HOW DO I EXPUNGE MY RECORD?
An expungement removes a person's criminal arrest or conviction from the public record. This means that when potential employers or landlords run a background check on you, it will not show that you have been arrested or convicted of a crime. Only law enforcement agencies will have access to your expunged records.
ELIGIBILITY
You may eligible to have your criminal record expunged if:
- Your case was dismissed
- A motion to quash was granted
- Time limitations for instituting prosecution have expired
- You were convicted of a misdemeanor and 5 years have passed since the end of your sentence
- You were convicted of a felony and 10 years have passed since the end of your sentence
- You were found guilty and sentenced under Article 893 or 894 and the charge was dismissed upon completion of all of the terms of your probation
- The prosecution refused to prosecute
- You received a first offender's pardon
The following crimes are ineligible for expungement:
- Sex crimes
- Domestic abuse battery
- Crimes of violence
- Crimes involving a minor who is under the age of 17
- Distribution or manufacturing of any drug or controlled substance
PROCESS
In order to get a record expunged, you must file a motion to expunge to the court along with a background check that was completed within 60 days from the filing date. In addition, there is a filing fee that generally ranges from $550 and $700.
The prosecution has 60 days to object to the motion. If there is no objection, the expungement is granted. If there is an objection, the court will hold a hearing to determine whether to grant the expungement.
Total Price
Attorney Fee: $1000
Filing Fees: Usually $550 but can be up to $700 for certain charges.
Total Price: $1550-$1700
