Expungement

What is an expungement?
The Louisiana expungement law defines the phrase "expunge a record" as follows: to remove a record of arrest or conviction, photographs, fingerprints, disposition, or any other information of any kind from public access pursuant to the provisions of this Title. "Expunge a record" does not mean destruction of the record.

What if I was arrested for a crime, but the charge was dismissed?
Is that on my record, even though it was dismissed?
Yes. When the police record or access your “criminal history,” it will be a reflection of all your arrests and convictions. If you were arrested but the charges were dismissed, then you will have the arrest on your record but no conviction. Further, the clerk for the court where the matter was prosecuted, if it went that far, will store your file in an area or under a designation available for public access, and your name will appear in the index of criminal matters docketed for any court action. Additionally, the arresting agency will have a public record of your “booking” information, initial report, and arrest warrant. Every time your criminal history is checked by law enforcement or private background check companies, your arrest will be revealed, unless it has been expunged. An expungement is necessary to make your history confidential and remove your arrest and all related documents from public access.

Can all Louisiana criminal convictions be expunged?
No, but all records of arrest for any crime for which someone is NOT ultimately convicted can be expunged. Call Chelsea today to find out if you qualify for an expungement.

Why would someone want an expungement? 

🔘 Employment

🔘 Banking

🔘 Insurance

🔘 Family Matters

🔘 Public Housing / Private Landlords

🔘 Federal Student Loans & Grants

🔘 College Admissions

🔘 Professional Organizations

🔘 Volunteer Organizations

🔘 Peace of Mind

How much does an expungement cost?
Processing Fees and Costs are paid to many different agencies. The filing costs of expungements general range from $550 to over $700, depending on whether a DWI is involved and whether a prior conviction must be converted to an 893/894 acquittal before the expungement can go through.

Filing fees ARE NOT refundable if expungement does not go through.

Attorneys Fees are separate from Processing Fees and Costs and depends on the complexity of the case, number of charges, whether hearings are required, whether agencies object to the expungement, etc.