THINKING ABOUT GETTING AN EXPUNGEMENT?
Q: Who can get an expungement?
A: Most persons who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony charge.
Q: Are there any charges that do not qualify for an expungement in the State of Louisiana?
A: Yes, here is a list of charges that cannot be expunged from a criminal record:
Crimes of Violence
Sex Crimes
Distribution of Controlled Substances
Domestic Abuse Battery (misdemeanor or felony)
Stalking
Crimes involving or against minors
Q: Are there any waiting periods before an expungement can be filed?
A: Yes. You must wait 5 years from the completion of your sentence or the end of your probation to file an expungement for a misdemeanor. You must wait 10 years from the completion of your sentence or probation to file an expungement for a felony conviction or OWI. You must have completed your probation satisfactorily, completed any classes/treatments, and paid all fines and costs.
** There is no waiting period to file an expungement if the charge was dismissed, a motion to quash was granted, or if you were acquitted.
Q: What if I got another charge after the charge I am trying to expunge, would I still qualify?
A: No, you must not have any other convictions or pending charges during the waiting period.
Q; What is a “First Offender’s Pardon”?
A: According to Louisiana Revised Statue 15:572 B (1), a first offender never previously convicted of a felony shall be pardoned automatically upon completion of his sentence without a recommendation of the Board of Pardons or action by the governor.
**If you qualify for the “First Offenders Pardon” this also qualifies you for an expungement after the respective waiting period has ended.
Q: Ok, I think I may qualify for an expungement. What do I do now?
A: You can contact me via phone call, text, email, or by simply submitting a request for more information below.
Q: How much would it cost for you to file an expungement?
A: My fee is $1,500 for an expungement, regardless if it is a misdemeanor or felony. This includes all fees that will need to be paid to various state agencies when the paperwork is filed.
Attorney Wilson does not process expungement filings in the District Courts of Iberia, St. Mary, or St. Martin Parishes. However, she can process expungement filings in the city courts located within those parishes.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS & WHERE TO GET THEM:
Certified Court Minutes (Clerk of Court)
Certified Background Check (State Police Headquarters Baton Rouge, LA) (Must be dated within the past 60 days)
First Offender’s Pardon (If Applicable) (Clerk of Court)
A letter from the DA’s Office stating the charges was dismissed (If Applicable)