Louisiana Expungement Laws 2026
Louisiana expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in Louisiana.
Louisiana allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Expungement", governed by La. R.S. 15:578.
Automatic record clearing in Louisiana
Yes — Louisiana clears or seals many eligible records automatically, without a separate petition. Louisiana expunges eligible records by petition and automatically seals certain arrest records that were not prosecuted.
At a glance
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Expungement |
| Statute | La. R.S. 15:578 |
| Automatic clearing? | Yes — many eligible records clear automatically |
| Waiting period | Automatic for some arrests; 5-10 years for convictions |
| Eligible records | Acquittals and arrests not prosecuted; some convictions |
| Process | Automatic sealing of some arrests; petition for convictions |
Who is eligible
Acquittals and arrests not prosecuted; some convictions.
How the process works
Automatic sealing of some arrests; petition for convictions.
Source and last verified
Statute: La. R.S. 15:578. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the Louisiana records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the relief is called "Expungement", governed by La. R.S. 15:578.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in Louisiana?
Automatic for some arrests; 5-10 years for convictions.
Who can clear a record in Louisiana?
Acquittals and arrests not prosecuted; some convictions.
Does Louisiana clear records automatically?
Yes — under Louisiana law, many eligible records are sealed or cleared automatically without a petition. Louisiana expunges eligible records by petition and automatically seals certain arrest records that were not prosecuted.