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Having a criminal record or even a record of an arrest can significantly impact your life. Fortunately, expunging this record is the best way to get your life back on track and open doors to new opportunities that you thought were no longer possible. Better yet, you will not have to handle this tedious and complicated process by yourself. Instead, with a New Orleans expungement lawyer on your side, you will have the legal help you need to ensure that everything is done properly, making the process much easier and less stressful for you and everyone involved.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL A NEW ORLEANS LAWYER TO HELP WITH EXPUNGEMENT?

Although you may be ready to move on with your life, your past incidents can often continue to stop you from living your life to its fullest potential. It is important to realize that a previous conviction or even arrest can have life-long consequences on your ability to get a job, obtain certain licenses, open bank accounts, get financial loans, or even obtain housing. That is why having your rights restored to what they once were, is one of the main reasons many people want to get an expungement in the first place.

For these reasons, retaining a New Orleans expungement lawyer to help with the process is so critical. These attorneys are here not only to determine if you are eligible for expungement but they are also here to help you fight for your rights and even frame your specific reasoning for why you deserve and need this expungement in a way that is most likely to get your expungement granted.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EXPUNGEMENT IN NEW ORLEANS:

In New Orleans, eligibility for expungement will often depend on several factors, including:

  • What you were arrested for, convicted of, and pleaded guilty to
  • Whether you have any other charges pending against you
  • Whether you were sentenced
  • Whether you paid all the fines and restitution
  • Whether you have waited the appropriate amount of time after the sentencing, including any supervision, to apply for expungement

However, in general, there are certain offenses in New Orleans that are always eligible for expungement. Some of these offenses including the following:

  • Assault and simple battery
  • Theft
  • Trespassing
  • Resisting arrest
  • Property damages
  • Hit and runs
  • Running from officers
  • Disturbing the peace
  • Prostitution
  • Identify theft
  • Issuing a valueless check
  • Driving under suspicion
  • Shoplifting
  • Possession of drugs or possession with intent to distribute

WHO SHOULD PURSUE EXPUNGEMENT?

Unfortunately, having a charge or criminal record can affect everything in your life, including your ability to go to college, pursue volunteer opportunities, and even your gun rights. That is why if you have a record, you should consider seeking expungement.

In Louisiana, almost anyone with a non-violent felony or misdemeanor conviction who has successfully completed their sentence and waited the required period can pursue expungement. Generally, once a court approves an expungement, it will remove the record of your arrest, conviction, fingerprints, photographs, and any other information related to the offense from public access.

WHICH CRIMES CAN NOT BE EXPUNGED?

Although there are many types of crimes that can be expunged from your record, certain crimes are not eligible for expungement, no matter if the crime was attempted or completed.

These crimes include:

  • Sex Crimes. However, there are certain crimes that may be defined as sex crimes but are not classified this way for expungement purposes. That is why, if you have been convicted or pleaded guilty to a sex crime, you need to speak to an experienced attorney, as you still may be eligible for an expunction of your record even if the crime was defined as a sex crime.
  • Domestic violence crimes or domestic abuse crimes
  • Crimes involving a minor under the age of 17
  • According to Louisiana’s regulation, crimes of violence include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, aggravated battery, manslaughter, second-degree battery, and aggravated assault.

CAN I SEAL MY RECORD IN NEW ORLEANS?

Generally, record sealing is defined as the practice of sealing, or in some instances, destroying court records that would otherwise be publicly accessible as public records. The term is usually derived from the tradition of placing a seal on certain documents that prevent anyone from reviewing the files without obtaining a court order.

In New Orleans, expungement is similar to the act of sealing records as it often gets rid of your criminal record, restores your status before the offense, and removes the record from all official sources, but it will not destroy the record. In Louisiana, confidential files of expunged records are kept to be viewed by certain officials, including law enforcement, judges, and some state licensing agencies. However, landlords, banks, and even employers cannot see expunged records unless they get a court order and show “good cause.”

EXPERIENCED NEW ORLEANS EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER

The Law Office of Heather C. Ford will give you peace of mind with your expungement. She will professionally and effectively represent you on your behalf throughout the whole process. Trust that your case will be handled with your best interests in mind.

Serving New Orleans and the surrounding area:

  • Get Expert Advice
  • Save Time
  • Reduce Costs
  • Fast & Free Consultation

We are committed to making the legal process as quick and efficient as possible for every client. If you have a criminal record in New Orleans and want to pursue expungement, Contact our office immediately to schedule a free consultation.

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FAQ

Getting your record expunged in New Orleans can be a complicated process. You need to know everything about the legal process as well as the expungement requirements for your particular conviction before you attempt expungement. A New Orleans Expungement lawyer will be able to make this process as smooth as possible and get your record cleaned up.

The crimes that can be expunged in Louisiana are not determined by whether they are felonies or misdemeanors, but rather what the nature of the crime is. Some felonies can be expunged in Louisiana, but anything considered a violent crime or involving a minor are permanent and can never be expunged.

There are several situations when a person or entity can access expunged records in Louisiana. Almost all of these can only be done confidentially and with your approval (like if you are applying for a certain position in government or medicine). Additionally, expunged records can sometimes still be accessed by criminal justice agencies if they can prove it is necessary and relevant.

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