Does a mistake from your youth still haunt you? Perhaps you were never convicted of a crime but your arrest still appears in background checks and Internet searches. If your criminal record is holding you back from pursuing employment opportunities or housing, an expungement might be your best bet for turning over a new leaf.
Our New Orleans expungement attorney fights for his clients to reap the benefits of a clean slate. Our firm believes that people deserve fairness and second chances. Here’s a rundown on how expungements work and the benefits they offer our clients.
What is an expungement, exactly?
An expungement can remove public records of certain types of criminal convictions and arrests. Having an arrest or conviction removed from your record can help you pass background checks, earn certain professional licenses, and sign a lease for a house or apartment. Receiving an expungement is a complicated process and it’s best to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process.
Who is eligible for an expungement?
Everyone’s situation is different and some records cannot be expunged. Typical instances where records can be expunged include:
- Arrests where charges were dropped
- Court cases that were dismissed
- Trials that resulted in not-guilty verdicts and you were proven innocent
- Probation sentences that were completed successfully
- Jail sentences that are more than 10 years old
- Cases where offenders received “First Time Offender” pardons
What are the benefits of expungement?
There is an array of ways that receiving an expungement can benefit you in the State of Louisiana. First, an expungement gives you a clean slate when it comes to applying for jobs and housing. Once a record is expunged, it will no longer show up in criminal background checks when you pursue new employment or housing opportunities. In fact, if you receive an expungement for a criminal arrest or offense, you can legally say that you’ve never been convicted of a crime.
An added benefit to receiving expungements is that you can have some of your rights restored, including the right to pursue professional licenses. Some examples of professions that require clean backgrounds include dentistry, nursing, teaching, social work, emergency medical services, and criminal justice positions.
What are the types of criminal arrests and offenses that can be expunged?
A number of criminal arrests, charges, and convictions can be expunged including:
- Trespassing
- Theft
- Identity theft
- Unlawful possession of firearms
- Drug possession
- Hit and run auto accidents
- DWI
- Prostitution
- Disturbing the peace
- Resisting arrest
How do I know if I'm eligible for an expungement?
Receiving an expungement is a complicated process that can take four to six months. If you’re curious as to whether you are eligible for an expungement, we recommend filling out our complimentary expungement eligibility form. If you’re eligible, our team will contact you. Our firm, Crescent City Law offers flat fees for expungements, which include court costs.
If you are interested in pursuing an expungement, contact our office at (504) 264-9492 to consult with an experienced member of our team. We serve clients in and around New Orleans, Louisiana.
