records, which may otherwise influence child custody and visitation decisions. By starting the process now, you ensure that your record is sealed by the time you are ready for your next big move.
Consult with GoCrestLaw
We are located at 2735 Tulane Ave, directly across from the courthouse, allowing us to walk documents over and check statuses in person.