On this page
- What does an expungement do in Louisiana?
- Why is it worth clearing an old record?
- Are you eligible? Waiting periods at a glance
- Which records cannot be expunged?
- Can you expunge a DWI in Louisiana?
- How much does an expungement cost in Louisiana?
- Didn't Louisiana pass a Clean Slate law?
- What kinds of records does the firm help clear?
- How does the expungement process work?
- Why does Barry Ranshi's background matter for your expungement?
What does an expungement do in Louisiana?
An expungement removes a record of arrest or conviction from public access. Once it is granted, the record no longer shows up on most background checks run by employers, landlords and schools.
It is important to know what an expungement does not do. In Louisiana, expunged records are not destroyed. They stay available to law enforcement, prosecutors and certain licensing agencies. For most everyday purposes, though, an expungement gives you a real fresh start, and in many situations you can move forward without that old case following you.
Why is it worth clearing an old record?
Because a record keeps costing you long after the case is over. Old arrests and convictions can show up on background checks for jobs, apartments and school, even when the charges were dismissed.
- Work: Many employers screen every applicant. An old charge can end an application before you ever get an interview.
- Housing: Landlords and property managers often run background checks too.
- Peace of mind: Living with a record can feel like carrying a weight you never chose. Clearing it lets you stop explaining the past.
Expungement laws in Louisiana can be confusing, and not everyone qualifies. We give you honest answers about what is possible before you spend money on filing fees.
Are you eligible? Waiting periods at a glance
Eligibility depends on how your case ended, what the charge was and whether you have had other convictions since. Here are the main rules:
| Type of record | When you can usually expunge it |
|---|---|
| Arrest with no conviction (dismissed, refused, acquitted, or time limit expired) | Once the case is resolved, with no waiting period |
| Misdemeanor conviction | After an Article 894 set-aside, or more than 5 years after completing your sentence with no felony conviction in that time and no pending felony charge |
| Felony conviction | After an Article 893 set-aside, or more than 10 years after completing your sentence with no other conviction in that time and no pending charge |
| First-offense marijuana possession | 90 days after the conviction |
A set-aside under Article 893 or 894 happens when a judge defers your sentence, you complete probation, and the conviction is set aside and dismissed. It is treated like an acquittal, which is why it opens the door to expungement right away. "Completing your sentence" includes any probation or parole. A new conviction during the waiting period can affect your eligibility, so the order in which records are handled can matter. Our Louisiana expungement guide goes deeper on each category.
Which records cannot be expunged?
Some offenses are blocked from expungement no matter how much time has passed. Under Louisiana law, these generally include:
- Domestic abuse battery, whether charged as a misdemeanor or a felony
- Stalking
- Sex offenses and offenses against minors (with very limited exceptions)
- Crimes of violence, with some exceptions
- Most drug distribution felonies
There is an important exception for certain violent felonies. Aggravated battery, second degree battery, aggravated criminal damage, simple robbery, purse snatching and illegal use of weapons may be expunged after a contradictory hearing (a hearing where the district attorney can object) once 10 years have passed with no new convictions or pending charges. Certain drug possession convictions are also eligible. If you were told your record "can never be cleared," it is worth a second look.
Can you expunge a DWI in Louisiana?
Yes, in many cases. A first-offense DWI can be set aside under Article 894 after you finish probation, and then expunged. But Louisiana limits how often this can happen: a DWI set-aside is allowed only once in a 10-year period, with one additional set-aside if you complete DWI court.
DWI expungements also carry an extra $50 fee to the Office of Motor Vehicles. Keep in mind that a DWI that was set aside can still count as a prior offense if you are arrested again. See our DWI defense page to learn how the set-aside is built into the case from the start.
How much does an expungement cost in Louisiana?
The government fees typically add up to about $550 for each arrest or conviction you expunge. That usually breaks down as:
- $250 to the Louisiana State Police
- Up to $200 to the clerk of court
- $50 to the sheriff
- $50 to the district attorney
- Plus $50 to the OMV for a DWI
Fee waivers exist only in limited situations, such as certain cases that ended without a conviction or when a person cannot afford the fees. Our attorney fees are separate. We explain every cost up front before anything is filed: no hidden fees and no last-minute surprises.
Didn't Louisiana pass a Clean Slate law?
It did, but it is not working yet. Act 454 of 2023 created a system for automated expungement through the state, meant to start on January 1, 2025. The law only takes effect when the legislature pays for it. As of August 2026, it has not been funded, and court and law enforcement systems have not been linked.
That means nothing is cleared automatically today. If you want a record expunged, a motion still has to be filed the traditional way, in the court that handled your case. There is no set start date for automatic expungement. We can tell you now whether you qualify under the current rules, and file for you instead of waiting on the state.
What kinds of records does the firm help clear?
We handle the full range of Louisiana expungements, including:
- Arrests without a conviction. If you were arrested but never charged, or the case was dismissed, you may qualify right away.
- Eligible convictions. Many misdemeanors and non-violent felonies can be cleared after the waiting period.
- Drug-related records. Including cases that ended with probation, drug court or a set-aside.
- Juvenile records. If you or your child has a juvenile record, we can review whether it can be sealed, with care and discretion.
- Multiple arrests or charges. We review your full history and work to clear as many records as the law allows.
- Background check errors. Sometimes expunged records still appear. We follow up so your cleared record stays cleared.
We regularly help clients expunge DWI, drug and theft records once they become eligible.
How does the expungement process work?
It starts with your record and ends with a signed order. Here is how we handle it:
- Free consultation. We meet in person or remotely to hear your story and your goals.
- Eligibility review. We pull court records and check each arrest and conviction against Louisiana's expungement rules.
- Motion preparation. If you qualify, we prepare and file the motion and supporting documents, and keep you updated.
- Hearings if needed. Some cases require a contradictory hearing. We represent you and respond to any objection.
- Follow-up. Once the order is granted, we help make sure the record is updated so it stays off background checks.
Most expungements take several months from start to finish, depending on the court and whether a hearing is needed. Call (504) 905-8399 to get started. We answer 24/7.
Why does Barry Ranshi's background matter for your expungement?
Because he has seen expungements from the court's side. As staff attorney to Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Darryl A. Derbigny, Barry helped rewrite Orleans Criminal Court's expungement procedure. He later filed expungements as a trial and appeals attorney and served as an Assistant District Attorney, the office that can object to an expungement.
That experience helps him spot problems early and prepare motions the right way the first time. You will work with him directly, and you will always know what is happening. Your past does not have to decide your future. Call (504) 905-8399 for a free, confidential review of your record.