Overview Description

Records relating to a felony or misdemeanor arrest that resulted in dismissal, acquittal, or other non-conviction disposition can be expunged by the court. La. C.Cr.P. Art. 976.

There is no statutory language regarding ineligible offenses.

The petition must be filed in the district court. For the specific procedure, see La. C.Cr.P. Art. 976 et seq.

Fees can be waived under the circumstances specified in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983 (F). Otherwise, fees can be up to $550. La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983. A person may proceed in forma pauperis in accordance with the provisions for waiver of court costs for indigent parties in civil matters. La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983(H).

The record is confidential and no longer public, but expungement does not limit the news media's use of the expunged record. It is made available only to persons and entities specified in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 973. The person is not required to disclose the arrest or expungement. La. C.Cr.P. Art. 972, 973.

For information and forms regarding expunging a record in Louisiana, visit this website.

There is no statutory language regarding a waiting period.