⚖️ 1. Expungement in Louisiana
What “expungement” means
In Louisiana, expungement does NOT completely erase a record. It removes it from public access, but law enforcement and courts can still see it.
✅ Basic eligibility rules
You may qualify if:
- You completed your sentence (including probation, fines, restitution)
- You are not currently charged or incarcerated
- A required waiting period has passed (varies by case)
⏳ Waiting periods (general guidelines)
Arrests (no conviction)
- Often eligible immediately if:
- Charges were dropped, refused, or you were found not guilty
Misdemeanor convictions
- Typically 5 years after completing sentence
- No new felony convictions during that time
Felony convictions
- More restrictive:
- Often 10 years after completion of sentence
- Must remain crime-free during that period
👉 BUT important exception:
- First-time nonviolent offenders may be able to apply immediately after completing their sentence under newer law changes
❌ Offenses generally NOT eligible
- Violent crimes (with limited exceptions)
- Sex offenses
- Crimes involving minors
- Certain domestic violence offenses
📝 Process (simplified)
- File a petition for expungement in the court of conviction
- Submit background check + documents
- Pay filing fees (often several hundred dollars)
- Review by:
- District Attorney
- Law enforcement
- Court
- Possible hearing if contested
⚖️ 2. Pardons in Louisiana
Louisiana has a unique pardon system, especially for first-time offenders.
⭐ Automatic “First Offender Pardon”
If you:
- Were convicted of a nonviolent offense
- Have no prior felony convictions
- Completed your sentence
👉 You are automatically pardoned (no application needed) under the Louisiana Constitution
Important catch
A pardon:
- Restores rights (like voting, holding office)
- DOES NOT erase your record
👉 So your record still shows unless you also expunge it
🏛️ Full (Governor’s) pardon
- You can apply through the Louisiana Board of Pardons
- The Board reviews your case
- The Governor makes the final decision
🔑 Key Differences (simple)
| Expungement | Pardon |
|---|---|
| Hides record from public | Forgives the offense |
| Granted by a court | Granted by governor (or automatic for first offenders) |
| Lets you usually deny the record | Record still visible |
| Requires filing + fees | May be automatic or application-based |
💡 Bottom line
- Louisiana does allow expungement, but eligibility depends heavily on:
- offense type
- time since completion
- criminal history
- Many people first receive a pardon, then pursue expungement to fully clean up their record.
The responsibility of granting pardons in the state of Louisiana falls on the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The board will hold hearings at the First Circuit Court of Appeals building in Baton Rouge. Written notice of the hearing will be sent to victims at least 30 days in advance. Victims can testify via telephone from the local District Attorney’s office, however arrangements do need to be made in advance. Offenders are not transported to testify directly but can testify from a local facility. Supporters and opponents are able to testify directly. Both the docket and the docket outcomes are posted on the board’s website.