People who wish to erase their criminal records from public view may be able to do so through the expungement process. In 2023, Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill that makes changes to the expungement process in a big way. Expungements have typically been difficult to obtain due to the complicated application process and high costs. However, beginning on January 1, 2025, expungements will be free in Louisiana. The new law will make expungements easier to obtain in an effort to help those who are eligible achieve clean slates.
If you have a criminal record, you may be eligible for expungement. You should consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the eligibility rules surrounding expungement. At the end of the day, expungement is still a legal process that should not be attempted without the guidance of someone trained in the law. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we want to help eligible individuals obtain clean slates so they can improve their lives without criminal records obstructing their progress.
What Is Expungement?
Expungement is the process by which criminal records are erased so that the public can no longer access such records. Criminal records appear on background checks; therefore, having a publicly available criminal record may prevent you from obtaining your desired housing, employment, or educational pursuits. After successful expungement, the person’s criminal records no longer appear on background checks, and that person no longer has an obligation to disclose the information contained in the expunged records.
It should be noted that many people face roadblocks when pursuing expungement. To begin with, not everyone is eligible for expungement. Eligibility will depend heavily on the specific facts surrounding your criminal charges, but most violent crimes, sex crimes, and serious felonies will not be eligible for expungement.
What Changes Does the New Expungement Law Entail?
Louisiana’s new expungement law brings about big changes that will go into effect on January 1, 2025. Most notably, expungements will not only be free, but they will also be automatic. The new law requires the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (LBCII) to identify all individuals within the database who qualify for expungement. Then, defendants can submit a request for an expungement, and the LBCII must expunge the eligible records within 30 days. There will no longer be costs associated with expungements, and the process will be automatic for eligible defendants who submit a request to the LBCII.
The new expungement law does not alter the eligibility requirements, so only those who already qualified for expungement will benefit from the new free and automatic expungement process. If you want to expunge your criminal records, you need to meet with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who can help you determine if you are eligible in the first place.
Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm to Discuss Expunging Your Records Today
Louisiana is making brighter futures possible by opening access to expungements in 2025. Free expungements will allow many people to obtain the education, employment, or housing they desire. With the help of a strong legal advocate, you may be able to have your records expunged. Our team of skilled criminal defense attorneys would be happy to discuss your eligibility for expungement as soon as possible.
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has been assisting clients with the expungement process for many years. With changes to the expungement process beginning in 2025, we hope that many more people will be able to wipe their slates clean. To speak with a member of our legal team, please call (318) 377-1555 or fill out our contact form.