A criminal expungement is a legal process that effectively erases or seals a persons criminal record, making it inaccessible to the general public or certain entities. It involves filing a petition with the court to request the removal of the criminal conviction from official records.

If the expungement is granted, the record is either destroyed or placed in a sealed file, rendering it inaccessible in most background checks.

Expungement offers individuals the opportunity to have their past criminal offenses hidden from public view, allowing them to present themselves as if the conviction never occurred. It can provide a fresh start, enabling individuals to pursue employment, housing, education, and other opportunities without the burden of a criminal record.

Any felony, other than those listed below, is eligible for expungement:

(1) A crime of violence as provided in Section 97-3-2;

(2) Arson, first degree as provided in Sections 97-17-1 and 97-17-3;

(3) Trafficking in controlled substances as provided in Section 41-29-139;

(4) A third, fourth or subsequent offense DUI as provided in Section 63-11-30(2)(c) and

(2)(d)

(5) Felon in possession of a firearm as provided in Section 97-37-5;

(6) Failure to register as a sex offender as provided in Section 45-33-33;

(7) Voyeurism as provided in Section 97-29-61;

(8) Witness intimidation as provided in Section 97-9-113;

(9) Abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable person as provided in Section 43-47-19

(10) Embezzlement as provided in Sections 97-11-25 and 97-23-19.

An individual may petition the Circuit Court for an expungement of (1) felony conviction (5)

years after successful completion of all the terms and conditions of their sentence.

Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor that is not a traffic violation or a crime

against a person,and who is a first offender, may petition the court in which the conviction was

had for an order to expunge any such conviction from all public records.

An expungement for a misdemeanor conviction may be filed immediately after the completion of

the terms and conditions of their sentence.

If you have an old conviction that’s holding you back, please contact our office today to see if

you qualify to have your conviction expunged.