A felony conviction in Louisiana carries a weight that lasts long after your sentence is served. It can block access to high-paying careers, professional licenses, and stable housing. However, under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 978, many non-violent felony records can be sealed, allowing you to move forward without the shadow of your past.
At Bloom Legal, we specialize in the meticulous, document-heavy process of felony expungements. We don’t just “file paperwork”—we navigate the bureaucratic maze to ensure your background check reflects the person you are today.
Can Your Felony Record Be Expunged?
Eligibility for felony expungement depends on the nature of the offense and the time elapsed since you completed your sentence. Generally, non-violent felonies are eligible, while violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses involving minors are strictly barred.
The 10-Year Cleansing Period
For most eligible felonies, Louisiana law requires a 10-year waiting period, known as the “cleansing period.” To qualify, you must meet these criteria:
- Sentence Completion: It has been at least 10 years since you completed your sentence, including all jail time, parole, and probation.
- A Clean Decade: You have not been convicted of any other criminal offense (misdemeanor or felony) during that 10-year window.
- No Pending Charges: You must have no active criminal charges or open bills of information against you.
Immediate Eligibility: Article 893
If you pleaded guilty under Article 893(E) and your conviction was set aside and the prosecution dismissed upon successful completion of probation, you may be eligible to file for an expungement immediately. You do not have to wait 10 years if your case was handled via this specific deferred sentence.
The First Offender Pardon
If you are entitled to a First Offender Pardon for a non-violent, non-sex-related felony, you may be eligible for expungement without waiting the full 10 years, provided you meet the criteria under the Louisiana Constitution.
Which Felonies Are NOT Eligible?
Louisiana law protects public access to records for certain serious offenses. You generally cannot expunge:
- Crimes of Violence: As defined in R.S. 14:2(B) (e.g., Armed Robbery, Second Degree Murder).
- Sex Offenses: Any crime requiring sex offender registration under R.S. 15:541.
- Domestic Abuse Battery: Felony-level domestic violence convictions.
- Drug Distribution: While simple possession is usually eligible, convictions for distribution of controlled substances are generally excluded.
Technical Exception (Art. 978-E): Certain “borderline” offenses—such as Aggravated Battery, Simple Robbery, or Purse Snatching—may be eligible for expungement only after a contradictory hearing. This requires appearing before a judge to justify your request while the District Attorney has the opportunity to object.
The 2026 Felony Expungement Workflow
As of January 1, 2026, Louisiana has streamlined parts of the process, but felony cases still require a formal legal petition to ensure accuracy across state and federal databases.
- DA Certification: We secure a mandatory certificate from the District Attorney verifying your clean 10-year record.
- State Background Check: We obtain a formal fingerprint-based “Rap Sheet” from the Louisiana State Police.
- The Filing: We file the formal Motion for Expungement and manage the $550 filing fee.
- Agency Notification: Once the judge signs the order, we ensure the State Police, FBI, and the arresting agency are served to seal the record from public view.
A Note on “Automated Expungement”
While Louisiana began implementing an Automated Expungement process in 2025 for certain records with a Case Management Information System (CMIS) number, many felony files—especially older records—still require manual filing. Relying on the “system” to clear a felony can be risky; we ensure the job is actually finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an expungement restore my gun rights?
No. In Louisiana, an expungement seals the record from public view but does not automatically restore your right to possess a firearm. Restoring firearm rights typically requires a Governor’s Pardon or meeting federal requirements.
Will the FBI still see my record?
Expungement removes the record from public access (employers, landlords, private background check companies). However, law enforcement and certain professional licensing boards (like nursing, law, or teaching) may still have access for regulatory purposes.
Can I expunge more than one felony?
Yes. Louisiana law allows for the expungement of more than one felony, provided each individual offense is eligible and the respective 10-year cleansing periods have been met.
Reclaim Your Future Today
The Bloom Legal Expungement Center is dedicated to helping you turn the page. We handle the technical document retrieval, agency coordination, and court hearings so you can focus on your fresh start.
