Orleans Parish Expungements Lawyer

Orleans Parish Expungements Attorney

A criminal arrest or conviction can have a significant impact on your future. Even once you have served your sentence for a conviction, your criminal record can cause long-term consequences. For many people, expungement helps secure a fresh start. Expungement is not possible for everyone, however. An Orleans Parish expungements lawyer can determine if you qualify and help you take the right steps to protect your future.

Hire an Expungement Lawyer

It can be a complicated process to expunge an arrest or criminal record, but the team at The Law Office of Ryan N. Cox can help.

Our team has over 29 years of experience in parish courts throughout the state and has an in-depth understanding of how to navigate expunction cases. Our years of experience in the criminal justice system enable us to smoothly guide you through the process. We have professional connections with court officials in Orleans Parish, including the Clerk of Court on 2700 Tulane Avenue. This experience helps us navigate the expunction process more effectively.

We understand the impact a record has on your life. Let us help you secure the ideal outcome for your expungement case.

What Is an Expungement in Orleans Parish?

An expungement is a court process used to hide a criminal record and prevent it from being accessed by the public. It does not erase or remove the criminal record, and it is still accessible to some governmental and professional organizations, including law enforcement. However, it is sealed from access by most people, and these organizations can only access a sealed record in specific cases.

Expungement can prevent people, such as most employers, landlords, or educational institutions, from accessing your criminal record in a background check. This can open a lot of opportunities in your life.

Crime in Louisiana and Orleans Parish

Louisiana is harsh on crime. In 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported:

• Nearly 147,000 property crimes in Louisiana, or a rate of 3,162.0 per 100,000 inhabitants
• More than 25,500 violent crimes, or a rate of 549.3 per 100,000

In New Orleans and Orleans Parish, the FBI reported:

• 20,879 property crimes
• 4,516 violent crimes

This made the property crime rate 5,292.5 per 100,000 population. The violent crime rate was 1,144.7, more than double the statewide rate. In 2023, the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice reported there were over 56,700 crimes against property and nearly 31,000 crimes against persons.

Everyone makes mistakes, and having a criminal record can make it difficult to ever move forward. An expungement can provide that opportunity.

Who Qualifies for a Record Expungement?

Not every person qualifies to have their record expunged. The initial qualifications to expunge a misdemeanor or felony conviction and/or arrest record are:

• The conviction was set aside, due to acquittal, dismissal, or suspension and deferral of sentence through probation.
• You have gone through the waiting period after serving your sentence.

The waiting period enables officials to determine your rehabilitative efforts since serving your sentence. Your sentence may include finishing your probation and paying your fines, and all of this must be completed.

The specific crime you committed also affects whether you are eligible for expungement. For example, you cannot expunge a misdemeanor conviction for a sex offense, domestic abuse battery, or stalking. You cannot expunge a felony conviction for most violent crimes unless several additional qualifications are met, such as being continuously employed after your sentence and not being convicted of any other offenses.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Record Expungement

There are many opportunities that may be open to you without a criminal record, including in housing, employment, education, and more. Clearing your arrest or criminal record can also minimize your own stress and anxiety and provide you with more privacy.

Unfortunately, the expungement process can be complex, and doing it wrong can cause your petition to be denied or make the process drag on. When you hire an expungement attorney, they can help you complete paperwork accurately and abide by the strict legal deadlines, potentially making your case more likely to succeed.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Get an Expungement in Louisiana?

The cost to get an expungement in Louisiana varies. In Orleans Parish, filing a motion for expungement has a fee of $550. This fee is not required in some cases, such as with a verification that you have no felony convictions or pending charges. However, there are other costs to consider, such as court costs and attorney fees.

How Do I Qualify to Get My Record Expunged in Louisiana?

Many factors are important in determining whether you qualify to have your criminal record expunged in Louisiana. To expunge a misdemeanor offense, the conviction must have been set aside after a deferred sentence, and five years must have passed since the sentence was served, at a minimum. For a felony offense, the conviction must have been set aside in a deferred sentence, and ten years must have elapsed. Certain misdemeanor and felony offenses are also not eligible.

What Is the New Expungement Law in Louisiana?

As of 2025, one of the newest expungement laws in Louisiana establishes the automated expungement of certain criminal records. This may include arrest records that didn’t result in a conviction. It also includes criminal records for some misdemeanor convictions and records for specific felony convictions if certain conditions are met.

This law is not effective until funds are allocated for it. If you believe you qualify for automatic expunction, talk with an attorney about your options.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Expungement in Louisiana?

The time it takes to get an expungement in Louisiana varies significantly and can take a few weeks or much longer. This timeline is affected by the complexity of your situation, the severity of your charges, and the caseload of the court you are filing with. When you hire an expungement lawyer, it doesn’t guarantee a faster process, but they can help you avoid errors and present your case in a better light, potentially securing a better outcome more quickly.

Orleans Parish Expungements Lawyer

An expungement can be the new start you need. Contact The Law Office of Ryan N. Cox today and schedule a consultation with our Orleans Parish expungements attorney and determine if you qualify to expunge your arrest or criminal record.