An arrest or conviction in St. Bernard Parish—whether it happened in Chalmette, Arabi, or Meraux—doesn’t have to define your future. Even if you were never convicted, a public arrest record can still create significant barriers to employment and housing.
At Bloom Legal, we specialize in the technical, document-heavy process of clearing records in the 34th Judicial District Court (JDC). We provide a professional, process-driven path to ensure your background check reflects who you are today, not a moment from your past.
Where Are St. Bernard Parish Records Held?
In St. Bernard, all adult criminal records are centralized at the parish seat:
- 34th Judicial District Court (Chalmette): Handles all felony and state-level misdemeanor cases across five divisions (A-E).
- St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court: The official repository for criminal filings, located at the Historic Courthouse on St. Bernard Highway.
The St. Bernard Parish Expungement Process
Filing in St. Bernard Parish requires strict adherence to local 34th JDC court rules. The Clerk of Court in Chalmette is efficient but requires that every document is filed correctly the first time to avoid non-refundable fee losses.
1. Minutes & Record Retrieval
We begin by securing your Certified Court Minutes and Discovery/Arrest Reports. We handle these extractions to ensure your motion contains the exact data (Item Numbers and final dispositions) required by the court.
2. State Police Background Check
A formal fingerprint-based background check from the Louisiana State Police is mandatory and must be dated within 60 days of your filing. We manage this timeline to ensure your “Rap Sheet” remains valid throughout the process.
3. The 34th JDC Filing Requirements (2026 Standards)
As of 2026, the St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court requires a specific set of four separate payments at the time of filing. We handle this logistical hurdle, ensuring correct distribution to:
- Clerk of Court: $200.00
- District Attorney’s Office: $50.00
- St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office: $50.00
- Louisiana State Police: $250.00
4. Fee Waivers (Article 893)
If your charges were dismissed or you were acquitted, you may be eligible for an Article 893Fee Waiver. This can save you the $550 in court costs. We coordinate directly with the St. Bernard DA’s Office to secure the necessary certification for this waiver.
Eligibility Checklist for St. Bernard Residents
| Record Type | Waiting Period | Local Requirement |
| Dismissed / No Charges | Immediate | Eligible for Article 983 Fee Waiver ($0 Court Cost). |
| Misdemeanor Conviction | 5 Years | Must be 5 years post-probation with no new convictions. |
| Non-Violent Felony | 10 Years | Limited to one felony expungement in a lifetime. |
| DWI (Article 894) | Immediate* | Requires a specialized “Set Aside” order and an extra OMV fee. |
2026 Update on Automated Expungement: While Louisiana began implementing “Automated Expungement” in 2025 for certain eligible records, many St. Bernard Parish files—particularly older records or those without a Case Management Information System (CMIS) number—still require a manual filing to ensure total removal from state and federal databases.
Benefits of Clearing Your Record
- Employment & Housing: Over 92% of employers use background checks. Expungement allows you to legally state you have never been arrested for the expunged crime.
- Financial Access: Improve your chances of securing loans and better interest rates.
- Restored Rights: For many, expungement is the final step in moving past a conviction and reclaiming their reputation in the community.
Why Choose Bloom Legal for St. Bernard Parish?
The 34th JDC has specific formatting and certification rules. A single missing Item Number or incorrect money order can lead to a summary denial and loss of fees.
Our St. Bernard Service Includes:
- Local Courthouse Expertise: We navigate the 34th JDC’s unique “four-payment” and “legal-size” requirements.
- Flat-Fee Clarity: We handle the background checks, money orders, and filing logistics for one transparent fee.
- Remote Handling: In most cases, we appear in Chalmette on your behalf, so you don’t have to miss work or step back into a courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost in Chalmette?
The court filing fee is $550. If you are expunging a DWI, expect an additional $50 to $100 for OMV processing. These fees are non-refundable by law.
How long does the process take?
In St. Bernard Parish, it typically takes 6 to 8 months for the record to be fully cleared from state and federal (FBI) databases.
Can I expunge multiple charges?
Yes. Multiple charges arising from the same arrest can usually be handled in a single motion for a single filing fee.
Start Your Clean Slate in St. Bernard Today
Don’t let a past arrest in Chalmette hold you back. Let the experts at Bloom Legal handle the heavy lifting of the 34th JDC court system.
[Request Your Free St. Bernard Parish Eligibility Review]
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