A criminal record in New Orleans can feel like a permanent weight, affecting your ability to secure housing, advance your career, or even volunteer at your child’s school. Whether you were arrested in the French Quarter or have a years-old conviction from the Criminal District Court on Tulane Avenue, you deserve a second chance.
At Bloom Legal, we specialize in the technical, document-driven process of Louisiana expungements. We don’t just “defend” cases; we help you navigate the bureaucratic maze to ensure your background check reflects who you are today, not a mistake from your past.
What is an Expungement in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, an expungement is a court-ordered process that removes a record from public access. While it does not physically destroy the record (law enforcement still retains access), it means the general public—including most employers, landlords, and banks—cannot see that the arrest or conviction ever occurred.
The Goal: To allow you to legally state on most job applications that you have never been arrested or convicted of the expunged crime.
The Benefits of a Clean Slate
Clearing your record is a life-changing investment. By sealing your past, you can:
- Boost Career Growth: Pass background checks for professional licenses, work permits, and high-level corporate positions.
- Secure Housing: Remove the red flags that often lead to rejected rental applications.
- Gain Financial Freedom: Access better loan terms and insurance rates that are often restricted for those with a criminal history.
- Achieve Peace of Mind: Close the chapter on your past and move forward with confidence.
Why Orleans Parish Requires Specialized Expertise
Filing for an expungement in New Orleans involves a unique multi-agency workflow. Unlike other parishes, Orleans requires navigating several different courts and specialized units within the NOPD.
We handle filings across all local jurisdictions:
- Orleans Parish Criminal District Court: Felonies and State Misdemeanors.
- New Orleans Municipal & Traffic Court: City Ordinance violations and DUIs.
- Orleans Parish Juvenile Court: Sealing juvenile records.
The Orleans Parish Expungement Process
- Eligibility Review: We analyze your “minutes” (court records) to confirm you meet the 5-year (misdemeanor) or 10-year (felony) cleansing periods.
- Certification: We secure the required Certification Letter from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
- Background Check: We obtain a formal fingerprint-based background check from the Louisiana State Police or the NOPD Expungement Unit.
- The Motion: We file the formal Motion for Expungement and pay the required fees (typically $550 in Orleans Parish).
- The Order: Once a judge signs the order, we ensure it is served to the NOPD, State Police, and FBI to update their databases.
Eligibility: Can Your Record Be Cleared?
Most New Orleans records are eligible if you meet the criteria under LA Code of Criminal Procedure Title XXXIV.
1. Arrests Without Conviction
If your charges were dismissed, refused by the DA (Nolle Prosequi), or you were found Not Guilty, you are generally eligible for an immediate expungement. Under Article 983, you may be eligible for a fee waiver, potentially saving you the $550 filing cost.
2. Misdemeanor Convictions
Most misdemeanors are eligible 5 years after you have completed your sentence, probation, and parole—provided you have no pending charges.
3. Felony Convictions
Certain non-violent felonies are eligible 10 years after the completion of your sentence. If you received a “First Offender Pardon,” we can often use that to facilitate the process.
- Note: Violent crimes and sex offenses are generally ineligible for expungement.
4. DWI/DUI & Article 894
DWI records are unique. If your conviction was set aside under Article 894, you may be eligible to clear your record sooner. We specialize in ensuring your driving record and criminal record are both addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an expungement take in New Orleans?
Typically 6 to 10 months. This timeline is dictated by the administrative processing speed of the NOPD and the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.
What is the new “Automated Expungement” in Louisiana?
Starting in 2025, Louisiana began implementing automated processes for certain eligible records. However, this system is not catch-all. Many records still require a manual filing to ensure all agencies—including the FBI and private background check companies—fully remove the data.
Will an expungement clear my record for a TWIC card?
Yes. An expungement is a critical step for professionals seeking a TWIC card, nursing license, or teaching certification. While professional boards may still see the record, the legal “expunged” status demonstrates your rehabilitation and compliance with state law.
Start Your Clean Slate Today
The Bloom Legal Expungement Center is here to handle the paperwork, the court dates, and the follow-ups so you can focus on your future.
Ready to see if you’re eligible? [Contact Bloom Legal for an Expungement Evaluation]
