Complete Guide to Criminal Record Expungement by State

Criminal record expungement can provide a fresh start for individuals with past convictions by legally removing or sealing their criminal records.

This process can significantly improve job prospects for felons, housing opportunities, and overall quality of life.

However, expungement laws vary significantly from state to state.

This guide provides detailed information about the laws for criminal record expungement in every state.

Also, check out our Complete Guide To Criminal Record Expungement For Felons.

Alabama

Eligibility: Non-violent felonies, misdemeanors, and arrests not resulting in conviction.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, two years for misdemeanors.
Process: Petition to the court with a filing fee.

Alaska

Eligibility: Alaska does not allow expungement but offers pardons for certain offenses.
Process: Apply for a pardon from the governor.

Arizona

Eligibility: Set-aside (similar to expungement) for certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Completion of sentence, including probation.
Process: Petition the court to set aside the conviction.

Arkansas

Eligibility: Misdemeanors, certain felonies, and arrests not resulting in conviction.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, no waiting period for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

California

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies that did not result in a prison sentence.
Waiting Period: Completion of probation or one year after sentencing.
Process: Petition the court for dismissal.

Colorado

Eligibility: Arrest records, certain misdemeanors, and felonies.
Waiting Period: Three years for misdemeanors, five years for felonies.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Connecticut

Eligibility: Misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Delaware

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Florida

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: Petition the court with a certificate of eligibility.

Georgia

Eligibility: Restriction and sealing of certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Four years for felonies, two years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Hawaii

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Idaho

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Illinois

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Indiana

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Iowa

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Kansas

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Kentucky

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Louisiana

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Maine

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Maryland

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Massachusetts

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Michigan

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Minnesota

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Mississippi

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Missouri

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Montana

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Nebraska

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Nevada

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

New Hampshire

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

New Jersey

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

New Mexico

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

New York

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

North Carolina

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

North Dakota

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Ohio

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Oklahoma

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Oregon

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Pennsylvania

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Rhode Island

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

South Carolina

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

South Dakota

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Tennessee

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Texas

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Utah

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Vermont

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Virginia

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Washington

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

West Virginia

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Wisconsin

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Wyoming

Eligibility: Certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Waiting Period: Five years for felonies, three years for misdemeanors.
Process: File a petition with the court.

Should I Try To Expunge Record If I Have A Felony?

Criminal record expungement laws vary widely across the United States.

Understanding the specific requirements and processes in your state is crucial to navigating the expungement process successfully.

If you are considering expunging your criminal record, consult with a legal professional to guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Expungement can provide a fresh start and open up new opportunities for employment, housing, and career opportunities.