A criminal record in Jefferson Parish—whether from an arrest in Metairie, a traffic stop in Kenner, or a conviction in Gretna—can prevent you from reaching your full potential. At Bloom Legal, we believe a past mistake shouldn’t be a life sentence. We specialize in the document-heavy process of clearing records in the 24th Judicial District Court (JDC) and Jefferson Parish courts.
We provide a professional, process-driven path to a clean slate, ensuring your background check reflects who you are today, not a moment from your past.
Where Are Jefferson Parish Records Held?
Jefferson Parish has a distinct and strict court system. Depending on your charge, your records are managed by:
- 24th Judicial District Court (Gretna): Handles all felony cases and state misdemeanors for the parish.
- First Parish Court (Metairie): Handles misdemeanors and traffic violations for the East Bank.
- Second Parish Court (Gretna): Handles misdemeanors and traffic violations for the West Bank.
- Kenner Municipal Court: Handles city-specific ordinance violations.
The Jefferson Parish Expungement Process
Filing in Jefferson Parish requires precision. The Clerk of Court in Gretna follows rigid protocols, and missing a single document can lead to a non-refundable loss of your filing fees.
1. Eligibility & “Minutes” Retrieval
We begin by pulling your Court Minutes from the 24th JDC or Parish Courts. We analyze these to ensure you have completed your sentence and met the 5-year (misdemeanor) or 10-year (felony) “cleansing period.”
2. The Jefferson Parish Background Check
You must provide a formal background check from the Louisiana State Police. Unlike other parishes, Jefferson Parish filings are highly scrutinized for accuracy against the State Police “Rap Sheet.”
3. DA Certification & Fee Waivers
Under Article 983, you may be eligible to have the $550 filing fee waived if your charges were dismissed or you were acquitted. We coordinate directly with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office to secure this mandatory certification before filing.
4. Filing the Motion (2026 Standards)
As of January 1, 2026, new rules govern how attorneys file in Jefferson Parish. We handle all technical requirements, including:
- Paper Format: All physical filings must be on legal-size paper (8.5″ x 14″).
- Payment Breakdown: We manage the separate payments required for the Clerk, the Sheriff ($50), the DA ($50), and the State Police ($250).
- E-Filing Compliance: We ensure all digital submissions meet the new 2026 Louisiana Clerk’s Remote Access Authority standards.
Eligibility Checklist
Record Type | Waiting Period | Notes |
Dismissed / No Charges | Immediate | Eligible for Article 983 Fee Waiver ($0 Filing Fee). |
Misdemeanor Conviction | 5 Years | Begins after completion of sentence/probation. |
Non-Violent Felony | 10 Years | Must have no new convictions during this window. |
DWI (Article 894) | Immediate* | Requires a specific “Set Aside” order to be filed first. |
Note: Convictions for violent crimes (La. R.S. 14:2B) and sex offenses are generally not eligible for expungement in Louisiana.
Why Choose Bloom Legal for Jefferson Parish?
The 24th JDC is efficient but strict. A single error in your item number or date of birth can cause an objection from the State Police, potentially wasting months of time and hundreds in fees.
Our Jefferson Parish Service Includes:
- Flat-Fee Service: We handle the background check, DA certification, and all filing fees in one clear package.
- Gretna Accuracy: We ensure every document meets the Clerk’s “legal-size” and “separate payment” rules.
- Expert Representation: If the State Police or DA objects to your filing, we represent you in the contradictory hearing to fight for your fresh start.
- Privacy Compliance: In accordance with 2026 laws, we ensure all filings are redacted of sensitive PII (Social Security numbers, full DOBs) to protect your identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (Jefferson Parish)
How much does it cost in Jefferson Parish?
The standard filing fee is $550. If your charge is a DWI, there is an additional $50 fee for the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). These fees are non-refundable by law.
How long does the process take?
In Jefferson Parish, it typically takes 6 to 9 months to receive the final signed Order of Expungement and have it reflected in federal and state databases.
Can I expunge a record from Kenner or Harahan?
Yes. We can file to have the city-level record and the state-level arrest record expunged simultaneously if they arise from the same incident.
Start Your Fresh Start in Jefferson Parish
Don’t let a past mistake in Gretna or Metairie hold you back. Let the experts at Bloom Legal handle the heavy lifting of the Jefferson Parish court system.
