Expungements

An expungement is the removal a criminal arrest and possibly a conviction from the public record. The record is however not destroyed and can still be accessed by law enforcement, state licensing boards and other agencies. In Louisiana you are eligible to have a record expunged if the charges were refused or dismissed by the prosecution or if you were found not guilty at trial.

Certain felony convictions can also be expunged including those involving a plea of guilty under Art. 893 and certain felony offenses where more than 10 years have passed since the completion of the sentence.. Additionally you can expunge a record if you received a first offender pardon.

At Marino & Ehle we have successfully expunged hundreds of records involving arrests and convictions. As a former legislator, Joe Marino authored and revised several of the Louisiana expungement laws and is a frequent lecturer on expungements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an arrest that is not prosecuted remain on a criminal record?

Yes, until a Motion for Expungement is granted in court an arrest will always remain on your record. There is no automatic expungement in Louisiana.

How much does it cost to file an expungement?

The law in Louisiana requires certain filing fees to be paid including a fee to the Clerk of Court and a fee to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification, In general it costs about $550 but this can vary by court and the type of expungement.

Do I need an attorney to file an expungement?

No, you don’t need to hire an expungement in Louisiana, but the process can be complicated and if not done correctly will not result in the removal of the record from public view.

Our Experienced Trial Lawyers

Joe Marino

A proven criminal defense attorney assisting clients across Jefferson Parish with decades of courtroom experience, legislative leadership, and significant judicial service.

Davidson Ehle

Davidson Ehle is a seasoned AV-rated trial attorney recognized for criminal defense victories, appellate advocacy, and respected leadership in the Jefferson Parish bar.