What Parents Need to Know About Criminal Records and Expungement in Louisiana

📁 “Will This Follow Them for the Rest of Their Life?”

That's the question we hear from almost every parent who calls us — whether their child is 16 and in high school, or 19 and in college. And it's the right question to ask.

Because while your child may survive the arrest or court process, what sticks with them is the record. And in Louisiana, not all charges automatically disappear — even for minors.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we help families across Ruston and North Louisiana fight to keep records clean and opportunities open. Here's what every parent should understand about juvenile and adult criminal records — and how they can affect your child's future.

👶 If Your Child Is a Minor (Under 18)

Good news first: juvenile records are not as public as adult records — but they are still records.

What gets recorded?

• Arrests

• Charges filed in juvenile court

• Adjudications (similar to a conviction)

• Probation or detention outcomes

Can juvenile records be expunged?

Yes — in many cases. In Louisiana:

• Nonviolent juvenile offenses are often eligible for expungement after a waiting period (usually 6 months to 1 year after completion of the case).

• Violent offenses may require more time and court approval.

But here's the catch: it doesn't happen automatically.
You must petition the court, and it's best done with a lawyer who understands the process.

⚠️ Many parents are shocked to learn their child's record is still accessible to law enforcement, courts, and even some colleges or employers years later — all because they never filed for expungement.

🎓 If Your Child Is 18 or Older (College Student)

Adult charges are a whole different ballgame. Once your child turns 18:

• Any arrest, charge, or conviction becomes public record

• Employers, landlords, professional licensing boards, and schools can find this information

• Even dismissed charges or “minor” offenses (like disturbing the peace, first-time drug possession, or shoplifting) may show up

Can adult records be expunged?

Yes — but only if:

• The case was dismissed, refused, or they were found not guilty, or

• They completed probation or deferred sentencing under certain eligible statutes

There are waiting periods, court fees, and technical requirements. And not all charges are eligible.

We help college students:

• Seal their record after dismissals

• File for expungement after first-offense resolutions

• Avoid convictions entirely through strategic defense or diversion

🧠 Why This Matters More Than You Think

Even if the punishment felt small — a fine, a court class, community service — the paper trail could impact:

• Internships and job applications

• Scholarships and financial aid

• Housing or lease approval

• Graduate school or professional licensing

• Military service or security clearance

And in small communities and college towns like Ruston, word gets around fast.

🛡️ What Lawrence Law Firm Does to Protect Your Child's Future

We don't just show up in court. We think five steps ahead.

For every juvenile or young adult case, we work to:

• Prevent convictions through early negotiation and diversion

• Argue for dismissals when appropriate

• File expungements when the law allows

• Make sure your child's record doesn't become a barrier to their goals

📞 Don't Let One Mistake Define Your Child's Future

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense attorney in Ruston who understands how to protect your child's reputation and opportunities — not just get through court.
🖥️ Or [schedule a confidential consultation] now.

Clean records don't happen automatically. Let us help make it happen.

🔜 Up Next in the Series:

Post #9: How to Talk to Your Child About an Arrest

The blog published by Lawrence Law Firm is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Artificial Intelligence has been used to assist in formatting, topic selection, and organization, and while this information has been reviewed an attorney, this article should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.