Expungement in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Louisiana uses "nolo contendere" plea expungement and conviction expungement, with waiting periods varying significantly by offense.
How Louisiana treats Expungement
Louisiana distinguishes between expungement of nolo contendere pleas (which can occur immediately in some cases) and expungement of convictions, governed generally by La. C.C.P. art. 215.1. Waiting periods for conviction expungement range from 3 to 10 years depending on whether the offense is misdemeanor or felony. Certain offenses like sex crimes and crimes of violence face longer waiting periods or ineligibility.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.