Clear Your Criminal Record. Reclaim Your Future.
Professional, flat-fee expungement services for Orleans Parish. We handle the bureaucracy so you can move forward.
An arrest record shouldn’t be a life sentence. At Go Crest Law, we specialize in a streamlined, authoritative approach to expungements within the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. The expungement process begins with an expungement packet, which includes the necessary forms for filing an expungement request.
We don’t just “file paperwork”—we navigate the specific local requirements of the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court and the District Attorney’s office to ensure your “clean slate” is processed accurately and efficiently. Obtaining a certification letter from the District Attorney is a crucial step, as this document verifies eligibility and may also be used to request a fee waiver if you have no felony conviction and no pending charges.
The expungement process is complex and requires attention to detail to avoid errors that could lead to denial.
Why Choose Go Crest Law?
- Orleans Parish Expertise: We know the local nuances of the courthouse at 2700 Tulane Ave.
- Transparent Flat Fees: No hidden costs or billable hour surprises.
- Career & Housing Focused: Our goal is to clear the background checks that stand between you and your next opportunity. Expungement facilitates access to economic opportunities and helps individuals secure and retain meaningful employment by removing barriers created by prior criminal records, which can otherwise exacerbate difficulties in securing future employment. This process is crucial for those facing persistent unemployment due to their criminal history. Expungement also plays a vital role in securing affordable housing, making it easier for individuals to reintegrate and achieve economic stability.
- Employment & Reintegration Benefits: Expungement helps individuals find and keep meaningful employment and reduces the stigma associated with criminal records. In Louisiana, where the recidivism rate has reached 50%, those who receive an expungement are less likely to recidivate when afforded the opportunity of employment and housing, supporting successful reintegration into society.
- Direct Communication: Clear timelines, no legal jargon.
Are You Eligible? Understanding the "Cleansing Periods"
Louisiana law dictates specific waiting periods before a record can be expunged. These are often referred to as “cleansing periods.” Expungement eligibility depends on several factors, including the type of criminal charge, whether there are any pending charges, and the nature of the offense.
Record Type | Cleansing Period | Key Requirement |
Misdemeanor Conviction | 5 Years | A person may file a motion for expungement of a misdemeanor conviction if more than five years have elapsed since the person completed their sentence, including probation or parole, and they have not been convicted of any felony during that period. |
Felony Arrest or Conviction | 10 Years | A person may file a motion for expungement of a felony conviction if more than ten years have elapsed since the person completed their sentence, including probation or parole, and they have not been convicted of any other criminal offense during that period. In some cases, records of a felony arrest (not just conviction) may be eligible for expungement if the charges were dismissed or not prosecuted. |
DWI | Varies | Often requires specific Article 894/893 documentation. |
Deferred adjudication and completion of all sentence requirements are considered in determining expungement eligibility. Having a criminal charge pending or other pending charges can disqualify an individual from being eligible for expungement.
Expungement can apply to both criminal convictions and arrest records. Conviction records can be sealed or removed from public access under Louisiana criminal procedure. A motion for expungement may also be filed if a case was dismissed pursuant to specific articles of the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure.
A first offender pardon or offender pardon can play a significant role in expungement eligibility, especially for nonviolent defendants. After the person completed their sentence and the required waiting period, a first offender pardon may allow certain conviction records, particularly for nonviolent offenses, to be eligible for expungement.
Certain offenses, such as aggravated criminal damage and sex offenses, are generally not eligible for expungement.
Nonviolent defendants and unconvicted defendants (those arrested but not convicted) may be eligible for expungement. Expungement of a criminal arrest is important for removing barriers to employment and reintegration.
Note: Certain offenses, such as sex offenses, domestic abuse battery, and violent crimes, are not eligible for expungement under Louisiana law. We can provide a rapid eligibility assessment during your initial consultation.
Types of Expungement in Orleans Parish
When it comes to clearing your criminal record in Orleans Parish, understanding the different types of expungement available is essential. Each type is designed to address specific situations within the criminal justice system, and knowing which one applies to your case can make all the difference in regaining access to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
It is important to note that even after an expungement, certain criminal justice agencies, law enforcement, and regulatory boards—including the Louisiana State Board, Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions, and various Louisiana Department agencies—retain access to expunged records for licensing, regulatory, or investigative purposes. Additionally, financial institutions and medical examiners may also have access to these records for compliance and oversight.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of expungement recognized under Louisiana law:
The Benefits of Expungement
Expungement can be a life-changing step for individuals burdened by a criminal record in Louisiana. The criminal justice system often leaves a lasting mark, making it difficult for people to move forward even after they have paid their debt to society. The expungement process offers a pathway to limit public access to your criminal history, giving you a real chance to rebuild your life.
One of the most significant benefits of expungement is the increased opportunity for securing employment. In Louisiana, the vast majority of employers conduct criminal background checks as part of their hiring process. A criminal record typically prevents qualified candidates from even being considered for jobs, regardless of their skills or rehabilitation. By having your record expunged, you remove a major barrier to employment, making it easier to find and retain meaningful work.
Expungement also opens doors to stable housing and educational opportunities. Landlords and school administrators often rely on criminal background checks when making decisions, and a criminal history can result in denied applications. With an expunged record, you are more likely to be approved for housing and accepted into school and training programs, allowing you to pursue your goals without the shadow of your past holding you back.
Beyond personal benefits, expungement has a positive impact on society as a whole. Louisiana faces one of the highest recidivism rates in the country, with nearly half of formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the criminal justice system. This cycle imposes burdensome societal costs, including court costs, law enforcement expenses, and other government expenses related to incarceration and supervision. By making it easier for people to secure employment and reintegrate into their communities, expungement helps break this cycle, reducing government expenses and promoting public safety.
The psychological benefits of expungement are equally important. Living with a permanent criminal record can cause ongoing stress, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. The stigma attached to a criminal history can affect relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Expungement provides closure and a sense of justice, allowing individuals to move forward with confidence and dignity.
It’s important to remember that not everyone is eligible for expungement. Louisiana law excludes certain offenses, such as violent crimes, sex offenses, and domestic abuse battery, from expungement eligibility. However, for those who qualify, the expungement process can be a powerful tool for reclaiming your future.
If you are considering expungement, working with an experienced expungement lawyer is essential. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process, help you understand your eligibility, and maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Expungement is more than just clearing your record—it’s about opening new doors and giving yourself a second chance.
Our 4-Step Expungement Process: "Clean Slate"
We’ve distilled the Orleans Parish expungement process into four straightforward phases:
- Eligibility Review: We analyze your record against the 5-year and 10-year statutory requirements.
- Document Procurement: Our team gathers the necessary transcripts and certificates of renewal from the Orleans Clerk of Court.
- The Filing: The expungement process works by filing a motion with the clerk of court in the parish of arrest or conviction. After the motion is filed, the court will schedule a hearing on the expungement request or any objections. This step involves coordination with law enforcement agencies, including the Louisiana State Police, as they may retain access to certain records even after expungement. There are additional costs to consider, such as court costs and expungement fees, which can vary by parish. Please note that the law does not allow a refund of expungement fees if the court denies your request.
- Confirmation: Once the judge signs the order, we provide you with the official documentation to update your background check providers.
Hiring an experienced Orleans Parish expungement lawyer is essential to navigate the complex expungement process, complete all paperwork accurately, and meet strict legal deadlines. A knowledgeable expungement attorney can improve your chances of a successful outcome and help you fully explore your options for record sealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an expungement take in Orleans Parish?
While timelines vary based on court backlogs, a standard Orleans Parish expungement typically takes between 4 to 6 months from filing to final decree.
Does an expungement “delete” my record?
It removes the record from public view (including most employer and landlord background checks). However, law enforcement and certain licensing boards will still have access to the non-public record.
What are the filing fees?
In addition to legal fees, Orleans Parish requires a series of mandatory money orders for the Clerk of Court, State Police, and the DA. We provide a full breakdown of these costs upfront.