Recently updated on July 2nd, 2026 at 12:18 pm
Prepare Your Documents for Expungement in Louisiana
This website helps you prepare the forms and documents needed to request an expungement under Louisiana law.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to determine whether your case may qualify for expungement in Louisiana. The screening asks questions about your arrest, charges, convictions, case outcome, and criminal history to provide a preliminary assessment of eligibility.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of completing legal forms on your own, our system guides you through the process using simple questions in plain language. Based on your responses, the system automatically prepares the required expungement forms and places your information in the correct sections.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You may choose to consult an attorney or legal advocate for assistance with your expungement request. A legal professional can help review your eligibility, explain applicable waiting periods and requirements, and ensure your petition is properly prepared before filing.
4. File with the Clerk
File your completed expungement petition with the Clerk of Court in the parish where the arrest or criminal case occurred. The court and applicable agencies, including the District Attorney and Louisiana State Police, will review the request before a final decision is made.
Process
Step 1
Gather Records and Determine Eligibility
Before filing for an expungement in Louisiana, you should gather the records needed to determine your eligibility and complete your petition. Eligibility depends on factors such as the case outcome, type of offense, completion of all sentencing requirements, and any required waiting periods under Louisiana law.
You may need:
- Final court disposition showing how the case was resolved
- Arrest details, including arrest date and agency
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Criminal history record
- Government-issued identification
Having these documents ready before you begin can help prevent delays in the filing and review process.
Step 2
Prepare and File Expungement Forms
Complete the required expungement forms and supporting documents based on your case type. Once completed, file the petition with the Clerk of Court in the parish where the arrest or criminal proceeding occurred.
Depending on the circumstances, filing fees and service fees may apply. Some applicants may qualify for fee waivers or reduced costs under applicable law.
After filing, copies of the petition are typically distributed to the agencies and offices required to review the request.
Step 3
Agency Review Period (Approximately 60 Days)
After your expungement petition is filed and served in Louisiana, the District Attorney, arresting agency, and Louisiana State Police are given a period typically up to 60 days to review the request and file any objection before the court considers final approval.
Step 4
Court Review and Hearing (If Required)
After the review period expires, the court evaluates the petition and supporting documentation.
If the petition appears legally sufficient and no objections are filed, the judge may decide the matter without requiring a formal hearing. If objections are submitted, the court may schedule a hearing where the applicant and any objecting parties can present evidence and legal arguments regarding eligibility.
The scheduling of a hearing may extend the overall processing time depending on the court's calendar and workload.
Step 5
Order of Expungement Issued
If the court determines that the applicant satisfies all statutory requirements, the judge signs an Order of Expungement.
The order directs the appropriate agencies to:
- Seal eligible criminal records
- Restrict public access to those records
- Update agency databases and record systems
The signed order serves as the legal authority for agencies to begin processing the expungement.
Step 6
Louisiana State Police and Agency Processing
After the expungement order is issued in Louisiana, the Louisiana State Police and other relevant agencies update their records to reflect the court’s decision. This process may include updating criminal history databases, processing the order across multiple agencies, restricting public access to the expunged record, and coordinating updates between local and state systems. Processing times can vary depending on agency workload, staffing levels, and the complexity or number of records involved.
Step 7
Confirmation of Expungement
Once all required processing is completed in Louisiana, the expungement becomes effective across participating record systems. At that point, eligible records are removed from most public background checks, while still remaining accessible to certain government agencies as allowed by law. As a result, employers, landlords, and the general public typically cannot view the expunged record through standard background searches. Applicants may also choose to obtain an updated criminal history report or keep a certified copy of the expungement order for their records.
FAQs
Court Forms Created This website guides you through the information required to prepare your record restriction (expungement) application in Louisiana.
Core Forms
- Motion For Expungement
- Order of Expungement of Arrest Conviction Record
- Motion For Interim Expungement
- Order Expungement of Interim Arrest Record
- Affidavit of Response
- Supplemental Sheet Felony Convictions
- Supplemental Sheet Misdemeanor Convictions
- Supplemental Sheet Arrests That Did Not Result In Conviction