Louisiana Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Louisiana?

Louisiana allows expungement for both misdemeanor and felony convictions with a 5-year waiting period. Additionally, Article 893 allows a "set aside" for first-time felony drug offenders who successfully complete probation.

Who Qualifies for Expungement

• Conviction for a misdemeanor or felony (from the eligible offense list)
• 5 years have passed since completing the sentence, including probation and parole
• All fines, fees, and restitution paid
• No new convictions during the waiting period
• No pending charges
• Maximum of one felony expungement per lifetime; one misdemeanor expungement per 5-year period

Not Eligible

• Crimes of violence (first and second degree murder, rape, armed robbery, etc.)
• Sex offenses requiring registration
• Crimes against minors (most)
• DWI — limited eligibility (first DWI only, after 5 years, with restrictions)

Article 893 Set Aside (First-Time Drug Felony)

If you were convicted of a first-time, non-violent drug felony, you may petition the court to set aside the conviction and dismiss the case upon successful completion of probation — without waiting 5 years.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear Your Record in Louisiana

1. Obtain your criminal record — From Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (LSBI).
2. File the motion — In the court of conviction. Felony fee: $550; misdemeanor fee: $300.
3. Serve agencies — Serve the district attorney, arresting agency, Louisiana State Police, and others specified in the code.
4. Contradictory hearing — Louisiana requires a hearing. The DA may oppose. Bring documentation supporting your petition.
5. Order issued — All agencies must expunge records upon court order.

Waiting Periods

• Dismissed / acquitted: No waiting period
• Article 893 set aside: Upon probation completion
• Misdemeanor conviction: 5 years from sentence completion
• Felony conviction: 5 years from sentence completion

Costs

• Felony filing fee: $550
• Misdemeanor filing fee: $300
• Attorney fees: $1,000–$3,000

Louisiana has some of the highest filing fees in the country. The Pro Bono Project and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services offer free assistance for qualifying individuals at slls.org.

What Record Clearing Does (and Doesn't) Do in Louisiana

After a successful expungement or sealing in Louisiana, your record will generally be cleared from:

• Most private employer background checks
• Rental housing background checks
• Most licensing board inquiries (varies by profession)

However, it typically does not affect:

• Federal law enforcement and immigration records
• Military background checks
• Applications for law enforcement positions
• Some professional licensing boards (law, medicine, teaching — varies by state)
• Sex offender registry requirements (in most cases)

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana for advice specific to your situation.