In Louisiana, while a felony conviction generally remains on your record, it is possible for certain felony convictions to be expunged, meaning they can be removed from public view, making them less accessible to employers, landlords, and the general public. However, not all felonies are eligible for this process, and strict conditions apply.
Understanding Expungement in Louisiana
Expungement is the legal process by which a record of a criminal conviction or arrest is sealed or removed from public access. While it doesn't erase the conviction entirely (it may still be accessible by law enforcement or for specific legal purposes), it significantly limits who can see it.
Eligibility for Felony Expungement
For a felony conviction to be considered for expungement in Louisiana, specific criteria must be met:
- Time Elapsed: A period of 10 years must have passed since the completion of your sentence or probation period for the felony conviction.
- Clean Record: You must have no subsequent convictions or pending charges for any criminal offense since the original felony conviction. This demonstrates a period of law-abiding behavior.
Felonies That Cannot Be Expunged
It's crucial to understand that many serious felonies are explicitly ineligible for expungement under Louisiana law. These include:
- Crimes of Violence: Offenses classified as crimes of violence.
- Domestic Abuse Battery: Convictions related to domestic abuse.
- Crimes Involving Minors: Offenses where a minor was the victim or involved.
- Certain Drug Offenses: Specific drug-related convictions are also excluded from expungement eligibility.
If your felony falls into one of these categories, it cannot be expunged in Louisiana, regardless of the time passed or your subsequent record.
Why Expungement Matters
Having a felony conviction on your public record can significantly impact various aspects of your life, including:
- Employment Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can be a major barrier to securing a job.
- Housing: Landlords often run background checks, and a criminal record can make it difficult to rent an apartment or home.
- Professional Licenses: Certain professions require state licenses, which may be denied or revoked due to a felony conviction.
- Public Perception: A public record can affect personal reputation and social interactions.
Expungement offers a chance for individuals who have served their time and demonstrated rehabilitation to move forward without the constant burden of their past conviction being publicly accessible. However, it's not a guarantee and depends entirely on meeting the strict legal requirements.
