Expungements

The Bureau is responsible for processing court-ordered expungements that require modification of criminal history records. Court orders require that a criminal arrest and conviction record be removed from access except as stated in LA Code of Criminal Procedure (La. CCrP) Article 973. The processing of expungements is a complex procedure, requiring extensive man-hours.

To begin the expungement process, forms and required documentation must be filed with the clerk of court in the parish of arrest/conviction.

Motion to Expunge Common Problems

• The date maintained in the Louisiana State Rap sheet (criminal history record) is the date the arresting/booking agency collected the fingerprints. The expungement form must reflect this date for the record to be correctly identified.
• The original charge at the time of arrest should be placed on the motion to expunge, even if it was amended or billed with a different charge.
• If you were booked or convicted of more than one count, all counts should be included in the motion to expunge.
• Misdemeanor convictions must be placed in the misdemeanor conviction section.
• Felony convictions must be placed in the felony conviction section.
• All required documents should be submitted with the motion to expunge (dispositions, district attorney certifications, and fee waivers if eligible).
• Choose the proper selection on the Motion for Expungement indicating the reason for expungement.

Fees

• A money order in the amount of $250 made out to the Louisiana State Police (LSP). LSP will not accept money orders that have been altered. Choose one that is valid for at least one year.
• If applicable, attach the Fee Waiver form from the District Attorney to the submitted Expungement packet.
• You are ineligible for a fee waiver if you have ever been convicted of a felony offense, including previously expunged felonies. (LA Code of Criminal Procedure Article 983 (F))

Order

• Fill out the order to expunge completely. Orders missing personal identifying information or arrest dates cannot be processed.
• If your motion is amended, ensure the order is also amended if applicable.

Louisiana Laws That Govern Expungement of Criminal History

View Title XXXIV. Expungement of Records

Forms pertaining to an expungement: Art. 986. Forms for the Expungement of Records