If you were arrested or convicted in New Orleans, your criminal record is likely housed within the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court or the New Orleans Municipal Court. Navigating the legal requirements to clear these records is notoriously complex, involving multiple city and state agencies.
At Bloom Legal, we provide a streamlined, process-driven approach to Orleans Parish expungements. We handle the bureaucracy so you can move forward with a clean slate.
The Impact of an Orleans Parish Record
A criminal record doesn’t just stay in a file cabinet at Tulane & Broad; it follows you everywhere.
- Employment: Over 90% of employers conduct background checks. A past arrest can be an immediate disqualifier.
- Housing: Landlords frequently deny applications based on a single past conviction.
- Economic Growth: Clearing your record is the fastest way to increase your earning potential and secure your family’s future.
Where Is Your Record Located?
In New Orleans, the “where” matters. Depending on the nature of your arrest, your records may be held in different jurisdictions:
- Orleans Parish Criminal District Court (Tulane & Broad): Handles all felony charges and state-level misdemeanors.
- New Orleans Municipal & Traffic Court: Handles city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and most first-offense DWIs.
- Orleans Parish Juvenile Court: Handles records for offenses committed by minors.
Types of Expungement in New Orleans
1. Misdemeanor Expungement
Most misdemeanor convictions are eligible 5 years after you have completed your sentence, probation, or parole. You must have no pending felony charges and no new convictions during this period.
2. Felony Expungement
For certain non-violent felony convictions, you may be eligible for expungement 10 years after completing your sentence. This requires a meticulous filing with the Clerk of Court and coordination with the District Attorney.
3. Interim Expungement
If you were arrested for a felony but ultimately convicted of a misdemeanor, an Interim Expungement allows you to seal the felony arrest record while the misdemeanor conviction remains. This is a powerful tool for cleaning up a “messy” background check.
The Orleans Parish Expungement Workflow
Unlike other Louisiana parishes, New Orleans requires a specific sequence of “certificates” before you can file your motion.
Step 1: Obtain the DA Certification
Before filing, you must visit the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (619 S. White St.). We secure a formal certification letter that verifies your eligibility and confirms you have no pending charges.
Step 2: The Fingerprint Background Check
You cannot use a third-party website. You must have a formal background check conducted by the Louisiana State Police or the NOPD Expungement Unit.
Step 3: Filing at Tulane & Broad
Once the certificates are in hand, we file the formal Motion for Expungement in Room 210 of the Criminal District Court.
- The Cost: The standard filing fee is $550 (non-refundable).
- Fee Waivers: Under Article 983, if your charges were dismissed or you were acquitted, we can often secure a fee waiver from the DA, saving you the $550 court cost.
Eligibility Checklist
Record Type | Wait Period | Specific Orleans Requirement |
Arrest Only (Dismissed) | Immediate | Requires DA “Fee Waiver” certificate for $0 filing. |
Misdemeanor Conviction | 5 Years | Must be 5 years post-probation with no new convictions. |
Felony Conviction | 10 Years | Limited to non-violent offenses; requires DA check. |
Article 894 (DWI) | Immediate* | Requires the 894 “Set Aside” order from the judge. |
2025/2026 Update: While Louisiana has introduced “Automated Expungement” for simple cases, many Orleans Parish records—especially older paper files—still require manual filing to ensure the NOPD and FBI databases are actually updated.
Why Choose Bloom Legal for Your New Orleans Expungement?
The NOPD Expungement Unit and the Clerk of Court are often backlogged. Small errors in your paperwork can lead to a rejection and the loss of your $550 filing fee.
We provide:
- Record Retrieval: We pull your “minutes” directly from the Clerk’s office to verify eligibility.
- Agency Coordination: We manage the back-and-forth between the DA, NOPD, and State Police.
- Court Representation: In most cases, we can attend the expungement hearing on your behalf, so you don’t have to miss work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost in New Orleans?
The court filing fee is $550. Including the State Police background check ($250), the total government cost is often $800. If you qualify for a fee waiver, we will aggressively pursue it to lower your costs.
How long does the process take?
Due to current backlogs at the NOPD and State Police, expect the process to take 6 to 10 months from filing to final clearance.
Can I expunge a conviction for a crime of violence?
Generally, no. Under La. R.S. 14:2(B), crimes of violence and sex offenses are not eligible for expungement in Louisiana.
Take the First Step Toward a Clean Slate
Don’t let a past mistake in New Orleans dictate your future. Let Bloom Legal navigate the Orleans Parish court system for you.
Related Resources:
- [New Orleans Expungement Center]
- [Jefferson Parish Expungement Guide]
- [Can I Expunge a Felony in Louisiana?]
