Guide to Expunging Criminal Records in Orleans Parish

What is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process of removing your criminal record from public access (though not destroying it). Once expunged, your record becomes confidential and is no longer accessible to the general public, though it remains available to law enforcement and certain professional licensing boards.

View the State Expungement Law

Are You Eligible for Expungement?

Before beginning the process, confirm you qualify under Louisiana law:

• Felony Convictions: You may expunge only ONE felony conviction in your lifetime
• Misdemeanor Convictions: You may expunge only ONE misdemeanor conviction within a five-year period
• DWI Convictions: You may expunge only ONE DWI conviction in a ten-year period
• Not all felonies qualify for expungement under Louisiana law

Step-by-Step Expungement Process

1. Obtain the Expungement Package

• Visit the appropriate court where your case was handled:
  • Criminal District Court: (504) 658-9049
  • Magistrate Court: (504) 658-9025
  • Traffic Court: (504) 658-9397
  • Municipal Court: (504) 658-9700
• Request an expungement package from the court clerk
• The clerk will explain court-specific fees and requirements

2. Complete Your Expungement Application

• Follow all instructions carefully
• Consider legal assistance, as errors will result in rejection and require re-filing
• Include all required documentation
• Pay all applicable filing fees

3. Submit Your Completed Application

• File all paperwork with the appropriate court
• Ensure you receive documentation confirming your filing

4. Judicial Review and Processing

• A judge will review and sign your expungement order if approved
• The signed order will be delivered to the NOPD Expungement Unit
• NOPD will disseminate the order to other relevant agencies

5. Follow Up on Your Expungement

• Track the status of your expungement through the court where you filed
• Be prepared to wait 6-8 months for NOPD processing
• Full clearance across all agencies can take up to 12 months

Important Notes

• The NOPD Expungement Unit processes cases in the order received
• The NOPD cannot remove records from non-NOPD websites or databases
• For arrests in other parishes, contact those law enforcement agencies directly
• For state police records, contact Louisiana State Police at 1-225-925-6040

Legal Assistance

If you're uncertain about the process or have a complex case, consider consulting with:

• Legal Aid organizations
• The Orleans Public Defenders Office
• A private attorney specializing in expungements