At GoCrestLaw, we believe that legal fees should never be a mystery. When you are working toward a clean slate, you need financial predictability. Our approach to expungement is built on transparency, offering a straightforward model that allows you to plan for your future without worrying about hidden costs.
Attorney fees for expungement services can vary depending on the attorney’s billing method, such as hourly rates or flat fees. GoCrestLaw emphasizes transparency in pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
An arrest record is part of a person’s criminal history, which includes arrests and convictions maintained by courts and law enforcement agencies. Expungement is important for removing or sealing such records to protect your privacy and improve opportunities for employment, housing, and licensing. Expungement is a court-ordered process in which the legal record of an arrest or a criminal conviction is sealed or erased in the eyes of the law.
Located at 2735 Tulane Ave, we provide a professional, process-driven service that handles the complexities of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for one clear price.
Having your record expunged means that, under Louisiana expungement law, to “expunge a record” is to remove a record of arrest or conviction from public access, making it confidential or inaccessible to the public and certain entities.
Eligibility for Expungement in Louisiana
Understanding your eligibility for expungement in Louisiana is the first—and often most important—step toward clearing your criminal record. The expungement process is governed by Louisiana law and involves several key agencies, including the Louisiana State Police and the District Attorney’s Office. Whether you have a misdemeanor conviction or a felony conviction, your eligibility will depend on the type of offense, the time that has passed since your sentence was completed, and whether you have any prior felony convictions.
Generally, you may qualify for expungement if you have fulfilled all terms of your sentence, including probation or parole, and you do not have any pending criminal charges. The District Attorney must also consent to the expungement in most cases. For those facing financial hardship, a fee waiver may be available by submitting a fee waiver form, potentially reducing the overall court costs and expungement fees.
Louisiana expungement laws are strict about which offenses can be expunged. Certain crimes, such as sex crimes and violent offenses, are not eligible for expungement. However, some individuals may qualify for interim expungement, which can temporarily remove certain records from public access before the standard waiting period is over. This can be especially helpful for those seeking employment or housing while waiting for full eligibility.
To start the expungement process, you’ll need to obtain an expungement packet from the Clerk of Court and complete the required expungement forms. A background check is also necessary, and you’ll need to pay filing fees, which typically range from $550 to over $700, depending on the complexity of your case and the number of agencies involved.
Because the whole expungement process can be complex, it’s highly recommended to consult with an experienced expungement lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can help you determine your eligibility, prepare your expungement paperwork, and represent you during any court hearings. This professional guidance can make a significant difference in ensuring your expungement motion is successful and your record is properly sealed.
A clean criminal record can open doors to better job opportunities, as employers conduct background checks for most positions. Expungement services can also help you secure housing and professional licenses, giving you a true second chance. While Louisiana law prohibits most private companies from disclosing expunged records, and federal laws may affect certain cases, it’s important to understand that some criminal justice agencies may still have limited access to expunged records for specific purposes.
Navigating the expungement procedures in Louisiana requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the legal process. By following the correct steps and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can maximize your chances of achieving a clean criminal record and moving forward with confidence.
The GoCrestLaw Flat-Fee Model
Traditional legal billing—where every phone call and email adds to a mounting bill—doesn’t fit the expungement process. We use a flat-fee structure for all Orleans Parish expungements.
- No “Billable Hour” Surprises: You pay one set fee for the entirety of the process.
- All-Inclusive Handling: Our fee covers the record gathering, drafting the motion, filing with the Clerk of Court, and monitoring agency responses.
- Court Representation: If a contradictory hearing is required, our flat fee includes our appearance in court on your behalf.
Attorney fees for expungement in Louisiana typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the complexity of the case. The total cost for completing the expungement process, including filing fees and attorney fees, can range from $2,050 to $3,000. The total cost of expungement may increase due to attorney fees, the nature of the charge, and if multiple incidents are being cleared.
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In many cases, the state of Louisiana allows for the waiver of certain processing fees. At GoCrestLaw, we proactively check your eligibility for these waivers to ensure you aren’t paying more than necessary.
You may be eligible for a fee waiver if:
- Charges were Refused: The District Attorney’s office chose not to prosecute your case.
- Acquittal: You were found “Not Guilty” at trial.
- Successful Diversion: You completed a pretrial diversion program that resulted in a dismissal, which can also influence your eligibility for fee waivers.
- Factually Innocent: You were arrested due to mistaken identity.
Fee waivers for the $550 filing fee may be available for eligible applicants, typically assessed based on criteria such as felony convictions or pending charges. You may be eligible for the $550 fee waiver if the District Attorney certifies no felony convictions and specific conditions are met. Eligibility for fee waivers includes having no felony convictions, no pending charges, and potentially being a recipient of public benefits.
We handle the paperwork required to prove these conditions to the court, ensuring the waiver is applied correctly to your case.
The Hidden Cost of a Criminal Record
When considering the cost of an expungement, it is important to weigh it against the ongoing “cost” of having an arrest record or conviction on your public record.
- Lost Income: Many high-paying industries in New Orleans (such as maritime, healthcare, and gaming) have strict background check requirements. A single record can be the difference between a promotion and a rejection. Approximately 92% of all employers rely on criminal background checks when making hiring decisions.
- Housing Barriers: In a competitive rental market, landlords often use automated background checks to filter applicants. An expungement can save you thousands in application fees and lost security deposits over time.
- Professional Licensing: For nurses, contractors, and real estate agents, a clean record is often an investment in their long-term earning potential.
Having a criminal record, including conviction records and records of criminal offenses, can prevent a person from securing employment, enrolling in school and training programs, and securing affordable housing. Expungement can shield your criminal history from being accessed by potential employers, landlords, and other entities. After an expungement, individuals can legally deny or not disclose their past arrests or convictions in most situations, such as when applying for a job or renting a house. Access to public housing or Section 8 housing allowances can be denied if you have a criminal conviction or even a recent arrest. Many prestigious professional organizations evaluate potential members’ criminal histories before offering membership, and an expungement can prevent those organizations from obtaining your criminal record. An expungement for nonviolent defendants removes the stigmatization of a criminal record and enhances an individual’s legitimate hope to find meaningful employment. The stigma of criminalization creates burdensome societal costs, including lost earnings and lower economic growth of the community. Expungement facilitates access to economic opportunity for thousands of Louisianans, including predominantly African Americans who face persistent unemployment after arrest.
Why Invest in Professional Handling of the Expungement Process?
A “do-it-yourself” expungement often ends up costing more in the long run. Filing errors, missed deadlines, or incorrect service on state agencies can lead to your motion being denied, requiring you to start the process—and the waiting periods—all over again.
By choosing GoCrestLaw, you are investing in:
- Accuracy: Ensuring the motion is filed under the correct Article (893, 894, 977, or 978).
- Speed: Utilizing our location across from the courthouse to expedite document retrieval.
- Certainty: Knowing that a professional team is monitoring the 60-day notice period and handling any objections from the State Police or District Attorney.