Overview
Louisiana’s expungement laws are covered in Articles 971–998 of the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure. Louisiana law provides for the expungement of certain arrest and conviction records under limited circumstances. Obtaining an expungement allows a record to be removed from public access, but does not destroy the record. An expunged record is confidential, but remains available for use by law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and other agencies defined by law.
More information about the effect of an expunged record is available in Article 973.
Eligibility
- Arrest with no conviction — Article 976
- Misdemeanor arrest and conviction — Article 977
- Felony arrest and conviction — Article 978
- Certain felony arrests resulting in misdemeanor conviction — Article 977(C)(1) and Article 985.1
If you need help determining whether you may be eligible for an expungement, contact the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana or consult an attorney.
Cost
The filing fee for a Motion for Expungement is $550 and is paid directly to the Clerk of Court when the motion is filed. The fee is non-refundable. You should determine whether you are eligible before paying to file a motion.
You may qualify for a fee waiver in limited circumstances when an arrest did not result in a conviction and other requirements are met. Fee waivers are governed by Article 983.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may qualify to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP). IFP is a separate request filed with the Clerk’s office and decided by the judge handling the motion. Contact the appropriate Clerk’s office for an IFP affidavit and filing instructions.
Process
Request an expungement packet and supporting records from the Clerk where the case was handled.
Submit the Certification Letter and Fee Waiver Letter to OPDA. Complete the applicant portion, then email expungements@orleansda.com or deliver to 619 South White Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. OPDA will complete and return the forms.
Complete the motion and gather required documents: background check dated within 60 days; OPDA forms when applicable; court minutes or disposition record; charging instrument.
File with the appropriate Clerk and contact the Clerk or assigned court section for status.
Juvenile Records
Juvenile-record expungements are separate proceedings governed by the Louisiana Children’s Code and handled through the juvenile court system. For juvenile expungement forms and filing guidance, contact the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office through the Court at (504) 658-9500 or visit the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Orders & Forms page.
Additional Assistance
OPDA employees cannot provide legal advice. If you require legal assistance, you may wish to consult an attorney. Additionally, the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana (JAC) provides free expungement resources and hosts monthly Expungement Clinics open to the public.
Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana (Jac)
- JAC Expungement Program →
- Phone: (504) 322-4050
- Email: info@JACLouisiana.org
- JAC Orleans Expungement Guide (PDF) →
Orleans Parish Criminal Clerk of Court – Expungements → · New Orleans Municipal and Traffic Court → · Download OPDA Certification Letter and Fee Waiver
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