Clear Your Record And Move Forward From The Past

An expungement removes a conviction from public access on your record. This can be a tremendously valuable tool for you, giving you a much brighter future regarding the job market and your personal reputation.

The Importance Of Early Planning

Early planning is important. For many crimes in Louisiana, even during the trial process, we can ask for a change in sentence to allow for later expungement. Without this change, you might not ever be able to have your record expunged in the future. If you are facing any type of criminal charges, either call my Lafayette law firm or email me today for a consultation with an attorney.

At Donald D. Cleveland, APLC, I know how much a permanent record can harm you and your family. When I’m working on an expungement case, I know I’m fighting for your future.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process in Louisiana that allows someone to clear a criminal record as if the crime never occurred. Expungement can greatly improve someone’s life, opening doors that a criminal record might have closed.

Once the court approves an expungement, it removes the record from public access. This means that when applying for most jobs or apartments, you can legally say that you were never arrested or convicted of that crime.

Are You Eligible For Expungement?

The possibility to clear or seal your criminal record differs depending on whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor. For felony convictions, you only get one expungement for your life, and you must fit within certain criteria regarding the types of crimes available for expungement. For misdemeanor convictions, the process is similar, but you are more likely to have a more favorable ruling and you have the opportunity for more than one.

In Louisiana, eligibility for expungement depends on the type of crime and the outcome of the case. Some crimes – like violent crimes and sex offenses – do not qualify for expungement.

To qualify, you must also meet specific requirements. First and foremost, you must complete your sentence, including probation, before applying. You must also have no other convictions on your record or pending charges when you apply.

If the court dismissed your case, or if you were acquitted, you might qualify for expungement right away. For convictions, Louisiana law requires a waiting period after completing your sentence, which can range from five to 10 years depending on whether the offense was a misdemeanor or felony.

What Do You Need To Do To Have Your Record Expunged?

To apply for expungement in Louisiana, you start by gathering necessary documents, such as your criminal record and proof of sentence completion. You then file a petition with the court that handled your case. The process also requires notifying the district attorney and, in some cases, other state agencies. They have the right to object to your petition.

After filing, the court will schedule a hearing to decide on your petition. The timeline can vary, but it generally takes several months. If the court grants your expungement, they will issue an order to clear your record, making it inaccessible to the public.

Put The Past Behind You

I don’t take my job as a lawyer lightly. I know that the results of your criminal trial or expungement proceedings will have dramatic effects on you and your family for the rest of your life. So, I am literally fighting for your life and your future when I represent you. Either call my office at 337-205-0319 or send me an email.

Serving Lafayette Parish and St. Martin Parish.