How much is the cost of an expungement in Louisiana?
A misdemeanor or a felony conviction is a stressful event that could affect your future employment, your education, and even your housing opportunities. It can often seem overwhelming.
But there is some good news: If you meet certain criteria, you might be eligible for an expungement! An expungement will remove your arrest, conviction, or citation from the public view, meaning insurance companies, credit reporting agencies, and potential employers won’t be able to access it.
Unfortunately, expungements do cost money. The price will vary based on your individual case, but you’ll definitely need to be ready to pay to have your record cleared.
Here’s a breakdown of all the costs associated with an expungement in Louisiana, and how much you’ll likely have to pay.
1. Background Check
The first thing you’ll need to pay for is a background check. In order to file for an expungement, you need to gather up information required by the court. A background check is one of those documents.
In Jefferson Parish, a background check costs about $50. In all other parishes, it’s about $26.
In addition to the cost of the background check itself, you’ll need to pay for the money order– that’s $1.30, plus the postage to mail it to the Louisiana State Police, which is about $1.00.
2. Court Costs
After obtaining your background check and other documents, we’ll need to file two motions:
(1) A Motion to Set Aside your Plea of Guilty and Dismiss your Conviction for Purposes of Expungement
(2) A Motion for Expungement
The motion to set aside your conviction is usually free, but there are court costs associated with filing your Motion for Expungement. In most cases, the court costs add up to $550.00, in addition to the two money orders ($2.60), as well as the postage (about $5.00).
If you’re dealing with a DWI conviction (driving while intoxicated), there are a couple of extra steps. These will increase your court costs by $100, plus two more money orders ($2.60) and associated postage (about $5.00)
3. Attorney Fees
What you’ll end up paying for your expungement largely depends upon how much your attorney charges, and this can range greatly.
Some attorneys charge by the hour ($250.00 per hour is typical in Louisiana), while others provide a flat rate for certain services, including expungements.
At Weiser Law Firm, we offer a flat rate of for expungements, which starts at $1550.00 and includes $550.00 in court costs. However, every case is different and we’ll review your case to determine the complexity of hiding your criminal record before we quote you a price.
However, we understand many people who ask for our help hiding their criminal records have financial challenges they are asking us to help them overcome. So, we offer a variety of payment plans with the ability to spread the payment out over the life of your case (typically 4-6 months) when necessary.
4. Other Costs
There could be other costs you should consider when preparing for an expungement, which may include:
- Parking: Don’t forget that every time you go to court, you’ll have to pay to park somewhere. Parking meters at the courthouse are $3/hour
- Postage: You may have to mail certain documents either to your attorney or to the Court itself (i.e., fingerprint copies, expungement forms). Costs for these types of mailings:
- District Attorney for Certificates of Eligibility Mailing fees
- Clerk of Court for Expungement Packet, Mailing fees
- In our experience, there are usually some surprise costs, too.
Clearing Your Record: Understanding Expungement in Louisiana – Weiser Law Firm
Have you ever made a mistake that continues to haunt you? In Louisiana, a criminal record can create significant barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. At Weiser Law Firm, we understand the challenges a criminal record can present, and we’re here to guide you through the process of expungement in Louisiana.
What is Expungement?
Expungement is a legal process that allows you to erase certain criminal records from your public record. It’s essentially a second chance, offering a fresh start for individuals who have paid their debt to society and are committed to moving forward.
Why Consider Expungement in Louisiana?
- Employment Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks, and a criminal record can disqualify you from potential jobs. Expungement can remove this obstacle.
- Housing Options: Landlords often run background checks, and a criminal record can limit your housing options.
- Educational Advancement: Some educational institutions may consider criminal records during the admissions process. Expungement can improve your chances of acceptance.
- Restoring Your Reputation: Clearing your record can help you rebuild your reputation and regain your sense of dignity.
Who is Eligible for Expungement in Louisiana?
Eligibility for expungement depends on various factors, including the type of offense, the length of time since the offense, and whether you have completed all terms of your sentence. Generally, you may be eligible if:
- You were arrested but not charged.
- You were charged but the charges were dismissed.
- You were found not guilty at trial.
- You received a first offense pardon.
- You successfully completed a diversion program.
- You have completed your sentence and a specific period of time has passed, dependent on the charge.
The Expungement Process in Louisiana:
The expungement process can be complex and requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a general overview:
- Determine Eligibility: The first step is to determine if you are eligible for expungement. An experienced attorney at Weiser Law Firm can help you assess your eligibility.
- Obtain Required Documents: You will need to gather various documents, including court records, arrest records, and a certified copy of your criminal record.
- File a Petition: A petition for expungement must be filed with the appropriate court.
- Serve Notice: Notice of the petition must be served on the district attorney and other relevant parties.
- Attend a Hearing: In some cases, a hearing may be required.
- Obtain an Expungement Order: If the court grants your petition, an expungement order will be issued.
Common Challenges in the Expungement Process:
- Navigating Complex Laws: Louisiana expungement laws can be complex and confusing.
- Gathering Required Documents: Obtaining the necessary documents can be time-consuming and challenging.
- Meeting Deadlines: Failure to meet deadlines can result in the denial of your petition.
- Opposition from the District Attorney: The district attorney may oppose your petition.
How Weiser Law Firm Can Help:
At Weiser Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping individuals navigate the expungement process in Louisiana. We can:
- Assess your eligibility for expungement.
- Gather all necessary documents.
- Prepare and file your petition.
- Represent you at any hearings.
- Ensure that your record is properly expunged.
Don’t let a past mistake define your future. If you’re considering expungement in Louisiana, contact Weiser Law Firm today for a consultation. We can help you clear your record and move forward with a fresh start. The process of expungement in Louisiana.
We want to Help you Hide your Criminal Record
Getting an expungement is a huge step towards taking your life back. Now that you have an idea of what to expect for the cost of the process, we’d love to help you. Contact our office at Weiser Law Firm for a consultation with an experienced expungement lawyer today.
