How Much Does an Expungement Cost in Louisiana? Breakdown of Mandatory State and Court Fees
In Louisiana, filing for an expungement requires a mandatory, non-refundable filing fee of $550 under La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983, plus any specific local parish administrative costs.
Having a criminal record in Louisiana can severely limit your housing options, employment prospects, and educational opportunities. Fortunately, state law allows for the clearing of certain arrest and conviction records through a process called expungement. However, unlike some states where clearing your record is virtually free, Louisiana is notorious for having some of the highest statutory expungement fees in the country. Understanding exactly where your money goes is the first step toward reclaiming your future.
Because the filing fees are non-refundable-meaning you lose the money if your paperwork is filled out incorrectly or if you are legally ineligible-navigating this process without professional help is incredibly risky. You can browse our US Lawyers Directory to find an experienced local attorney who can ensure your expungement is filed flawlessly.
The Mandatory $550 Fee Breakdown
Under La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983, the State of Louisiana requires a baseline, mandatory fee of $550 to process a standard expungement. This amount is not kept by one single agency; rather, it is divided among the various law enforcement and judicial branches that must update their databases to seal your record. When you file your Form CCRP Art. 989, Louisiana, District Court, Motion for Expungement, you are typically required to bring separate money orders to the clerk to cover these exact splits.
The Louisiana State Police Fee
The largest portion of the mandatory fee goes to the Louisiana State Police, Baton Rouge. They receive $250 to process the background check, update the central state database, and communicate the expungement to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This step ensures your record will not show up on standard employment background checks.
The District Attorney and Clerk Fees
The remaining $300 is divided among local agencies. The local District Attorney's office receives $50 to review your file and confirm you are eligible. The local arresting agency (such as the local police department or sheriff's office) receives $50 to physically pull your arrest file and seal it. Finally, the local Clerk of Court receives $200 for processing the paperwork, scheduling the hearing, and managing the court's administrative duties.
Differences Across Major Parishes
While the $550 fee is mandated by state law, the exact final cost can vary depending on where you were arrested. Individual parishes often add their own small administrative processing fees. For example, filing an expungement at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, New Orleans may come with additional filing surcharges that bring the total closer to $600. Conversely, filing at the 19th Judicial District Court, Baton Rouge in East Baton Rouge Parish may have a slightly different fee structure for postage and certified mailings required to serve the agencies. Always check with the specific clerk of court before obtaining your money orders.
Hidden Costs: Fingerprinting and Certified Copies
Beyond the strict filing fees, applicants must account for hidden costs. Louisiana requires you to submit an official background check from the state police alongside your petition, which often requires you to pay for fingerprinting services (usually around $10 to $20) and a processing fee for the background check itself (approximately $26). Furthermore, if you need certified copies of your original case disposition to prove you completed your sentence, the clerk of court will charge you a per-page fee, which can easily add another $20 to $50 to your total expenses.
Lawyer Retainer vs. DIY Costs
Attempting a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) expungement will cost you roughly $600 to $650 in hard costs. However, if you make a mistake, you forfeit the $550 filing fee completely. Hiring a private criminal defense attorney in Louisiana to handle your expungement usually involves a flat fee. Most lawyers charge between $750 and $1,500 for their services, not including the state filing fees. While this increases the overall cost, a lawyer helps ensure that the complex paperwork is accurately prepared, attends any mandatory hearings on your behalf, and deals directly with uncooperative prosecutors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I get a refund if the judge denies my expungement?
No. Under Louisiana law, the $550 filing fee covers the administrative cost of processing the application and investigating your eligibility. If your petition is denied because you are ineligible or filled out the forms wrong, you will not receive a refund.
Can I pay the $550 with a personal check?
Generally, no. Most Louisiana Clerks of Court require the fees to be paid in the form of separate money orders or cashier's checks made out precisely to the individual agencies (LSP, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Clerk).
Does the fee change if I want to expunge multiple arrests?
Yes. The $550 fee is typically charged per arrest date. If you have three separate arrests on three different dates, you generally must file three separate expungement motions and pay the fee three times, though some courts may consolidate cases if they stem from the exact same incident.
Are DWI/DUI expungements more expensive?
Yes. If you are expunging an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), you are required to pay an additional $50 fee to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Baton Rouge so they can update your driving record, bringing the base state fee to $600.
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