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Expungement Lawyers in Shreveport Helping Individuals Manage Their Criminal History

If you have been convicted of a criminal offense, achieving your life goals may be difficult. In today’s modern world, a potential employer can quickly run a background check to determine if you have an arrest record or criminal convictions.

Criminal arrests and felony convictions can also prevent you from legally owning a firearm, serving in the military, attending the higher learning institution of your choice, or possibly obtaining a loan. Even a misdemeanor can negatively impact your life, especially if the charge involves theft.

Therefore, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands expungement laws and can determine if your case meets the criteria for expungement.

Whiddon Criminal Defense of Shreveport, Louisiana, is a law firm dedicated to helping individuals through the expungement process. If you would like to learn how we may be able to assist you with managing your criminal record, contact our law office to schedule a free initial consultation.

What is the Expungement Process in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana law, an individual may petition to have their criminal record expunged under certain circumstances. However, it is essential to note that an expungement of a criminal record does not mean the arrest never happened. Instead, an expungement removes the arrest record from public access but is still visible to law enforcement and the court system.
Three types of arrest records may be eligible for expungement which include:

However, each situation that is eligible for expungement comes with its own set of rules and potential challenges. For example, most felony charges are not eligible for expungement until at least 10 years have passed and the applicant has not been convicted of any other offense. Additionally, suppose you have a misdemeanor conviction and were sentenced to probation. At least 5 years must have passed to be eligible for expungement, and you can have no pending felony charges or previous convictions.

To better understand expungement law, contact a lawyer like those from Whiddon Criminal Defense, who can determine if your arrest record is eligible for expungement.

What Crimes Are Not Eligible For Expungement?

Although Louisiana allows individuals convicted of certain criminal offenses to petition for expungement, several offenses cannot be expunged from a person’s record. These criminal offenses include:

  • Any type of sex offense, such as sexual assault or rape.
  • Human trafficking
  • Domestic violence convictions
  • Home invasion
  • Kidnapping
  • Any criminal offense that pertains to murder.
  • Armed robbery.
  • Carjacking or drive-by shootings

Generally speaking, most felony convictions are challenging to expunge. However, depending on the circumstances involved in the crime, the defendant may meet eligibility requirements after a specific amount of time has passed. This being the case, you must speak with a knowledgeable expungement attorney who can inform you of your legal options.
Our law firm takes pride in the fact that we are upfront and honest with clients about what we can do as far as helping them with expungements. We will never lead you on or make you believe we can provide legal services if you are ineligible.

Do I Have to Hire an Expungement Attorney to Have My Record Expunged?

While no law states that you must hire an attorney to help you with filing for an expungement, it is in your best interest to do so. The expungement process can be overly complex and challenging to try and navigate independently.

One of the most significant aspects of hiring an expungement attorney is that they can review your criminal record to ensure you are eligible to file a petition. Determining your eligibility ahead of time helps individuals save time and money. The filing fees for an expungement petition are $550 and are non-refundable. Consulting with an attorney can ensure that the potential applicant meets all necessary requirements.

Additionally, a considerable amount of legal paperwork is involved in filing a petition for expungement. The petition may be denied if the paperwork is filled out incorrectly or if it is missing information. However, expungement lawyers are familiar with the legal forms and can ensure they are filled out correctly and turned in promptly.
Whiddon Criminal Defense is proud to offer legal services to help those interested in potentially expunging their criminal record. Contact our lawyers to learn more about how we may be able to help.

Why Should I Consider Hiring Your Lawyers to Help Me With an Expungement Legal Issue?

Whiddon Criminal Defense is a law firm that recognizes that good people can make poor choices that can negatively impact their lives. Our legal staff strives to treat each client with the compassion and integrity they deserve as they try to begin the next chapter of their lives.

Louisiana is unlike many states that do not allow felons to be expunged. Instead, there are certain circumstances where a person who has been convicted of a felony can apply to have their criminal history removed from public view.

Therefore, if you have been arrested but would like to determine if you are eligible for an expungement, contact our law office immediately. Our expungement lawyers have extensive experience and an understanding of how the law is structured and will work diligently on your behalf.

Our legal team will review your criminal offense and the sentence you received to determine available legal options.
Contact Whiddon Criminal Defense of Shreveport, Louisiana, at 318-594-4565 and ask to schedule a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. A qualified legal team member will gladly assist you and answer any questions.