Call for Consultation (337) 366-8994
Call for Consultation (337) 366-8994
Do you have a criminal record that is holding you back from living your best life?
Are your past mistakes a constant reminder of a time in your life for which you no longer want to be associated?
Long after you have paid your dues to society, a criminal record can continue to haunt you throughout your life, preventing you from getting the job or career you deserve and forcing you to live with a social stigma you do not deserve.
Hiring an experienced expungement attorney in Lafayette from the Ikerd Law Firm is an important first step in the expungement process.
Our team will be able to guide you through the legal process of getting your criminal record expunged, ensuring that you meet the eligibility requirements, and building a strong case for the expungement of your records.
Expungement is the process of removing criminal records so that they are not accessible to the public.
This process can be beneficial for individuals who have been convicted of a crime and are looking to move on with their lives.
Expungement can be used to remove records related to arrest, conviction, and incarceration from public access, with some exceptions, including remaining “available for use by law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and other statutorily defined agencies.” See La. C. Cr. P. art. 971.
The process typically involves petitioning a court to expunge the records and may also include notifying relevant government agencies and criminal justice organizations.
Expungements can provide a new lease on life for individuals who have been convicted of a crime and are struggling to find employment, professional licensing, or housing due to their criminal record.
Not all criminal convictions are eligible for expungement.
Eligibility varies from state to state, but generally, individuals who have been convicted of a non-violent crime and have completed their sentence, including probation or parole, are eligible to apply for expungement.
However, some states have specific restrictions and may not allow expungement for certain types of crimes, such as sex offenses or DUI.
It’s important to note that expungements do not erase the conviction from an individual’s record permanently.
In certain circumstances, such as in a criminal trial or background check for a government job, the expunged record may still be accessible.
The process of expungement varies depending on the state in which the individual resides.
It’s important to note that the expungement process can be complex and time-consuming. It’s recommended to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through the process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Expungement can provide numerous benefits for individuals who have been convicted of a crime.
Some of the benefits include:
The process of filing for expungement can be complicated and time-consuming.
It is important to work with an attorney who has experience with expungement in your state.
The following are the general steps necessary to file for expungement:
It is important to note that even after expungement, certain government agencies and criminal justice organizations may still have access to your records.
Additionally, some employers and landlords may still be able to find out about your criminal history through background checks.
However, expungement can help to reduce the impact of a criminal record and make it less likely that it will be found by someone.
It’s also important to know that expungement does not restore the rights that may have been lost as a result of a conviction.
For example, if an individual loses their right to vote or own a firearm as a result of a conviction, expungement will not restore those rights.
An expungement is a powerful tool for individuals who have been convicted of a crime and are looking to move on with their lives.
It can help to remove barriers and stigma associated with a criminal record and improve the overall quality of life.
However, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements, the process, and the potential limitations of the expungement process before proceeding.
With the help of expungement, individuals can improve their employment and housing opportunities and experience an overall improvement in their mental and emotional well-being.
Reach out to us today at the Ikerd Law Firm and find out how an experienced expungement attorney can help you clear your name and help you move on with your life without the dark cloud of a criminal record hanging overhead.
To get a record expunged in Lafayette, Louisiana, you must file a petition with the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court or City Court, pay non-refundable fees (often totaling over $500), and serve notice to the District Attorney, Sheriff, and State Police. The process requires specific, standardized forms, usually requiring a five-year waiting period for misdemeanor convictions after sentence completion.
To get a felony expunged in Louisiana, you generally must be a first offender, have completed your sentence (including probation/parole) at least 10 years ago, and have no new convictions or pending charges. The process requires filing a Motion for Expungement with the court of conviction, which involves paying fees, though some costs may be waived.
A misdemeanor record can be expunged in Louisiana if five years have passed since the crime, and the offender has paid all dues and served all time associated with it. Sex crimes and domestic battery crimes are not eligible for an expungement.
Some felonies and violent crimes, as outlined under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:2(B), are ineligible for expungement. In Louisiana, these non-expungeable charges include: Sex crimes: These include rape, sexual battery, indecent behavior with a juvenile, sex trafficking, and prostitution involving minors.
Beginning January 1, 2025, a defendant may submit a request through the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information for expungement through the automated process. The form shall contain the defendant’s name, date of birth, last four digits of their social security number, arrest date, and case number.
