• Section 1 categorizes jurisdictions by the availability of relief for convictions.
• Section 2 categorizes jurisdictions with automatic record clearing laws.
• Section 3 categorizes jurisdictions by the relief process for non-convictions.
• Section 4 lists jurisdictions with judicial certificates of relief.
• Section 5 provides a 50-state chart comparing record relief law across jurisdictions.
• Section 6 provides state-by-state summaries of record relief law, with links to more detailed analysis and legal citations.

1.  Authority for expunging, sealing, or setting aside convictions

Updated: October 2021

Note: Even if misdemeanor and/or felony relief is generally available, various offenses are generally ineligible.  Conversely, states categorized as having no court sealing or set-aside may make relief available to limited categories of convictions (e.g., youthful drug convictions, convictions of human trafficking victims) and nearly all authorize sealing of at least some non-conviction records.

Broader felony & misdemeanor relief (14)	Limited felony & misdemeanor relief (23)	Misdemeanors & pardoned felonies (5)	Misdemeanor relief (3, D.C.)	No general sealing or set-aside+ (5, federal)
Arizona^	California*	Alabama	D.C.***	Federal
Arkansas	Connecticut**	Georgia	Iowa	Alaska
Colorado	Delaware	Pennsylvania	Montana	Florida
Illinois	Idaho (no sealing)	South Dakota	South Carolina	Hawaii
Indiana	Kentucky	Texas		Maine
Kansas	Louisiana			Wisconsin
Massachusetts	Maryland
Michigan	Mississippi
Minnesota	Missouri
Nevada	Nebraska (no sealing)**
New Hampshire	New Jersey
New Mexico	New York
North Dakota	North Carolina
Washington	Ohio
	Oklahoma
	Oregon
	Rhode Island
	Tennessee
	Utah
	Vermont
	Virginia++
	West Virginia
	Wyoming

^* In California, effective August 1, 2022, the court records of set-aside convictions will be sealed, retroactive to 1973.
^** Nebraska‘s set-aside authority for does not result in sealing, but its pardoned convictions may be sealed by the court. In Connecticut pardoned convictions are eligible for “erasure”, and its new automatic record relief law will “erase” certain felonies and most misdemeanors when it goes into effect in 2023.
^*** In D.C., the only felony offense eligible for relief is a felony failure to appear.
⁺ Some of these jurisdictions have narrow specialized authorities for expunging, sealing, or setting aside convictions.
⁺⁺ In Virginia, new sealing legislation, enacted in April 2021, will be effective in 2025 or earlier. See HB 2113 (2021).
^{^} Arizona‘s first general authority to seal misdemeanor and felony conviction records was enacted in 2021, and is effective in 2023.  Until then, its only record relief is a broad set-aside authority.  Also, effective July 2, 2021, courts must, upon petition, expunge certain marijuana possession, consumption, transportation, and cultivation offenses.

2.  Automatic record clearing

Laws authorizing automatic expungement, sealing, or confidentiality of adult criminal records

Updated: November 2021

Note: A number of these laws have been enacted recently but have not yet been implemented or become effective. “Misdemeanors” and “felonies” refers to convictions. Although not noted in the chart, a number of laws covering misdemeanor and/or felony convictions also cover infractions and/or violations. Finally this chart does not cover laws sealing juvenile records.

A range of non-convictions, misdemeanors & certain felonies (5)	A range of non-convictions & misdemeanors (2)	Certain minor misdemeanors (2)	Certain marijuana-related records (4)	A range of non-convictions+ (8)
California*	Pennsylvania	South Dakota	Illinois	Alaska
Connecticut*	Utah	Virginia**	New Mexico	Kentucky
Michigan			Vermont***	Maryland
New Jersey*			New York^	Massachusetts
Delaware				Nebraska
				New Hampshire
				North Carolina
				South Carolina

⁺ In addition, four states (GA, FL, ME, MT) have authorized automatic sealing, expungement, or confidentiality for non-conviction records held by state criminal justice agencies, but not the corresponding court records. More details on non-conviction record relief are in the Chart #3 of this section.
* California, Connecticut, and New Jersey have also enacted laws providing for marijuana-specific automatic record clearing. In the case of CA and NJ, a range of marijuana misdemeanor and felony offenses are covered. In the case of CT, certain marijuana misdemeanor offenses are covered. More details on marijuana record relief are here.
^** Virginia has also authorized automatic relief for certain marijuana-related misdemeanor offenses and certain non-convictions, although none of Virginia’s automatic relief authorities are scheduled to go into effect before 2025.
^*** Vermont has also authorized automatic relief for non-convictions and certain motor vehicle-related violations.
^{^} New York also provides for the automatic sealing of non-convictions.

3.  Process for expunging or sealing adult non-conviction records

Updated: October 2021

Automatic relief+ (17)	Expedited at disposition++ or upon admin. request (6)	Court petition (less burdensome/ restrictive) (15)	Court petition (more burdensome/ restrictive)* (9, D.C.)	n/a (3, federal)
Alaska	Colorado	Arizona	Alabama	Federal
California**	Delaware	Arkansas	D.C.	Maine***
Connecticut	Hawaii	Georgia***	Florida@@	Montana***
Kentucky	Idaho	Indiana	Iowa	Wisconsin***
Maryland	Illinois	Louisiana	Kansas
Massachusetts^	Mississippi	Minnesota	Missouri
Michigan		Nevada	North Dakota
Nebraska		New Mexico	South Dakota
New Hampshire		Ohio	Washington
New Jersey		Oregon	West Virginia@
New York		Oklahoma@
North Carolina**		Rhode Island
Pennsylvania		Tennessee
South Carolina^^		Texas
Utah		Wyoming
Vermont
Virginia**

⁺ These automatic relief mechanisms are not always: they may be prospective only or exclude certain dispositions.  In several states, uncharged arrests are not covered, and require the filing of a court petition to obtain relief.
⁺⁺ Where relief is expedited at disposition, uncharged arrests (and older cases) typically require the filing of a court petition to obtain relief.
^* Often, more burdensome procedural requirements apply, such as waiting periods, document collection, service of process, filing fees, contested hearings, discretionary review. In addition, a number of these states make certain non-convictions wholly ineligible for relief because of the person’s past record, the nature of the charges, or the type of disposition.
^** Enacted legislation in these states will, once effective, provide automatic relief for a range of non-conviction records: many California arrests occurring after January 1, 2021 (implementation was delayed until July 1, 2022); many North Carolina charges disposed of on or after December 1, 2021; and many Virginia charges disposed after the new law becomes effective (July 1, 2025 or earlier). See state profiles for more details.
^*** State criminal justice records, but not court records, are subject to a sealing, expungement, or confidentiality process (automatic in Florida, Maine, and Montana; by request in Wisconsin).
^{^} In Massachusetts, certain non-conviction records are sealed automatically, and others are subject to a discretionary court decision.
^{^^} In South Carolina, relief is only automatic in Magistrate or Municipal Court.
^@ Oklahoma and West Virginia require that the person has never been convicted of a felony.
^@@ Florida also has an automatic non-conviction sealing process for state criminal justice records, but not court records.

4.  Judicial certificates of relief

Updated: July 2021

Judicial certificates of relief (13)

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Illinois

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Rhode Island

Tennessee

Vermont

Washington

5.  50-state comparison of record relief policies

Updated: October 2021

State	General authority (incl. some felonies)	Misdemeanors only	Deferred adjudication	Other specialized authorities	Pardoned convictions	Juvenile records	Non-conviction records
AL	Ala. Code § 15-27-1(b) authorizes expungement of non-violent non-sexual misdemeanors, violations and municipal ordinances; §15-27-2(c) authorizes expungement of pardoned non-violent, non-sexual felonies. Crimes of moral turpitude for disenfranchisement purposes are also excluded.		Expungement of misdemeanors and non-violent felonies that did not result in conviction, including felony cases where charges dismissed after successful completion of a drug court program, mental health court program, diversion program, veteran’s court program, “or any court-approved deferred prosecution program after one year from successful completion of the program.” See Ala. Code § 15-27-1 (misdemeanors); § 15-27-2 (felonies). In addition, following a guilty finding, adjudication may be withheld except for certain drug trafficking offenses, § 13A-12-232, which may lead to dismissal of the charges, including through pretrial diversion. See Ex parte Eason, 929 So.2d 992 (Ala. 2005); § 45-9-82.29.	Expungement for victims of human trafficking convicted of misdemeanors, and of felonies including some designated as violent (prostitution, domestic violence, child pornography). Ala. Code §§ 15-27-1, 15-27-2.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Records of most delinquency adjudications sealed after final discharge or court order if no pending criminal proceedings. May petition to have records destroyed five years after age of majority. Ala. Code §§ 12-15-136, 12-15-137.	Courts may on petition expunge non-conviction records of felony and misdemeanor charges, including cases where charges dismissed after completion of court-approved diversionary program. In 2021, authority expanded to cover violent felonies. Records remain available to government regulatory or licensing agencies, utilities, banks and financial institutions. Ala. Code §§ 15-27-1, -2. State record repository must remove arrest record from rap sheet after 30 days if not charged or if cleared of the offense. Ala. Code § 41-9-625.
AK	No authority to expunge or seal adult convictions.		Court may suspend imposition of sentence and set aside conviction after successful completion of probation for certain offenses. Alaska Stat. § 12.55.085; § 12.55.078. No conviction results and court records may not be published online, § 22.35.030, but no authority to seal. May not be used as predicate, but limited use for enhancement of sentence.		No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Records of juvenile adjudications are generally confidential and unavailable to the public, and most may be sealed by court at age 18 or release of jurisdiction if later. Alaska Stat. § 47.12.300(c), (e). Records of juveniles charged as adults may be sealed five years after completion of sentence   If charged as adult, most juvenile records sealed five years after completed sentence or after records made public. § 47.12.300(f).	Non-conviction records generally unavailable to the public. Alaska Stat. § 12.62.160(b)(8), . Sealing of non-conviction records only in case of mistaken identity or false accusation. § 12.62.180(b). Courts may not publish online records of cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal. § 22.35.030.
AZ	Effective December 31, 2022, misdemeanors and all but violent and sexual felonies may be sealed after a waiting period ranging from two to ten years after completion of sentence and payment of court debt. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-911. Set-aside is also available upon discharge for all but violent and sex offenses. Relieves collateral consequences, but does not seal record and conviction must be disclosed. Serves as predicate. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-907. In 2021, Arizona authorized courts to issue a Certificate to Second Chance to a person whose conviction has been set-aside. Waiting periods apply for class 2-6 felonies. Class 1 felonies are ineligible.		Courts are authorized to establish drug court programs, where people may be offered diversion. See Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3422. If a person admitted to the program fails to comply with the terms of participation, they may be found guilty and the judgment deferred by the court. If the person succeeds, the charges are dismissed. No sealing is authorized.	Prostitution convictions of victims of human trafficking may be vacated, do not serve as prior, and need not be reported unless fingerprint background check authorized.  No hearing unless prosecutor objects.   § 13-907.01 (E) and (F).   Effective July 2, 2021, courts must, upon petition, expunge arrests, charges, and convictions for certain marijuana offenses. § 36-2862.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	If 18 years or older, may apply to set aside juvenile adjudication upon discharge from probation or absolute discharge for certain offenses. Predicate effect. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 8-348; 8-207, 13-501.	Effective December 31, 2022, non-conviction records may be sealed, Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-9011. Until then, the only authority is in cases where someone has been wrongfully arrested or charged. § 13-4051.
AR	Minor felonies and drug convictions eligible for sealing after 5 yrs. if no more than one prior felony. Misdemeanors eligible immediately after completion of sentence. Serious violent and sexual offenses ineligible. Sealed conviction "shall be deemed as a matter of law never to have occurred, and the person may state that the underlying conduct did not occur and that a record of the person that was sealed does not exist." Predicate effect. Ark Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq.		Deferred adjudication for first-time offenders may lead to sealing (serious violent felonies and certain sex offenses ineligible). Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-93-303, 16-93-314 (b). Pre-adjudication probation program established by court. Both court and prosecutor must agree on admission. Ark. Code Ann. § 5-4-901 et seq.	Sealing of prostitution convictions for victims of human trafficking. Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1412. Sealing is mandatory so long as the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the conviction was the result of being a victim of human trafficking. In addition to restoring the individual’s rights in the manner specified above, the petitioner’s name is redacted from all records and files related to arrest and conviction.	If ineligible for sealing may seek pardon, which results in automatic sealing for all but a few serious offenses. Ark Code Ann. § 16-90-1411.	For most offenses, may apply to set aside adjudications upon majority if discharged from probation or absolute discharge and no subsequent conviction or pending charge. Ark. Rev. Stat. § 8-348. Set-aside relieves penalties and disabilities, with exceptions for those imposed by Dept. of Transportation.	Arrest records "shall" be sealed on petition to court if no charges are filed within one year, § 16-90-1409, if charges dismissed, or if no conviction obtained. § 16-90-1410. See § 16-90-1415.
CA	Courts may issue certificates of rehabilitation for state law offenses, which affect consideration for employment, operate as first step in pardon process. See Cal. Bus. & Prof. § 480(b) and chart #5. Dismissal of charges or set-aside for probationers, misdemeanants, and minor felony offenders sentenced to county jail. Certain minor felonies may be reduced to misdemeanors and become eligible for set-aside/dismissal. Rights restored and use limited in certain contexts, but does not seal or limit public access. May be used as predicate offense and disclosed in certain contexts. Cal. Penal. §§ 1203.4; 1203.4a; 1203.41. Effective January 1, 2021, a new automatic process will take effect for eligible convictions occurring after that date, with limits on dissemination by courts a repositories. Cal. Penal § 1203.425	Misdemeanors if committed under age 18 may be sealed if otherwise eligible. Cal. Penal § 1203.45(a).	Deferred sentencing for felony convictions, treated as misdemeanors following successful completion of probation. No sealing except for certain under-age misdemeanants. Predicate effect. Cal. Penal §§ 17(b), 1203.4, 1203.4a, 1203.41. Post-plea deferred entry of judgement & probation available for first minor drug offense. See Cal. Penal § 1000, et seq. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges and sealing. § 851.90.	Mandatory sealing for records of decriminalized marijuana offenses. Relief made systematic in 2018. Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11361.9. Automatic purging of possession offenses after two years. § 11361.5. Victims of human trafficking may have any non-violent convictions directly related to trafficking (including but not limited to prostitution) vacated and records sealed and expunged (destroyed) after three years. Cal. Penal § 236.14(a), (k).	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Juvenile records generally confidential, with exceptions for serious offenses. Cal Rules of Court, Rule 5.552. Most adjudications may be sealed, subject to the court's discretion, either 5 years after termination of jurisdiction or immediately upon reaching age 18. Cal. Welf. & Inst. § 781. Additional eligibility requirements for certain serious offenses. Records are confidential and destroyed after 5 years. Misdemeanors if committed under age 18 may be sealed if otherwise eligible. Cal. Penal § 1203.45(a). Juvenile victims of human trafficking may have any non-violent convictions directly related to trafficking vacated and records sealed, and expunged after three years. Cal. Penal § 236.14(j), (k).	Mandatory sealing of eligible non-conviction records upon petition. Cal. Penal § 851.91 (effective January 2018). "Arrest records, police investigative reports, and court records that are sealed under this section shall not be disclosed to any person or entity except the person whose arrest was sealed or a criminal justice agency." § 851.92 Previously, sealing discretionary, concurrence of the prosecuting attorney, order that the records be sealed and destroyed. Cal. Penal § 851.8(d). Pre-trial diversion records sealed after 2 years. § 851.87. Effective January 1, 2022, a new automatic process will take effect for eligible non-convictions occurring after that date. Cal. Penal § 851.93.
CO	Sentencing courts may relieve any collateral consequence ("order of collateral relief"). Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-107. Limits use in employment and licensing. 2019 law authorized sealing for misdemeanors and all but most serious felonies, subject to variable waiting period from 1 to five years, expanding what had previously been available only for select controlled substance offenses committed after 2008. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-706. Uncharged arrests and non-conviction records also added (see far column). May deny conviction in most situations, but records remain available to law enforcement and entities required to conduct background checks. § 24-72-703(4)(d). Felony drug offenses may be knocked down to misdemeanor. § 18-1.3-103.5.		Deferred adjudication, sentencing, and diversion may lead to sealing. Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 24-72-308(1)(a) (deferred adjudication); §§ 18-1.3-101, 24-72-702 (pretrial diversion); 18-1.3-102 (deferred sentencing); § 18-13-122(a) (deferred adjudication/diversion for underage alcohol offenses). Complex civil sealing procedure replaced in 2016 and 2019 with less formal process available from criminal court. § 24-72-705.	Petty offenses and municipal violations (except for traffic offenses). Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-708. Convictions for decriminalized misdemeanor marijuana possession/use, § 24-72-710 (effective August 2017); posting a private image for harassment or pecuniary gain, § 24-72-709; theft of public transportation services by fare evasion, § 24-72-707; underage possession or consumption of alcohol or marijuana, § 18-13-122(13). May deny conviction in most situations. § 24-72-703(4)(d). Victims of human trafficking may have records of prostitution and related convictions sealed on petition, § 24-72-706.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Expungement available for all but serious violent offenses. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 19-1-306. Court must advise at time of sentencing. Automatic for minor offenses, and no significant waiting period otherwise, except for repeat/mandatory sentence offenders. The person and court may indicate that no record exists.	Courts must seal upon request at time of disposition, or later on petition, a criminal record in cases that were resolved through diversion, completely dismissed, or resulted in acquittal (cases that were not charged may only be resolved on petition). Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-705. Expedited process for sealing non-conviction records, including where charges dismissed pursuant to diversion or deferred sentencing (see col. at far left). § 24-72-705. May deny record in most cases. § 24-72-702(f)(I). Arrests resulting from mistaken identity may be expunged if no charges were filed. § 24-72-701.5
CT	Effective January 1, 2023, misdemeanors and less serious felonies will be erased automatically "by operation of law" after a waiting period of seven or ten years after conviction. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142a(e). See also entry for pardoned convictions, which are routinely available in CT and result in "erasure" of record. Erasure prohibits disclosure by government, bars reliance in any subsequent criminal proceeding, and permits the person to swear under oath that the crime never occurred. Erased records destroyed after three years. Employers may not ask about or discriminate based on erased record. §§ 54-142a(e); 31-51i(c) - (f).		Pretrial diversion is authorized for crimes that are “not of a serious nature.” Class C felonies eligible only if the defendant can show “good cause.” Defendant may have no prior convictions involving violence. See § 54-56e. Six programs for deferred adjudication may result in "erasure" of record. May deny conviction; predicate unless records destroyed. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142a. See first column for effect of erasure.	Erasure available for those convicted as "youthful offenders" upon reaching age 21 if no subsequent felony conviction. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-76o. See first column for effect of erasure. Erasure for decriminalized conduct Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142d. Vacation of prostitution conviction on basis of being a victim of trafficking in persons; may lead to erasure as non-conviction record. § 54-95(c).	Pardoned conviction automatically "erased" after 3 years, records physically destroyed; may deny conviction. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142a(d). Pardons routinely available from Board of Pardons and Parole. See first column for effect of erasure.	Juvenile offender at least 17 years of age may petition for erasure of police and court records after 2-4 years, depending on seriousness of offense. Must have no subsequent convictions or pending charges. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-146. See first column for effect of erasure.	Erasure of criminal records where charges have been dismissed or nolled, or where person has been acquitted; may deny arrest under oath. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 54-142a; 31-51i(d). Where the erasure statute applies, a court may proceed on its own motion to dismiss charges, and records will automatically be erased. See first column for effect of erasure. In addition, in no case may "records of arrest, which are not followed by a conviction...be used, distributed or disseminated by the state or any of its agencies in connection with an application for employment or for a permit, license, certificate or registration.” § 46a-80(e). Partial sealing only where some charges nol prossed. § 54-142a(g).
DE	Effective January 1, 2022, some misdemeanors and a few minor felonies become eligible for mandatory expungement upon application to the State Bureau of Identification. This relief will be automated in 2023. Other convictions subject to discretionary expungement. Del. Code tit. 11, § 4374. The SBI may not destroy information identifying a person until a person reaches age eighty, or reaches age seventy-five with no criminal activity listed on the person's record in the past forty years.  Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 8506(c).		Effective December 30, 2019, expungement mandatory in probation before judgment cases where charges dismissed. felonies. See Del. Code tit. 11, §§ 4218, 4373. Also for first offender controlled substances diversion program, tit. 16 § 4767. See also Del. Code Ann. tit. 11 §§ 4372-74 (expungement in non-conviction cases).	A person convicted or adjudicated of any non-violent crime as a direct result of being a victim of human trafficking may file an application for a pardon and expungement; or, the person may file a petition in the court of conviction, and seek expungement under Del. Code Ann. tit. 11 § 43721. Del Code. Ann. tit. 11 § 787(j)(1), (2).	Post December 30, 2019, all pardoned offenses will be eligible for expungement. Del. Code Ann. tit 11, § 4375. Prior to December 30, 2019, expungement was available only for pardoned misdemeanor & violation convictions, and petitioner had to show "manifest injustice."	Mandatory & discretionary expungement for juvenile delinquency records. Del. Code Ann. tit.10, § 1014, et seq.	Mandatory expungement where case results in termination of case in favor of the accused, including in probation before judgement cases. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11 §§ 4372, 4373. An application to the State Bureau of Identification is required to obtain relief. § 4373.
DC	Sealing available only for selected less serious misdemeanors, plus felony failure to appear. See column to right.	Sealing for selected less serious misdemeanors and one felony (failure to appear) after waiting period that depends upon prior record. May deny conviction in most situations; certain law enforcement, court, employer/licensing access. Court must find that sealing “is in the interests of justice" under balancing test. D.C. Code §§ 16-803, 16-806.	Records in deferred sentencing cases may be sealed unless the defendant has prior "disqualifying" arrest or conviction. D.C. Code §§ 16-803(a). Court must find that sealing “is in the interests of justice" under balancing test.	Sealing for cases of actual innocence, see D.C. Code § 16-802; decriminalized conduct, see § 16-803.02. Fugitive from justice arrests may be sealed under § 16-803.01.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Upon majority, sealing after a two-year waiting period with no subsequent convictions. D.C. Code § 16-2335(a).	Court authorized to seal eligible non-conviction records (eligibility the same as for convictions) after waiting period ranging from 2 to 10 years, depending upon prior record; records in deferred sentencing cases may not be sealed at all if prior "disqualifying" arrest or conviction. If record sealed, may deny arrest in most situations; certain law enforcement, court, & employer/licensing access. D.C. Code §§ 16-803, 16-806. Court must find that sealing “is in the interests of justice" under balancing test.
FL	No authority to seal or expunge adult convictions.		Adjudication may be withheld and defendant placed on probation for misdemeanors, and for less serious felonies if requested by prosecutor or if court makes findings of mitigating circumstances; no conviction results and sealing for certain first offenders (no prior record); expungement (destroyed) after 10 years. Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 948.01(2), 943.0585(2)(h), 775.08435; Fla. Crim. P. Rule 3.670.  Sealing defined in § 943045(14); record remains available to law enforcement, certain employment and licensing contexts even after expungement.	Sealing for victims of human trafficking for offenses which offense was committed or reported to have been committed "as a part of the human trafficking scheme of which the person was a victim or at the direction of an operator of the scheme," including, but not limited to prostitution. Fla. Stat. § 943.0583.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Records of juvenile adjudications are generally confidential except for serious offenses. See Fla. Stat. § 985.04(2). Expungement for nonjudicial record of minor's arrest (non-violent, first offense) upon successful completion of diversion program. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 943.0582.  Expungement defined as destruction of record. § 943045(13). Other records may be destroyed by the court after age 24.	Court has discretion to order sealing or expungement of non-conviction records of first offenders, with certain exceptions. Expungement results in destruction of record; sealing permits limited law enforcement, employment, licensing access. Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 943.0585, 943.059.
GA	Per 2020 law, most non-violent misdemeanors eligible for sealing, and pardoned felonies also eligible. Ga. Code Ann. § 35-3-37(j).		Discharge without adjudication after completion of probation under the First Offender Act "completely exonerate[s]" the defendant and has no effect on "civil rights or liberties." Ga. Code Ann. §§ 42-8-60, 42-8-62. Restores firearms privileges. § 16-11-131(f). Limits use of record to deny employment (ex. those dealing with vulnerable populations), § 35-3-34, and since 2016 sealing of court records. § 42-8-62.1,	First offender drug possession convictions may be restricted and sealed. Ga. Code Ann. § 35-3-37(h)(2)(B). A 2020 law authorizes record restriction, sealing, and/or vacatur of convictions of victims of human trafficking, §§ 17-10-21; 35-3-37(j). Sealing also available for juvenile victims of human trafficking (see relevant column to right).	Law enacted in 2020 makes pardoned convictions eligible for record restriction. Ga. Code Ann. § 35-3-37(j)(6).	Sealing upon motion to the court after a two-year waiting period and finding of rehabilitation. Ga. Code Ann. § 15-11-701(b). Records of youthful (under 21) misdemeanor convictions may be "restricted" after five years, making them unavailable to public or licensing boards. § 35-3-37(j)(4)(A). Vacatur and sealing for juvenile victims of human trafficking convicted of "a sexual crime" related to the trafficking. Ga. Code Ann. § 15-11-32(d);  § 15-11-701(c).	If released before indictment or acquitted, public access to record may be "restricted" after waiting period depending on seriousness of charges. Ga. Code Ann. § 35-3-37(h)(1). Records dismissed after a charging instrument is filed are automatically restricted if all charges “were dismissed, nolle prossed, or reduced to a violation of a local ordinance.” § 35-3-37(h)(2)(A). Exceptions apply for certain dispositions. § 35-3-37(i).
HI	No authority to seal or expunge adult convictions.		Deferred adjudication for nonviolent first offenders, Haw. Rev. Stat. § 853-1(e). No conviction results, and expungement after one year upon application to the Attorney General, and to court. § 831-3.2(a)(5), (f). Deferred adjudication for first-time drug possession; expungement if crime committed under age 20. Haw. Rev. Stat.§§ 712-1255, 712-1256,	Convictions for prostitution and related offenses may be vacated on petition after three crime-free years. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 712-1209.6	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Juvenile records confidential and per se sealed. Id. § 571-84(e). Court may expunge juvenile records only if no charges brought or individual held "not responsible." § 571-88(a).	Only criminal justice agencies and agencies authorized by Hawaii's laws may access non-conviction information. In addition, upon application by the affected individual, the Attorney General "shall issue an expungement order annulling" record of arrest if no conviction results. Person "shall be treated as having not been arrested." Haw. Rev. Stat. § 831-3.2(b). Person may apply to the court for expungement of court records. § 831-3.2.(f)
ID	Reduction of felony to misdemeanor after completion of probation, with concurrence of prosecutor if earlier than five years or if crime of violence; offenses requiring sex offender registration not eligible. Idaho Code Ann. § 19-2604(3). No sealing or expungement of record.  Certain sex offenders may petition for "expungement" from registry after 10 years. Idaho Code Ann. § 18-8310.		Set-aside of plea where sentence deferred or suspended upon successful completion of probation, or reduction of felony to misdemeanor conviction; restores rights but no authority for sealing (not applicable to serious violence and sex offenses). Idaho Code Ann. §§ 19-2601, 19-2604(1), (2).	Victims of human trafficking arrested or convicted as a "result of acts induced by human traffickers," may petition "to vacate such conviction and/or to expunge the criminal history records taken in connection with the conviction." Idaho Code Ann. § 67-3014.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Juvenile convictions may be expunged after waiting period (except for serious offenses). Idaho Code Ann. § 20-525A	Non-conviction records may be sealed upon request, except for deferred adjudication. Idaho Code Ann. § 67-3004(10).
IL	Sealing for most misdemeanors and felonies after 3 year waiting period. Exceptions for limited number of serious offenses. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 2630/5.2. Must be disclosed to agencies authorized to conduct background checks. Courts authorized to remove employment and licensing bars through certificate of good conduct. 730 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/5-5.5-55. In addition, consideration of conviction limited for certain licenses where court issues certificate of relief from disabilities. Id. at 5/5-5-5.		Deferred adjudication for first-time non-violent offenders; expungement five years after successful completion of probation. Predicate offense if within five years. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 2630/5.2; 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 570/410, 550/10,5/5-6-3.4.  Record destroyed. §2630/5.2(a)(1)(E). 2014 "Second Chance Probation" leading to expungement available to first time felony offenders charged with minor non-violent drug, fraud or theft felony offenses, 730 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/5-6-3.4.  Yes predicate.	In June 2019, expungement of arrests and convictions for “minor cannabis offenses,” defined as involving not more than 30 grams, either automatic or by petition, Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 2630/5.2(i). Expungement of prostitution convictions by petition, including by DA, authorized in 2021.Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 2630/5.2(j). Immediate sealing for victims of human trafficking upon the completion of his or her last sentence, if his or her participation in the underlying offense was a direct result of human trafficking. Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 2630/5.2(h).	Pardon instrument may authorize expungement. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 2630/5.2(e);2630/5.2(a)(1)(E).	Automatic expungement of all but the most serious offenses after 0 to 2 year waiting period. 705 Ill. Comp. Stat. 405/5-915. Otherwise, expungement upon petition after 2 years, except for first degree murder and sex offenses. Id. Automatic sealing of non-expunged records. Id.	Sealing of non-conviction records without qualification on eligibility available immediately upon disposition. 2630/5.2(g). Additionally, charges that resulted in acquittal or dismissal may be expunged upon petition to the court if no prior felony conviction. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 2630/5.2(b). Record destroyed. 2630/5.2(a)(1)(E).
IN	"Expungement" of most felony and misdemeanor offenses after waiting periods ranging from five to ten years. Ind. Code § 35-38-9-2 et seq. Expunged records "remain public," although must be "clearly and visibly marked" as being expunged. §35-38-9-7. Records of misdemeanors and minor felonies must be expunged if eligible, and are automatically "sealed" upon expungement, which limits public access without a court order even to a prosecutor. § 35-38-9-6. Admin. Sealing from state police after 15 yrs. § 35-38-5-5.		Deferred adjudication for drug abusers and alcoholics charged with less serious felonies, if one prior and no charges pending. Ind. Code §§ 12-23-5-1 et seq., 12-23-6-1, 12-23-7-1 et seq.	Ind. Code § 35-38-10-2 - A person who committed an offense that did not result in bodily injury to another person is "entitled" to have the person's conviction vacated if the person proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the person was a trafficked person and coerced at the time the person committed the offense. No mention of notice to prosecutor of hearing (unlike statute applicable to trafficked children, below.)	Pardon "wipes out guilt" and automatically becomes basis for judicial expungement. State v. Bergman, 558 N.E.2d 1111 (Ind. Ct. App. 1990).	Court may expunge juvenile records at any time upon petition. Ind. Code § 31-39-8-2.  In 2021, court authorized to automatically expunge juvenile convictions (ex. felonies, upon reach age 19. § 31-39-8-3.5. Records are destroyed. Ind. Code § 31-37-22-11 - Minor who was the victim of human trafficking may move to vacate an adjudication if he proves by a preponderance of the evidence that he was a trafficked child and coerced at the time he performed the delinquent act, and the act did not result in bodily injury to another person. Prosecutor must be informed, and a hearing must be held.	Non-conviction records and convictions vacated on appeal may be expunged and sealed after one year § 35-38-9-1. Expungement mandatory if eligible. Once records are sealed "only a criminal justice agency may access the records without the order of a court." § 35-38-9-1(d).
IA	No authority to expunge or seal felony convictions.	2019 enactment of expungement authority applicable to some misdemeanors. Iowa Code 901C.3.	Deferred adjudication followed by expungement for first offenders. Predicate offense. Iowa Code §§ 907.3, 907.9.		No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Non-forcible felony records are preemptively non-public. Iowa Code Ann. §§ 232.147(3), 232.149B(1). Forcible felony records may be made non-public upon application. § 232.149A. Sealing at majority upon application to the court after a two-year waiting period if no subsequent offenses. § 232.150(1). Not reported on criminal history from age 21 on if no serious offenses between age 18 and 21. § 692.17(1).	Records of acquittals and dismissed charges (excluding deferred adjudication) "shall" be expunged after 180 days. § 901C.1. All court debt must be paid. § 901C.2. See also Iowa Code Ann. § 692.17(1) (records of acquittal/dismissal may not be stored in computer data system).
KS	Waiting period of 3-5 years; serious violent and sex offenses excluded. Also no expungement if required to register under KS offender registration act. Presumption in favor of expungement if court makes certain findings. May deny conviction except for certain law enforcement, employment and licensing contexts. No guns, predicate offense. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6614.		No provision (one of two states)	Any victim of human trafficking convicted of prostitution may petition the convicting court for the expungement of such conviction after one year from completion of sentence, if they can prove they were acting under coercion (meaning threats of bodily harm physical restraint. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6614.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Expungement of juvenile adjudications, except for serious or violent offenses, following a two-year waiting period if the person is at least age 23 and has no subsequent offenses. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 38-2312(a) - (c).	Record "shall" be expunged on petition where court finds after hearing that no conviction resulted from arrest (including where charges dismissed), subject to certain court-ordered grounds for disclosure. May deny arrest. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-2410.
KY	Specified Class D felonies may be vacated 5 years after completion of sentence, and the record expunged. Effective June 26, 2019, additional Class D felonies made eligible, and filing fee reduced to $50, with additional fee of $250 due upon expungement. Expungement results in destruction of record, except for index kept by court. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.073. Expungement of most misdemeanors/violations after five years with no felony or misdemeanor convictions. Mandatory for single offense history; discretionary for multiple offense history. May deny existence of record. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.078. Sex offenses or offenses against a child are ineligible.		Deferred adjudication and diversion for Class D felonies if no prior felony within 10 years; no conviction results, and expungement available if charges dismissed. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 431.076, 533.250-533.262.	Persons convicted of prostitution not involving violence may move the convicting court, 60 days after final judgment,  to expunge all records if they can show that their participation in the offense is the direct result of being a victim of human trafficking. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 529.160.	Pardoned convictions may be set aside and expunged. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 431.078.	Vacatur and expungement available, upon petition after a two-year waiting period. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 610.330.	Court has discretion, on petition and after a hearing, to expunge records of misdemeanor or felony cases that result in dismissals with prejudice or acquittals, as well as charges not resulting in indictment after 12 months (effective June 26, 2019, dismissals without prejudice are eligible after five-year waiting period). Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 431.076, 510.300.
LA	Most misdemeanors (after five clean years), many felonies (after 10 clean years), and non-conviction records may be expunged. La. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 978 A(2). Record closed to public but remains available for law enforcement and certain licensing purposes. Predicate offense. Effective 2019, those entitled to first offender pardon, including drug but not violent offenses, eligible for expungement. Art 978A(3).		Deferred sentencing resulting in set-aside and dismissal for first felony convictions sentenced to probation. La. C.Cr.P. Art. 893(E). Expungement under Art. 976 upon successful completion.		No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Expungement available immediately upon termination of juvenile court jurisdiction for most adjudications. 5 year waiting period for certain serious offenses. La. Ch.C. Art. 918. Expungement of prostitution convictions for juvenile victims of human trafficking. La. Ch. C. Art. 923.	Both felony and misdemeanor non-conviction records may be expunged on petition, but remain available to law enforcement and for certain licensing purposes. La. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 976.
ME	No authority to seal or expunge adult felony convictions.	Records of convictions for Class E (misdemeanor) crimes committed between 18 and 21 may be sealed after 4 years if the person has not been convicted of any other offenses and has no charges pending. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15, §§ 2251, et seq.	A person who has pled guilty to a Class C, Class D or Class E crime is eligible for a deferred disposition, after which the record is confidential and not available to the public except upon specific request. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17-A, § 1348.		Information re: pardoned convictions considered "non-conviction" data, though may be available to public upon request. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 16, §§ 703(2), 705. Can delete from FBI record after 10 years per tit. 15, § 2167; and no sex offender registration if pardoned under tit. 34A, § 1125-A(6)(c).	Sealing, upon petition, for all adjudication records after a three-year, crime-free waiting period. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15 § 3308.	Non-conviction records may not be publicly disseminated after one year, but disclosure may be made to "[a]ny person who makes a specific inquiry . . .  as to whether a named individual was summonsed, arrested or detained or had formal criminal charges initiated on a specific date." Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 16, §§ 703, 705.
MD	Enumerated felonies (theft, burglary, drugs) and 100 specified misdemeanors may be "expunged" after 10-15 crime-free years. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-110.  Expungement for specified nuisance convictions. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-105(a)(9), (c)(6). Expunged records destroyed after 3 years. Md. Rule Crim. Proc. 4-511 and 4-512. "Shielding" available for specified misdemeanors after three-year wait. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-301.		Deferred adjudication (PBJ) available for certain crimes, record may be expunged, destroyed after 3 years. No predicate effect. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 6-220; Md. Rule Crim. Proc. 4-511 and 4-512. Jones v. Baltimore City Police Dep't, 606 A.2d 214. Expunged record may be opened only upon court order, with notice to the person concerned and a hearing, or upon ex parte application by the State's attorney and a showing of good cause (including that the record is needed by law enforcement). Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. §§ 10-108(a) through (c). Violation a misdemeanor. § 10-108(d). Destruction after three years. See §§ 4-511, 4-512.	Under Second Chance Act of 2015 a handful of minor misdemeanor convictions are eligible for "shielding." Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-301 et seq., Victims of human trafficking eligible for vacatur of several crimes (previously only prostitution) within a reasonable time after conviction, with expungement authorized as a non-conviction record. States attorney must agree to the motion. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. §§ 8-302, 10-105(a)(13). Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 8-302.	Non-violent first offenders pardoned may petition for judicial expungement. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-105(a)(8). DNA records may be expunged under Md. Code Ann., Public Safety § 2-511 (through 2013) or Crim. Proc. § 6-232(a) (beginning in 2014). Destruction after 3 years. Md. Rule Crim. Proc. 4-511 and 4-512.	Expungement for charges transferred to juvenile court per Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. §§ 10-105(a)(7), 10-106. Destruction after 3 years. Md. Rule Crim. Proc. 4-511 and 4-512. Juvenile court records are generally unavailable to the public. Md. Code Ann., Courts & Judic. Proc. § 3-8A-27.  Records may be completely sealed at any time for good cause, and must be sealed at age 21. Md. Code Ann., Courts & Judic. Proc. § 3-8A-27(c)	Non-conviction records automatically expunged after three years (except probation before judgment); expungement available at disposition by petition, after three years for PBJ. Expunged records may be opened only upon court order. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. §§ 10-103; 10-105(a)(1)-(4), (c)(1)-(2). Destruction after 3 years. Md. Rule Crim. Proc. 4-511 and 4-512.
MA	Felonies may be sealed after 10 years if no subsequent conviction (misdemeanors 5 years), but no expungement. May deny conviction in employment application, but no guns, predicate offense. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 100A; ch. 140, § 122. See also Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151B, § 4(9) (employers may not inquire into misdemeanor convictions more than 5 years old or arrest records).		Per Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 278, § 18 (2011) ("Continuance Without a Finding"), immediate sealing after successful completion of probation.	Convictions or delinquency adjudications for prostitution or simple drug possession may be vacated, and guilty pleas withdrawn, "upon a finding by the court of a reasonable probability that the defendant’s participation in the offense was a result of having been a human trafficking victim . . . ."  Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, § 50.  Where a child under the age of 18 was adjudicated delinquent for an offense of prostitution, "there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the child’s participation in the offense was a result of having been a victim of human trafficking or trafficking in persons." § 50(2).  For adult offenders, official documentation from any government agency of the defendant’s status as a victim of human trafficking "shall create a rebuttable presumption that the defendant’s participation in the offense was a result of having been a victim of human trafficking."	Pardon seals automatically, recipient may deny conviction. May be used as predicate. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 127, § 152.	Records of adjudication may be sealed after 3-year crime-free waiting period. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 100B. See also column on vacatur for victims of human trafficking.	Cases where defendant acquitted "shall" be sealed. Cases where charges dismissed "may" be sealed by court if "substantial justice would best be served." Thereafter may not be used to disqualify a person from public employment. May deny sealed arrest on private employment application. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, § 100C.
MI	Prior to April 2021: Set-aside for first felony offenders with no more than two prior misdemeanors; also for two misdemeanors if no felonies. (Traffic & sex offenses excluded). 5-year eligibility period. Record unavailable to public. May be used by law enforcement and courts. Predicate effect. Mich. Comp. Laws § 780.621. No statutory authority for sealing of court records, but Michigan courts are authorized to seal the record of any case under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(I) for “good cause” shown, after considering the interests of the parties and the public. After April 2021: petition-based eligibility is expanded to an unlimited number of misdemeanors and up to three felonies, provided that no more than two convictions for assaultive crimes may be set-aside in a person’s lifetime, and not more than one conviction for the same offense may be set-aside if the offense is punishable by more than 10 years in prison. Crimes in the same 24-hour period arising from the same transaction are counted as a single offense unless they involve violence, guns, or a maximum sentence of 10+ years. Set-aside is not available for felonies punishable by a life sentence; specified sex offenses; traffic offenses if they involved alcohol, injury or commercial licensees; and a felony domestic violence conviction if the person has a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction. New waiting periods: more than one felony requires 7 years; one felony, or 2+ serious or assaultive misdemeanors requires 5 years; other misdemeanors require 3 years. Automatic relief: HB4980, signed in October 2020, authorizes automatic expungement of certain convictions, to be made operational two years after the effective date of the law, “subject to any necessary appropriation,” and a potential one-time 180-day extension at the governor’s request. An unlimited number of minor misdemeanors would be expunged seven years after imposition of sentence; and, up to four more serious misdemeanors and up to two felonies eligible for relief under the expanded petition-based standards (see above) would be automatically expunged 7 or 10 years after imposition of sentence or release from imprisonment, respectively, provided that certain conditions are met (no pending charges in the state database, no additional convictions in the waiting period). In the case of more serious misdemeanors and felonies, a person with more than one conviction for an assaultive crime (broadly defined) is ineligible. A broad range of crimes involving violence or dishonesty, or subject to a lengthy sentence, are ineligible. While restitution and other court debt need not be paid for a conviction to be expunged, a court may reinstate a conviction if a person “has not made a good-faith effort to pay” restitution.		Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.7411 (probation before judgment for drug first offenders): nonpublic records kept by state police, available only to law enforcement (including law enforcement employment) and court.	A person who is convicted of prostitution or related offenses may apply to have that conviction set aside if offense committed as a direct result of his or her being a victim of a human trafficking violation. Mich. Comp. Laws § 780.621(4)	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Subject to exceptions, mandatory destruction of diversion records after reaching age 17; all other records at age 30. MCR 3.925(E)(2), (3). Sealing upon petition and finding of good cause. MCR. 8.119(F). Set-aside of up to 3 delinquency adjudications upon meeting certain criteria. Mich. Comp. Law. Ann. § 712A.18e.	Where an arrested person is released without charges, law enforcement agencies and the Michigan State Police (MSP) are required to “destroy” any biometric and arrest records.  See Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.243(3)(7). In addition, If charges are brought against the arrested individual but dismissed before trial, and if the court or prosecutor does not object within 60 days, the MSP is required to “remove” the arrest record from the internet records system and “any entry concerning the charge” from the law enforcement information network, “upon receipt of an appropriate order issued by the district court or the circuit court.”  See §§ 28.243(3)(8), (3)(9); § 764.26a.  Moreover, any biometric and arrest records “shall be expunged or destroyed, or both, as appropriate.”  Id.   Finally, if an accused is found not guilty, or if a decision is made not to proceed with a prosecution, “the biometric data and arrest card must be destroyed by the official holding those items when the clerk of the court entering the disposition shall notify the department of any finding of not guilty or nolle prosequi.” § 28.243(3)(10). Michigan Courts have a policy of making their own corresponding records non-public in any situation covered by the statutes applicable to law enforcement agencies and the MSP discussed above.
MN	Expungement (sealing) available for all misdemeanors and many minor non-violent felonies, after waiting period of 2-5 years. Minn. Stat. §§ 609A.02, subd. 3. Applies to both court and executive branch records. Minor felonies may be reduced to misdemeanors. § 609.13, subd. 1. Sentence reduction Trial court has common law expungement authority; balancing test applied. State v. S.L.H., 755 N.W.2d 271 (Minn. 2008). Sealing of conviction records available for juveniles tried as adults once finally discharged or probation successfully completed (some law enforcement exceptions). Minn. Stat. §§ 609A.02, subd. 2; 609A.03, subd. 7. Minn. Stat. § 13.87 subdiv. 1(b) conviction data maintained by Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is accessible to public only for 15 years following discharge.		Deferred adjudication for first drug offenses. Minn. Stat. §§ 152.18,		"Pardon extraordinary" has effect of "setting aside and nullifying" conviction, but does not expunge or seal record. Recipient may deny conviction.	Adjudication records (other than for felony offense at age 16 or older) generally available only to victim, schools, and government agencies for specified purposes and only until age 28. Minn. Stat. § 260B.171. Expungement of juvenile delinquency adjudications available for certain offenses and case dispositions. § 260B.198, subd. 6.	Expungement upon petition of records resolved favorably to petitioner; presumption in favor of relief. §§ 609A.02, subd. 3; 609A.03, subd. 5. Mandatory destruction of arrest records where no charges filed, if no felony/gross misdemeanor conviction in 10 years prior. Minn. Stat. § 299C.11.
MS	Expungement of first offender misdemeanors, specified felonies, and less-serious youthful felonies. Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71. Restores the person's legal status, but employer may inquire about existence of expungement. Id. Law enforcement retains.		Deferred adjudication followed by dismissal for misdemeanors and certain felonies. Miss. Rev. Code § 99-19-26. Expungement "shall" follow successful completion. § 99-19-26(5).	Vacatur of convictions for violating the Human Trafficking Act, which includes but is not limited to convictions for prostitution. § 97-3-54.6.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Sealing upon reaching age 20 if case dismissed or set aside; judge has discretion to seal and unseal. Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-263(2).	Expungement of misdemeanor records not resulting in conviction. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 99-15-59.  See also deferred adjudication.
MO	Effective 1/1/2018, expungement available for misdemeanors and most felonies, exceptions for violent, sex and other serious crimes. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.140(2). Waiting period one year for misdemeanors after completion of sentence, three years for felonies, if no intervening convictions. § 610.140(5)(1). All fines must be paid. Only one felony and two misdemeanors may be expunged in a lifetime. § 610.140(12). Court must make public welfare/safety findings. Records must be disclosed for licensing and certain employment purposes.		Automatic "closure" of suspended & probationary sentences, though records remain available for law enforcement & certain licensing. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 557.011, 610.105-610.110. Effective 1/1/2018, expungement of non-conviction records (including deferred cases) available on same basis as for convictions, with same eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and effect.	Bad check felonies and a few public order misdemeanors may be expunged, but limited effect. § 610.140. See expansion effective 1/2018. First time alcohol-related misdemeanors, after 10 yrs. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.130. Expungement of prostitution convictions by a minor acting under coercion  Mo. Ann. Stat. § 610.131.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Records generally unavailable to the public. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.321.1. Court motion may seal and destroy records after age 17. § 211.321.5. Juvenile driving records may be expunged after two years or upon reaching age 21. § 302.545.	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.105 authorizes automatic "closure" of records in all cases disposed of favorably to the defendant (nolle prossed, acquitted, dismissed), or where imposition of sentence is suspended pursuant to § 557.011.2(3), upon conclusion of the case, except that "the court's judgment or order or the final action taken by the prosecutor . . . may be accessed." In addition, closed records remain available for a number of purposes. See § 610.120. Effective 1/1/2018, § non-conviction records (including deferred cases) may be expunged on same basis as convictions, with same eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and effect. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.140(6).  Immediate expungement for arrest based on false information, most misdemeanor motor vehicle offenses if nolle pros., dismissals, acquittals. § 610.122.
MT	No authority to seal or expunge adult felony convictions.	Expungement available for all misdemeanors once in a person's lifetime. Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-1101. Record permanently destroyed/deleted/erased.	Deferred sentencing for first felony offenders and misdemeanants, after which charges dismissed and access to records limited (but not "expunged" or destroyed). Mont. Code Ann. §§ 46-18-201, 46-18-204.	Effective Jan. 1, 2021, a person serving a sentence--or who has completed a sentence--for an marijuana act legalized or punishable by a lesser sentence under the 2020 marijuana initiatives (CI-118; I-190) may petition the sentencing court for an expungement, resentencing, and/or redesignation. I-190 sec. 36 (2020).	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Automatic sealing of youth court and probation records upon reaching majority. Mont. Code Ann. § 41-5-215'216.  May seek court order limiting availability prior to majority. Mont. Privacy Rules § 4.60.	Upon request of individual or order of court, all records in possession of law enforcement agencies in cases not resulting in conviction, or where conviction invalidated, must be "returned to the subject." Mont. Code Ann. § 44-5-202.
NE	No authority to seal or expunge adult convictions. Court may set aside conviction for those sentenced to probation or to a jail term of one year or less, which "nullifies" conviction and removes "all civil disabilities and disqualifications" but does not expunge or seal record. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2264		Deferred judgments leading to sealing authorized by § 29-2292.	A victim of sex trafficking may move sentencing court to set aside any offense committed as a direct result of victim status. Same effect as an order setting aside a conviction except that sealing is also available upon petition. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523 (4).	Any person who has received a pardon may file a motion with the sentencing court for an order to seal those records. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523 (5).	Automatic and petition-based sealing. § 43-2,108.01 through 43-2,108.5. Adjudication treated as if it never occurred. Expungement only where an arrest is due to police error. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523(3).	Mandatory sealing of non-conviction records after brief waiting period. Records not resulting in prosecution may not be disseminated to the public after a period of one year; records where charges were not filed because of completed diversion are not available to the public after two years; and records where charges were filed but later dismissed by the court are removed from the public record immediately. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523(3). Expungement also available for arrest records resulting from law enforcement error. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523(6).
NV	Sealing available after 2-to-10-year waiting period for felonies (depending on offense) and 1-7-year waiting period for misdemeanors, if no subsequent conviction during waiting period. Conviction may be denied (with law enforcement and firearms exceptions). No predicate effect. Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 179.245, 179.285, 179.301. Presumption in favor of sealing if eligibility criteria met (unless "dishonorably discharged" from probation or parole).		See specialized authorities.	Sealing available for more minor offenses (misdemeanors & lesser felonies) under various statutes (e.g., first time drug offenders, Nev. Rev. Stat. § 453.3365; persons adjudged addict or alcoholic upon completion of treatment program, § 458.330(1),) Sealing available for prostitution-related offenses by victims of human trafficking. Nev. Rev. Stat. 179.247. S.B. 173 would expand eligible offenses (approved by Senate Judiciary April 11, 2019). Convictions for subsequently decriminalized conduct are presumptively sealed upon written request to the court. AB 192 (2019).	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Automatic sealing upon reaching age 21 for most offenses. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 62H.140. Earlier sealing upon petition and a hearing after a three-year waiting period. Id. Sealing for certain violent/sex offenses available at age 30. § 62H.150.	Defendant may petition court for sealing of non-conviction records at any time after completion of case, may deny arrest. Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 179.255, 179.285. Presumption in favor of sealing if eligible.
NH	Convictions for most non-violent offenses may be "annulled" after waiting periods of 1 to 10 yrs., if consistent with rehabilitation and public welfare.  Public access to annulled records limited. However, record may be given predicate effect. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 651:5.		Courts may establish a drug court.  N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 490-G:2. Upon successful completion a person's case may be disposed of by the judge by withholding criminal charges, dismissal of charges, probation, deferred sentencing, suspended sentencing, split sentencing, or a reduced period of incarceration. A person sentenced by a drug court may, at least one year after successful completion of all programs and conditions imposed by the drug court, petition for annulment of the charges.	Convictions for prostitution and related offenses may be vacated upon petition, after a hearing, upon a finding, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant's participation in the offense was a direct result of being trafficked.  N.H. Rev. Stat. § 633:7(VI)(b).  Annulment available under § 651:5(II).	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Records closed and placed into an inactive file upon reaching age 21, with access remaining for law enforcement. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 169-B: 35.	Non-conviction records may also be "annulled" by court subject to "public welfare" standard that applies to convictions; if annulled , arrest deemed never to have occurred. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 651:5(II). Mandatory expungement upon a finding of a wrongful arrest.  See AB 315 (2019) (adding new section to Ch. 179 of NRS).
NJ	Expungement for certain first "indictable offense" after 6 years, reduced effective June 2020 to five years. May deny record except in connection with judicial and law enforcement jobs. N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 2C:52-2. Expungement of up to 4 disorderly persons offenses after 5 years (may be reduced to 3 years if "in public interest"). 10-year minimum waiting period if person also has a conviction for an indictable offense. May deny record except for judicial and law enforcement jobs. § 2C:52-2. 2019 law directed development of "clean slate" provision by which all but certain convictions will be automatically made "inaccessible to the public" ten years after completion of the sentence imposed for the most recent conviction.  N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:168A-7 (Rehabilitated Convicted Offenders Act, as amended in 2007) provides that a court at the time of sentencing, or thereafter may issue a certificate evidencing rehabilitation “that suspends certain disabilities, forfeitures or bars to employment or professional licensure or certification that apply to persons convicted of criminal offenses.”		Court may order expungement of upon successful discharge from a term of special probation under §§ 2C:35-14 if the person completes a substance abuse treatment program and is not convicted of an offense during the term of special probation. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:35-14(m)(1)	Deferred adjudication and sealing for minor drug offenses after 6-month waiting period. § 2C:36A-1. Drug court records may be expunged under N.J. Stat. § 2C:35-14. Expungement of low-level 1st offender drug offense committed before age 21 after 1 year. § 2C:52-5. A person convicted of prostitution or a related offense may file a petition for vacatur at any time after conviction, and seek expungement of the record at the same time.  N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:44-1.1(a). Automatic sealing and expungement of certain marijuana offenses. N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 2C:52-5.1, 2C:52-6.1.	Pardon makes eligible for expungement. In re L.B., 848 A.2d 899 (N.J. Super. Ct. 2004). May deny record except in connection with judicial and law enforcement jobs.	Sealing available after 2 years if no subsequent conviction/adjudication, or immediately upon military enlistment. § 2A:4A-62. Expungement available after 2-10 year waiting period, depending on seriousness of offense.  N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:52-4.1.	Arrest and other non-conviction data "must" be expunged at the time of disposition, with no petition required; episode deemed never to have occurred. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:52-6. § 2C:52-1
NM	Effective 1/1/2020, broad authority to expunge (seal) both conviction and non-conviction records. N. M. Stat. § 29-3A-5. Waiting periods of between two and 10 years after completion of sentence (including payment of fines and fees) depending upon seriousness of crime, if no intervening convictions and restitution paid. Court must determine "justice will be served" by order to expunge, applying a multi-factor test. Uniform Collateral Consequences of Conviction Act provides for collection, notification, limited relief from mandatory consequences, and standards for discretionary disqualification.  Gives effect to out-of-state relief.		Deferred sentencing (following plea resulting in conviction) available except in first degree felony cases; rights restored but conviction remains. Expungement available after 1/1/2020. Conviction has predicate effect, available only once. Does not qualify as "set-aside" for purposes of avoiding federal firearms restrictions. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-20-3. Conditional discharge without finding of guilt available once in lifetime except in first degree felony case. § 31-20-13. Record not expunged, but rights are not lost. Predicate effect. Automatic expungement of an offense involving cannabis that is no longer a crime or would have resulted in a lesser offense under the Cannabis Regulation Act. 2021 Special Session N.M. SB 2, Section 5.	In addition to the general conditional discharge authority under N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-20-13, first time drug possession offenders may also receive a one-time conditional discharge under § 30-31-28(C). Expungement prior to 1/1/2020 only if the offender was 18 or younger at the time of commission, available to all after one year waiting period after that date. 30-31-28(D). A victim of human trafficking who has been "charged with crimes arising out of the actions of someone charged with human trafficking" may petition to have all records sealed, as long as the "charge or conviction is for a non-homicide crime." N.M. Stat. § 30-52-1.2.	No authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Juvenile records generally confidential. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 32A-2-32. Court must seal records relating to juvenile delinquency petitions after both reaching age 18 (with exceptions) and after 2 year waiting period if no subsequent felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. § 32A-2-26. Treated as though proceeding never took place.	Effective 1/1/2020, non-conviction records may be expunged (sealed) upon petition after one-year waiting period, if no charges pending. No reference to court debt. See HB 370, not yet codified. Repeals administrative authority to expunge arrest records for certain misdemeanors. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 29-3-8.1(a).
NY	Sealing of convictions (other than sex offenses and class A felonies and violent felonies) after 10 years. Available for up to two offenses, only one of which may be a felony. N.Y. Crim. Proc. § 160.59. Record remains accessible to agencies authorized to conduct background checks. Conditional sealing of certain felony drug and other specified convictions for participants in judicial diversion program, or in drug treatment program sanctioned by prosecutor or court. N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.58 (2010) Sealing may also extend to up to three prior misdemeanors. Certificate of Relief from Disabilities, N.Y. Correct. Law §§ 700-706, or a Certificate of Good Conduct, §§ 703-a, 703-b, may be obtained to restore rights, at sentencing for first felony offenders not sentenced to prison, or thereafter for all from Parole Board.		“Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal” (ACD) is available for those charged with a misdemeanor. § 170.55. Upon successful completion of a period of probation, the record may be sealed under § 160.50 Deferred adjudication in drug cases includes automatic sealing upon completion unless DA demonstrates "that the interests of justice require otherwise." N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law §§ 160.58, 216.00 et seq.	At any time after the entry of a judgment for a conviction for prostitution, Vacate judgment for prostitution conviction by victim of human trafficking. N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 440.10. Automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions. N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.50(3)(k).	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions. Youthful offender pardons:  Cuomo program to pardon for crimes committed at age 16 or 17, limits access to criminal history by private employers, landlords, other companies.	Youthful offender adjudication records are generally unavailable to the public. N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 720.35(2). Delinquency adjudications for non-felony offenses may be sealed once reaching age 16 upon petition. NY CLS Family Ct Act § 375.2. Delinquency proceedings resolved in juvenile's favor are automatically sealed. § 375.1.	Sealing automatic upon termination of the action in favor of a person (including deferred adjudication), unless the district attorney demonstrates "that the interests of justice require otherwise." N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law §§ 160.50, 160.55.
NC	Up to three nonviolent felonies & most non-violent misdemeanors are eligible for expungement after waiting periods of 20 yrs (multiple felonies),10 yrs (single felony), 7 yrs (multiple misdemeanors), and 5 years (single misdemeanor). N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 15A-145.5 No relief for convictions occurring after expungement, but the law makes provision for staged relief for convictions occurring before expungement that have differing waiting periods. See also authority to expunge youthful offenses (in specialized offense column) Minor felonies and misdemeanors eligible for judicial Certificate of Relief to remove collateral sanctions; Certificate may be considered favorably in determining whether to disqualify from public employment or licensure. N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 15A-173.2(d).		Deferred adjudication for first-time minor drug offenders. No conviction results if probation successfully completed. No predicate effect. Expungement of records only if under 22. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 90-96(a), 90-113.14(a). Deferred adjudication for cyberbullying offenses committed under age 18. May be expunged. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 15A-145.1, 14-458.1(c).	Youthful offenses: First offender nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors committed under age 18 or 21 may be expunged (4 yrs waiting period for felonies, 2 years under 18 misdemeanors & under 21 alcohol misdemeanors). N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 15A-145, 15A-145.4.  Certain gang offenses committed by first offender under age 18 may be expunged. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 15A-145.1, 14-458.1(c). expunction authorized for victims of human trafficking convicted of most nonviolent misdemeanors or low-level felonies "if the court finds that the person was coerced or deceived into committing the offense as a direct result of having been a trafficking victim." N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145.9; in addition, first convictions for prostitution by victims of human trafficking may be vacated on petition, and expunged as a non-conviction record. §§ 15A-1416.1; 1415(b)(10)	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Juvenile records generally unavailable to the public.  N.C. Gen. St. § 7B-3200(b).  May be sealed by court order. § 7B-3200(c).  Sealed records may be disclosed by court order. Expungement available upon reaching majority after an 18-month waiting period after demonstrating good behavior and no subsequent convictions.	Where charges are dismissed or the person found not guilty, record automatically expunged effective in cases after Dec. 1, 2021. N.C. Gen. Stat. §15A-146(a4). Otherwise may petition the court for expungement, § 15A-146(a). Prior felony eligibility deleted in 2020. Thereafter may deny record. Partial expunction available by petition for dismissed charges in a case involving multiple charges regardless of whether all charges were dismissed. § 15A-146(a1) (as amended by SB-445 (2017)). Other eligibility requirements apply.
ND	Effective August 1, 2019, misdemeanors and felonies may be sealed upon petition, with waiting periods of three and five conviction-free years after conviction, if sentence has been completed, except that violent felonies must wait 10 years. Sex offenses ineligible. Minor felony convictions (less than one year prison) may be reduced to a misdemeanor after service of sentence. N.D. Cent. Code §§ 12.1-32-02(9)		Deferred imposition of sentence available per N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-32-02, Record sealed. § 12.1-32-07.2(2). See also N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 41(5)(b)(9); (6)(a).	First offender marijuana possession may be sealed if not subsequently convicted within 2 years. N.D. Cent. Code 19-03.1-23(9). Prostitution convictions linked to being victim of human trafficking may be vacated and sealed. N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-41-14.	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Juvenile records generally unavailable to the public. N.D. Cent. Code, § 27-20-51(1); N.D.R. Juv. P. Rule 19(a).  May petition for destruction at any time so long as no charges are pending.  N.D.R. Juv. P. Rule 19(d). Good cause showing required. Destroyed record treated as if it never existed.  N.D. Cent. Code § 27-20-54(2). Adjudications of prostitution, theft and forgery, and drug possession linked to being victim of human trafficking may be vacated and expunged. N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-41-12, § 12.1-41-14.	There is no statute governing public access to non-conviction records. By court rule, the public may not access records of deferred or diverted dispositions that end in dismissal, and the court may limit public Internet access to non-conviction records upon petition if charges dismissed or defendant acquitted, and court finds the interest of justice will be served, N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 41(5)(b)(9); (6)(a). Balancing test applies.
OH	Records of less serious felonies and misdemeanors sealed after 1-3 yr. waiting period depending on offense, if court finds rehabilitation. Applies to federal and out-of-state convictions. Also new 2018 authority to seal up to five nonviolent minor offenses. May deny conviction w/ some exceptions. Access in law enforcement and licensing contexts. Predicate offense. Ohio Rev, Code Ann. §§ 2953.31 et seq. Ohio judges may also issue a "certificate of qualification for employment" that removes automatic sanctions and allows consideration on the merits. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2953.25.		Intervention in lieu of conviction available for certain non-serious first offenses; successful completion and abstinence results in not being treated as a conviction. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §2951.041. Effective 2018, also available for victims of human trafficking. Sealing available under Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2953.52.	Expungement of convictions and non-conviction records for victims of human trafficking. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §§ 2953.38, 2953.521.	Courts have no inherent authority to seal record of pardoned conviction.   State v. Radcliff (Ohio, 2015).	Sealing of records for delinquency adjudications, except for murder or rape offenses, after 6 months from discharge. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2151.356. Proceedings deemed never to have occurred.	Sealing for records that did not lead to a conviction, or in which conviction was overturned. Prosecutor may object and court applies balancing test:  court must "[w]eigh the interests of the person in having the official records pertaining to the case sealed against the legitimate needs, if any, of the government to maintain those records." Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §§ 2953.52. May deny for most purposes. 2953.55.
OK	Single nonviolent felony eligible for expungement 5 years after completion of sentence if no charges pending and no prior felonies, or misdemeanor in previous 7 years. Two non-violent convictions may be expunged after 10 years. 2 Okla. Stat. Ann. §§ 18(A)(12), (13). See also pardoned offenses. Misdemeanors eligible for expungement after 5 years if no charges pending and no prior felonies. 22 Okla. Stat. Ann. § 18(A)(11). Misdemeanor with fine under $501 and no prison or suspended sentence may be expunged immediately. 22 Okla. Stat. Ann. § 18(A)(10).		Deferred adjudication and probation leading to expungement (sealing) for misdemeanants and minor felony offenders. 22 Okla. Stat. Ann. § 991c. Additinal authority under id. § 18(8), offering expungement to misdos after one year, felonies after 10. First drug offenders eligible for deferred sentencing and expungement under 63 Okla. Stat. Ann. § 2-410(A). Sealed record may be ordered "obliterated or destroyed" after an additional 10 years.	Deferred sentencing and probation for first-time drug offenders eligible for deferred sentencing leading to automatic expungement. 63 Okla. Stat. Ann. § 2-410(A). Conditions of probation may include participation in a treatment program. Id. Expungement of prostitution-related convictions by victims of human trafficking. 22 Okla. Stat. Ann. § 19c.	Pardoned convictions may be expunged with no waiting period. 22 Okla. Stat. Ann. §§ 18(A)(4), (6).	Expungement available upon reaching age 18 if no subsequent adult arrest or pending charges. Record sealed, and destroyed after 10 years if not unsealed. May deny existence of record. Okla. Stat. tit. 10A, § 2-6-109.	Expungement (sealing) of records of acquittals, reversals, innocence, where charges never filed. 22 Okla. Stat. Ann. § 18(A)(1)-(5), (7). Sealing also authorized where charges dismissed under § 18(A)(7), if no prior felonies and time has expired for recharging. Balancing test applies.
OR	Less serious non-violent offenses may be "set aside" after waiting period of 1 to 7 years. Order must issue unless court finds it would not be in the interest of public safety. Record sealed from public view. May deny conviction, but counts as predicate. Or. Rev. Stat. § 137.225.		Or. Rev. Stat. § 475.245 provides for deferred adjudication in drug cases. First misdemeanor probation without judgment. Or. Rev. Stat. § 137.533.	Courts may vacate state convictions for prostitution if the court finds after a hearing that the person has proven by clear and convincing evidence that the person was the victim of sex trafficking. Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 137.221.	As of 2019, pardoned convictions may be sealed.	Expungement and sealing eligibility for most offenses upon reaching majority. Or. Rev. Stat. § 419A.262(2). 5-year waiting period with no subsequent felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions. § 419A.262(2)(a)-(e). Set-aside available for some offenses not eligible for expungement. § 419C.610.	Arrest records may be set aside and sealed on application after 60 days year if no charges filed, or at any time after an acquittal or a dismissal of the charge, Or. Rev. Stat. § 137.225(1)(b). Same procedures as apply to set-aside of convictions.
PA	No general authority for limiting access to records of felony convictions.	Sealing for 2nd & 3rd degree misdemeanors and ungraded offenses under "order of limited access" after 10 crime-free years. Extended in 2018 to some first degree misdemeanors. Records unavailable to the public, and as of 2018 no longer available to state agencies, including licensing boards. 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1. All financial obligations must be paid (2018). Expungement available for cases disposed of through ARD probation, § 9122(b.1). and for "summary" offenses after 5 yrs. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9122(b.1).	Expungement for pre-plea probation without verdict (ARD) for non-violent first time drug offenses. 35 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 780-117, 780-119. Expungement provided in cases of "probation without verdict" for nonviolent drug dependent first time offenders. 35 P.S. § 780-117; see also § 780-119.	Expungement with complete destruction of records available for those over 70 if no arrests for 10 yrs, and 3 yrs after death. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9122; 234 Pa. Code chs. 4, 7. Expungement available for underage drinking. 234 Pa. Code chs. 4, 7.	Pardon basis for judicial expungement. Commonwealth v. C.S., 534 A.2d 1053 (Pa. 1987).	Upon reaching majority, expungement with complete destruction of records available after a five-year waiting period for delinquency adjudications. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 9123.	Expungement is available from the court for non-conviction records where no disposition is indicated after 18 months, or otherwise where the court orders it, including in cases handled pursuant to ARD (pre-plea diversion) where the defendant successfully completes the terms of ARD probation (except for certain sex offenses). 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 9122(a), (b) and (b.1). May not be disclosed to public after three years with no subsequent conviction. 18 Cons. Stat. § 9121(b)(2)(i). Partial expungement available for non-conviction records where no disposition indicated after 18 months, and for pre-plea diversion cases after successful completion of probation). 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9122. Balancing test applies. Comm. v. Armstrong, 434 A.2d 1205 (Pa. 1981). Partial expungement of charges nol prossed also available. Comm. v. Hanna, 964 A.2d 923 (Pa. Super. 2009).
PR	Broad expungement authority for all offenses, including violent felonies, after waiting period of six months to 5 years (felony offenders also must provide DNA sample), if applicant demonstrates "good moral reputation in the community." P.R. Laws Ann. tit. 34, §§ 1725a-1 et seq.		Certificate of rehabilitation available to persons who have not completed prison term if deemed totally rehabilitated, psychological recommendation required, court orders conviction not be included in criminal record certificate but may be used for recidivism purposes. P.R. Laws Ann. tit. 4, § 1611 et seq.		No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.		Revoked verdicts may be expunged. P.R. Laws. Tit. 34, § 1725b
RI	Expungement for first felony offenses (ex. specified violent offenses) and up to 6 misdemeanors 5–10 years after completion of sentence. Allows denial except for certain jobs and licenses. Predicate offense. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 12-1.3-1 et seq. "Certificate of recovery & re-entry" if no more than one non-violent felony conviction relieves petitioner of some collateral consequences. R.I. Gen. Laws § 13-8.2-1.		Expungement available immediately upon completion of deferred sentence. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 12-19-19(c); R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 12-1.3-2(e). "Filing" complaints must be sealed upon successful completion of one-year probation, three years for domestic violence cases. R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-10-12.	2018 authority authorizes expungement of records “related to an offense that has been decriminalized subsequent to the date of their conviction.” R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3-2(g)	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Automatic sealing, with limited exceptions, upon final disposition. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 14-1-6.1, 14-1-64(b). Juvenile adjudications may be used for sentencing purposes in adult court and does constitute a conviction for impeachment purposes.	Sealing for persons acquitted or "otherwise exonerated" (including charges dismissed). Prior felony limit repealed in 2021. R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1-12.1.
SC	Youthful Offender Act (2010) provides individuals between 17 and 25 convicted of certain non-violent misdemeanors and minor felonies may be sentenced to probation and/or treatment. S.C. Code Ann. § 24-19-50. Expungement (destruction of record) for first offenders sentenced after five conviction-free years. S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-920. YOA made retroactive in 2018. Records of first offense misdemeanors (except traffic offenses) may be expunged (destroyed) if no other conviction within 3 years (5 years for domestic violence cases). S.C. Code Ann. § 22-5-910(A).		Deferred adjudication for first-time minor drug offenders. No conviction results and record expunged. S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-450. Non-violent first offenders eligible for pretrial intervention, non-criminal disposition, and expungement. §§ 17-22-10 et seq. No predicate effect. Certain non-violent offenses committed between 17 & 25 years of age resulting in probation & treatment may be expunged after 5 years if no subsequent conviction. § 22-5-920.	Expungement for first fraudulent check offense; first offense resulting in alcohol education program; and first failure to stop for law enforcement signal. S,C, Code Ann. §§ 34-11-90(e), 17-22-530(A), 56-5-750(F). Victims of human trafficking convicted of prostitution or trafficking may move the court to vacate the conviction and expunge the record.  S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-2020.	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Expungement available upon majority for status and nonviolent offenses, with certain exceptions for serious crimes and repeat offenders. S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2050(A).	A person may petition for expungement if charges dismissed or person found not guilty; all records "must be destroyed" except that law enforcement agencies may retain record for 3 1/2 years. S.C. Code Ann. § 17-1-40(B)(1). No fee. Upon acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi in Magistrate or Municipal Court after June 2, 2011, court required to automatically expunge. § 17-22-950.
SD	No general authority to seal or expunge adult felony convictions.	Effective 2016, arrest and conviction for Class 2 misdemeanors, municipal violations, petty offenses automatically removed from public record after 10 years.  S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-3-34. Director of the Bureau of Criminal Statistics may authorize destruction of records of misdemeanors ten years after discharge. S.D. Codified Laws § 23-6-8.1.	Suspended imposition of sentence for first offenders charged with non-serious felony and misdemeanor offenses; results in no conviction, records sealed. S.D. Codified Laws §§ 23A-27-12.2 through 17.	Director of the Bureau of Criminal Statistics may authorize destruction of records of Director of the Bureau of Criminal Statistics may authorize destruction of records of persons seventy-five years of age or older who have been crime-free for at least ten years, and "incidents that are no longer considered crimes." S.D. Codified Laws § 23-6-8.1.	Pardon seals record automatically where statutory process followed. S.D. Codified Laws § 24-14-11	Sealing upon petition after a waiting period and finding of no subsequent convictions and rehabilitation. S.D. Codified Laws § 26-7A-115.	Records may be "expunged" (sealed) upon application after one year if no prosecution; at any time if charges dismissed, if prosecutor consents; or after acquittal. S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-3-27. Court must find that the ends of justice and the best interest of the public as well as the defendant or the arrested person will be served." § 23A-3-30. Seals but does not destroy record.
TN	Certain less serious non-violent felonies and misdemeanors eligible for expungement 5-to-10 years after discharge, if no more than 2 convictions, both of which must be eligible and only one a felony; Record removed from court files but remains available to law enforcement. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(g), (k). Judicial restoration of rights and "certificate of employability" available to all residents, wherever the conviction obtained. §§ 40-29-101, 40-29-107. Certificate limits licensing denials, protects against negligent hiring liability. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-29-107. (See Chart #5)		Deferred adjudication for misdemeanor/low-level felony if no prior felony/class A misdemeanor resulting in confinement; results in no conviction, no predicate effect (except subsequent related civil actions), records expunged. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 40-35-313, 40-32-101(b). Misdemeanants and Class D felons who successfully complete diversion probation eligible for expungement under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-15-102 to 40-15-106.		Pardon may serve as grounds for expungement and thus restoration of firearms privileges. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(h).	Effective July 2017, mandatory expungement of "misdemeanor"-only records upon petition after one-year waiting period. Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-153(f). Otherwise, discretionary expungement available at age 17 if one year has passed since most recent adjudication and certain criteria are met. Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-153(f). Records destroyed. Juveniles convicted of prostitution as a result of being a victim of human trafficking may be expunged on petition, § 37-1-153.	The court “shall” order “destruction” of “public records” in case of acquittal, or where charges have been dismissed. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-32-101(a), (b). Conviction records may be redacted to expunge charges not resulting in conviction. See State v. L.W., 350 S.W.3d 911 (2011)
TX	No general authority to seal or expunge adult felony convictions.	First-offender misdemeanants may petition for "order of non-disclosure" (OND) after two years. No waiting period applies for fine-only misdemeanors. See Tex. Gov't Code §§ 411.073, 411.0735.  Order of nondisclosure limits public access, but records may be disclosed to law enforcement and certain licensing purposes.	"Deferred adjudication community supervision" available (certain offenses, such as sex and violent offenses, excluded). Results in dismissal of charges and set aside of conviction. ex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 42A.111(c). For first non-violent misdemeanors, court must issue "order of non-disclosure" (OND) upon discharge. Tex. Gov't Code § 411.072; Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 42.12. OND otherwise discretionary upon petition. Waiting period may apply (2 years for serious misdemeanors; 5 years for felonies). Tex. Gov't Code § 411.0725.	First-offender DWI convictions eligible for "order of nondisclosure" (OND). 2-5 year waiting period. Tex. Gov’t Code §§ 411.0731, 411.0736. OND available for veterans discharged from treatment court , § 411.0727, for first DWI, § 411.0731. OND available for victims of human trafficking convicted of certain marijuana or theft offenses, prostitution, or Class A misdemeanor solicitation, and placed on community supervision, and whose conviction is subsequently set aside, Tex. Gov't Code  § 411.0728.  Only one OND available.	Pardon entitles recipient to judicial expungement. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 55.01(a).	Automatic sealing at age 19 for misdemeanor juvenile adjudications. Tex. Fam. Code § 58.253(b). Discretionary sealing upon petition at age 18 or two years after discharge. § 58.256. Treated as if never occurred and may not be used against person in any manner. §§ 58.261(b), 58.258(c). Juvenile court, upon a finding that the allegations are not true, required to immediately seal.  § 58.2551.	A person is "entitled to" have all records expunged where an arrest does not result in a conviction, immediately in cases of acquittal or where limitations period has run, and otherwise after a graduated waiting period (180 days to three years) which may be waived by the prosecutor. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 55.01(a), art. 55.01(2)(B).
UT	All except serious violent offenses may be "expunged" after 3-10 yr waiting period. Order must issue unless court finds it would be "contrary to public interest." May deny conviction but otherwise of uncertain effect. Predicate offense. Utah Code Ann. §§ 77-40-101 et seq. Utah’s 2019 clean slate law provides for an automated expungement process (effective May 1, 2020) for certain infraction and misdemeanor records. §§ 77-40-114, -115.		Plea in abeyance agreements may result in expungement upon successful completion probation. Utah Code Ann. §77-2a-1 et sq.	Expungement available on petition for a variety of offenses committed while petitioner was result of coercion (including, theft. drug possession, possession of forged documents, and prostitution). Utah Code Ann. §§ 78B-9-104(1)(g), 78B-9-108(2)(b).	Pardon entitles person to expungement. Utah Code Ann. § 77-40-105(5).	Expungement after a one-year waiting period upon reaching majority and filing a petition with the court. Record available only to court thereafter. Utah Code Ann.§§ 78A-6-1105(1)(a)(i) & (ii), (e). In 2019, a authority was enacted, providing for vacatur of juvenile records related to prostitution and other offenses, if subject to "force, fraud, or coercion." See HB 108.	Person arrested may, at least 30 days after arrest, petition for expungement if no charges filed or charges dismissed. No waiting period if acquitted. Utah Code Ann. 77-40-104. Utah’s 2019 clean slate law provides for an automated expungement process (effective May 1, 2020) for acquittals, dismissals with prejudice, and certain dismissals due to a plea in abeyance agreement. §§ 77-40-114, -115.
VT	Non-violent misdemeanors and 3 minor felonies (4 effective July 2018) eligible for expungement after 5 yrs if no further conviction, or for sealing if "better serves the interest of justice."  If convicted of misdemeanor during waiting period, 10 year minimum waiting period with no felony conviction in previous 7 yrs, no misdemeanor in previous 5 years. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, §§ 7601 et seq.  Primary difference in two forms of relief is that sealed conviction may be used as predicate; in both cases same official response "no record exists." Upon application, court must seal most convictions for crimes committed prior to age 21 two years after final discharge, if "the person's rehabilitation has been attained to the satisfaction of the court."  Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 33, §§ 5119(g), 5287(d). Convictions for decriminalized conduct immediately eligible for expungement. § 7602(a)(1)(B). Courts may relieve collateral sanctions at and after sentencing for all but the most serious offenders. 13 V.S.A. § 8001 et seq. (Vermont Uniform Collateral Consequences of Conviction Act.)	Sealing available under first offender diversion program 2 years after completion of program. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 164.	Deferred sentencing may result in expungement of record, may deny conviction. No predicate effect. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 7041.  The only crime specifically excluded by statute is aggravated sexual assault of a child, see § 7041(c), though many are excluded as a matter of policy.	A person convicted of all but the most serious violent crimes may file a motion to vacate the conviction if it was obtained as a result of the person having been a victim of human trafficking, and if granted the record will be expunged. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13 §§ 2658(b), (d).	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Records generally unavailable to the public. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 33, § 5117. Sealing 2 yrs after discharge unless additional charges pending & rehabilitation not attained. § 5119(a). Expungement of diversion cases 2 years after completion, if restitution has been paid, the person has no subsequent convictions or pending proceedings, and rehabilitation attained.  § 7601.	Court "shall" grant expungement or sealing of non-conviction records. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 7603. Law expanded in 2018 to include all types of charges. Sealing is an alternative only where crime was committed after age 19.
VI	No general authority to seal or expunge adult felony convictions.		Deferred adjudication and expungement for non-violent first offenders, and for youthful drug possession. V.I. Code Ann. tit. 19, § 607(b)(1); tit. 5, § 3711(c). Probation and expungement for youthful offenders after 5 yr waiting period. V.I. Code Ann. tit. 5, § 3712.	Expungement of misdemeanor convictions upon petition to court. V.I. Code Ann. tit. 5, § 3734.	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Court may vacate and seal juvenile records 2 years after final discharge if no intervening convictions or pending charges. 5 V.I.C. § 2531.  Proceedings treated as if they never occurred. Subsequent adjudication or conviction nullifies sealing order.	Records of arrest that do not result in conviction "must be expunged" where case dismissed, acquittal, nolle prossed. Non-conviction records may be expunged by petition in most other cases. V.I. Code Ann. tit. 5, §§ 3732-3733.
VA	2021 law authorizes petition-based sealing of some felony convictions and automatic sealing of others, effective in 2025. §§19.2-392.6 through 392.8, 392.12. Until then, no general authority to seal or expunge adult felony convictions.	See column #1.	Deferred dispositions for any offense with agreement of court and prosecutor. Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-298.02. Deferred dispositions may be authorized by the court for certain first time drug offenses, misdemeanor property offenses, and offenses by persons with autism or intellectual disabilities. Va. Code Ann. §§ 18.2-251, 19.2-303.2, § 19.2-303.6. No sealing or expungement of deferred dispositions until 2021 law becomes effective in 2025.	Some marijuana convictions and non-convictions expunged automatically under 2021 law, effective in 2025.	Absolute pardon (granted only for innocence) entitles person to judicial expungement. Simple pardon (for forgiveness) does not.	Records generally unavailable to the public. Automatic destruction of records annually if juvenile is at least age 19 and five years have passed since last hearing in any juvenile case, with several exceptions. Va. Code Ann. §§ 16.1-306(A) & 307.	Court "shall" expunge records on petition after acquittals or where charges nolle prossed or dismissed (excepted deferred dispositions with a finding of facts sufficient for guilt). Court must find "manifest injustice" after hearing, except where petition charged with misdemeanor has no prior record. Va. Code Ann. § 19.2-392.2. Record may be denied and employers cannot inquire. § 19.2-392.4. Automatic sealing of non-conviction records under 2021 law, effective in 2025.
WA	All but most serious felonies and misdemeanors may be "vacated" after waiting period of 3 to 10 yrs, depending on offense. Releases "all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense," and limits access to agency records (courts have very limited authority to seal their own records). Subject may deny conviction. Limited predicate effect. Wash. Rev. Code § 9.94A.640.    Vacated record may be sealed under General Court Rule 15 if the court determines the need for privacy or safety outweighs the public interest in access.     Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity after 1 to 5 years. Relieves licensing bars; provides protection from negligent hiring/renting. §§ 9.97.010, .020		Court may suspend or defer sentence and place defendant on probation; may petition to have record vacated and sealed after probation expired. Wash. Rev. Code §§ 3.66.067, 9.95.200.	Victims of sexual trafficking or other sexual abuse may apply to the sentencing court for vacation of the applicant's record of conviction for B and C felonies or misdemeanors. Wash. Rev. Code §§ 9.94A.640(3), 9.96.060(3).	Pardon vacates conviction automatically, prohibits disclosure of administrative record, and may be grounds for sealing of court records. Restores firearms rights. Wash. Rev. Code § 9.94A.030 (11)(b).	Sealing automatic after age 18 (or after release from confinement or supervision) for most offenses if terms of disposition satisfied, unless state objects. Wash. Rev. Code § 13.50.260. Otherwise, available by court order for most offenses after a crime-free waiting period of two to five years depending on the seriousness of the offense. Id.	Courts have very limited authority to seal their own records.   Non-conviction records in criminal justice agency files may be sealed administratively two years after disposition favorable to defendant. Wash. Rev. Code § 10.97.060. Record may be sealed under General Court Rule 15 if the court determines the need for privacy or safety outweighs the public interest in access.
WV	Effective June 2019, qualifying misdemeanors and non-violent felonies may be expunged after waiting period ranging from one to five years. W. Va Code § 61-11-26		Post-plea deferred adjudication in felony or misdemeanor cases. W. Va. Code §61-11-22a. Upon completion, defendant shall be permitted to withdraw his or her plea of guilty and the matter dismissed or, as may be agreed upon by the court and the parties, enter a plea of guilty or no contest to a lesser offense. Id. §61-11-22a(c).Records in cases where the charges were dismissed may be expunged upon petition filed no sooner than 60 days after disposition. Records in DUI cases are ineligible, and a person who has a prior felony conviction is ineligible for relief. See W. Va. Code §§ 61-11-25(a), (b).	An individual convicted of prostitution as a direct result of being a victim of human trafficking, may apply by petition to the circuit court in the county of conviction to vacate the conviction and expunge the record of conviction. W. Va. Code § 61-14-9.	Judicial expungement 1 yr. after pardon and 5 years after discharge if good cause (certain exceptions for violent crimes); may not be considered for licensing and teaching. W. Va. Code § 5-1-16a.	Automatic sealing after later of age 19 or one year after termination of jurisdiction unless case is transferred to adult court. W. Va. Code § 49-5-18(a), (f). Treated as though proceedings never occurred.	Court may expunge records (except those held by the DMV) of acquittals and dismissals, upon petition after a hearing, if person has not previously been convicted of a felony.  W.Va. Code § 61-11-25.
WI	In sentencing youthful offenders (under 25), court may order misdemeanor and minor first felony convictions expunged upon successful completion of sentence. Wis. Stat. § 973.015. Court records destroyed, but prosecutor may ask that offense conduct be considered in context of new crime. See State v. Leitner, 646 N.W.2d 341, 352 (Wis. 2002). Reliance on expunged conviction to deny employment violates state fair employment law. Staten v. Holton Manor (LIRC, 2018).		Deferred prosecution in domestic violence & some sex offense cases authorized by Wis. Stat. § 971.37, but no provision for expungement of records.	Wis. Stat. § 973.015(2m)(a).A person convicted or adjudicated delinquent for prostitution may move the court to vacate the conviction and expunge the record if the person was a victim of trafficking for the purposes of a commercial sex act, and the person committed the violation as a result of being a victim of trafficking.  The court must determine that "the person will benefit and society will not be harmed by a disposition."	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Expungement upon petition after reaching age 17 and a finding that sentencing requirements have been completed and expungement will benefit offender without harming society. Wis. Stat. § 938.355(4m).	Non-conviction records are expungeable under a statute authorizing return of fingerprints if a person is released without charge or “cleared of the offense through court proceedings.”  Wis. Stat. § 165.84(1).
WY	Certain less serious felony and misdemeanor convictions may be expunged 10 years after sentence expires if no other felony convictions, and if court finds applicant is not a danger. Violent and sexual offenses, and those involving firearms, ineligible.  Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 7-13-1501, 1502. Records sealed but not destroyed. §§ 7-13-1401(j)(1).  .		Deferred sentencing for first felony offenders and misdemeanants (certain serious crimes excluded); avoids conviction and expungement authorized. Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 7-13-301 et seq., 7-13-1401.	Vacatur for victims of human trafficking:  At any time after the entry of a conviction for prostitution, the court in which it was entered may vacate the conviction if the defendant's participation in the offense is found to have been the result of having been a victim. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-2-708.  Presumably the record becomes a non-conviction record and may then be expunged.  Conviction for the purchase, possession, or use of nicotine products by persons under 21, upon payment of fine “shall be expunged by operation of law…six (6) months after the entry of conviction.” Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 14-3-304, -305.	No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.	Juvenile records are generally unavailable to the public. Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-203. May apply for expungement (including certain municipal and circuit court cases involving minors) after reaching majority and presenting evidence of rehabilitation and no subsequent felonies. Violent felonies ineligible. § 14-6-241(a). Proceedings deemed never to have occurred. Effective July 1, 2019, expunged juvenile records (and certain municipal and circuit court records involving minors) are destroyed.	Courts "shall" expunge eligible non-conviction records 180 days after dismissal of proceedings. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-13-1401. Records sealed but not destroyed.  Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 7-13-1501
Fed	No general authority to seal or expunge adult felony convictions.		Deferred adjudication for first misdemeanor drug possession under 18 U.S.C. § 3607(a). See also id. at (c) (expungement available if under 21 years old at time of offense).		No statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions.		Some federal courts assert inherent ancillary authority to expunge if arrest or conviction is invalid or subject of clerical error. United States v. Sumner, 226 F.3d 1005 (9th Cir. 2000). Also DNA expunged if conviction overturned. 10 U.S.C. § 1565(e); 42 U.S.C. § 14132(d).

6.  State-by-state information

Federal

There is no general authority to expunge or seal any federal conviction, and federal courts have very limited inherent authority to grant record relief.  Deferred adjudication is authorized for first misdemeanor drug possession, with expungement if the defendant was under age 21 at time of offense.

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Alabama

Record relief:  In 2021, Alabama enacted its first authority for expunging adult convictions, extended relief to non-violent misdemeanors and pardoned felonies, with exceptions for violent and sexual offenses, and any offense of moral turpitude under the disenfranchisement statute. Victims of human trafficking may petition the court to expunge convictions of misdemeanors and some felonies, including certain violent felonies, that are related to trafficking.  Expungement is authorized for non-convictions: where a misdemeanor or non-violent felony charge did not result in conviction, including where a charge was dismissed after successful completion of various diversion programs (drug, mental health and veterans’ court), or where any felony charge resulted in acquittal.  Juvenile records may be sealed on petition two years after final discharge or other final order, and destroyed five years after the age of majority, if the person has no prior or subsequent record.

Judicial certificate:  An individual who is legally barred from obtaining a specific occupational license due to a conviction may apply to the court for an “Order for Limited Relief” to permit discretionary consideration on the merits.

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Alaska

There is no general authority to seal or expunge adult conviction records, except that convictions for marijuana possession may not be released by the courts or by executive agencies except with the consent of their subject. In general, there are limits of release of criminal records by executive agencies.

In most cases the court may defer sentencing looking toward set-aside of conviction upon successful completion of probation, except for serious violent or sexual offenses.  No affirmative showing or finding of rehabilitation need be made before a set-aside is granted; rather, a set-aside should be granted as a matter of right unless some specific reason for denial is established.  For less serious offenses, courts may also defer judgment looking toward dismissal of charges, and no conviction results.

Most non-conviction records may not be released to the public, but sealing is authorized only in cases of mistaken identity or false accusation.  Most juvenile records are confidential and are sealed within 30 days of the person’s 18th birthday or after completion of sentence whichever is later, or after a 5-year waiting period if charged as an adult.

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Arizona

Record relief:  In 2021 Arizona enacted its first general authority to seal adult conviction and non-conviction records. As amended in 2024, misdemeanor and most felony convictions may be sealed on petition after waiting periods ranging from two to 10 years (with an additional five years for a felony conviction that occurrs subsequent to a sealing).  Non-conviction records may also be sealed thirty days after the petition is filed.  A hearing is required only upon objection by the prosecutor or victim. An earlier law required courts,  upon petition, to expunge arrests, charges, and convictions for certain marijuana offenses.

In addition, convictions for all but violent and sex offenses may be set-aside and charges dismissed upon discharge, but no sealing or expungement results.  Set-aside relieves collateral consequences, and restores firearms rights for non-serious felonies, but conviction must be disclosed and serves as a predicate.  The law also authorizes several diversionary dispositions. Juvenile adjudications may be set aside upon reaching 18 years of age and discharge from sentence, except for serious violent offenses, but they serve as predicate offense; juvenile records may be destroyed under some circumstances.

Judicial certificates:  In 2021, Arizona authorized courts to issue a Certificate to Second Chance to a person whose conviction has been set-aside. Waiting periods apply for class 2-6 felonies. Class 1 felonies are ineligible.

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Arkansas

Convictions for Class C and Class D felonies and certain drug offenses are eligible for sealing after completion of sentence and payment of court costs; misdemeanors and infractions are eligible for sealing after completion of sentence.  For violent felonies there is a 5-year waiting period and a prior felony conviction is disqualifying; for certain serious misdemeanors there is a 60-day waiting period. Class A and B felonies and sexual offenses are ineligible for sealing, as are multiple felonies for violent offenders and motor vehicle violations committed by a holder of a commercial driver’s license.  A hearing is mandatory in all felony cases, and only if the prosecutor objects in misdemeanor cases.  The court “may seal” the record of eligible felonies, “if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that doing so would further the interests of justice,” considering certain factors related to the likelihood of recidivism.  For other eligible offenses, there is a presumption in favor of sealing.  Sealing does not restore the right to carry a firearm and may be used as a predicate and to enhance a subsequent sentence.  Most pardoned offenses are sealed immediately, but certain serious offenses may not be sealed even if pardoned. Human trafficking victims may petition for sealing of prostitution offenses at any time.

Arrest records may be sealed on petition if no charges are filed within one year, and other non-conviction records (including deferred dispositions) may be sealed at disposition. The court “shall seal” non-conviction records, unless it finds there is a public safety risk.  No hearing is called for in non-conviction cases. Expungement (destruction) of records is available for certain drug court graduates, and automatic for juveniles upon turning 21 (or earlier, subject to the court’s discretion).

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California

Record relief:  Courts’ authority to dismiss charges and set aside convictions has been steadily extended over the past decade, with authority to seal the record added in 2019, so that by virtue of a 2022 law almost all felony convictions may be set aside and sealed after completion of sentence, after a conviction-free waiting period of between one and four years. In some cases, sealing is automatic, and in others relief is petition-based. Effective November 18, 2019, the state repository may not disclose such records for most inquiries relating to employment or licensing; and, effective Aug. 1, 2022, courts may not disclose such records except to criminal justice agencies.  Nonetheless, a conviction that has been dismissed or set aside may be used as a predicate offense and must be disclosed in certain contexts, and does not result in relief from firearms dispossession. A victim of human trafficking may seek to have arrests and convictions for any non-violent offense vacated and sealed. In successive laws enacted between 2016 and 2022, steps were taken to enact various relief measures for marijuana offenses, including but not limited to convictions for conduct made legal in 2016.

Most non-conviction records are sealed upon disposition, and uncharged arrests are sealed when the limitations period has run.  Juvenile records are generally unavailable to the public except for those related to certain more serious offenses; most juvenile adjudications may be sealed after five years (if found to be rehabilitated and no subsequent convictions of felony or crime of moral turpitude); juvenile records not resulting in adjudication are eligible for sealing upon disposition.

Judicial certificates:  Certificates of Rehabilitation (COR) are available to people with state offenses from courts in the county of their residence or the court of conviction after conviction-free waiting period of 7-10 years, and satisfaction of other statutory criteria.  A COR relieves certain licensing restrictions and serves as a first step in the pardon process.

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Colorado

Record relief:  All but the most serious felonies are eligible for sealing after graduated waiting periods: one year after completion of sentence for petty offenses, three years for misdemeanors and lower-level felonies, and five years for other eligible felonies.  All court-ordered fees must have been paid.  If a person has multiple convictions, records may only be sealed if all offenses are eligible (the DA or court can authorize sealing for otherwise ineligible misdemeanors).  Minor drug felonies may be vacated and reduced to misdemeanors, making many of them eligible for sealing.  Victims of human trafficking may petition to seal any misdemeanor resulting from trafficking.  In these cases, the court must apply a balancing test to determine whether sealing is warranted.  For more serious felonies, the court must hold a hearing; for other offenses, the court need not hold a hearing unless the prosecutor or victim objects. Decriminalized marijuana misdemeanors must be sealed upon petition, and municipal offenses may also be sealed on petition. Consumer reporting agencies must exclude sealed or expunged records from their reports and the state court administrator must report annually to the House Judiciary Committee on statistics of sealed/objected records.

Clean slate sealing: Legislation in 2022 authorized automatic sealing after a waiting period of most offenses currently eligible for petition-based sealing, including records involved in diversion agreements and records associated with status as victim of human trafficking, excluding violent crimes. Payment of outstanding fees or fines is not required. The district attorney has 45 days to object, and the defendant has the right to a hearing.  Uncharged arrests must be sealed automatically after one year, and most non-convictions are sealed automatically at disposition. Expungement is mandatory for records of juvenile adjudications for petty offenses and misdemeanors or where no adjudication results; expungement is discretionary for low-level felonies after an eligibility waiting period, which is extended for people with repeat offenses.

Judicial certificates:  At the time of conviction or at any time thereafter, upon the request of the defendant or upon the court’s own motion, a court may enter an “order of collateral relief” in the criminal case to override specific collateral consequences as identified by the defendant, including employment, housing and licensing bars.  The law contains no standards to guide subsequent discretionary decision-making. All but violent offenses and offenses requiring registration are eligible.  Juvenile adjudications are also eligible.  An order of collateral relief may be enlarged at any time upon petition.

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Connecticut

Record Relief:  Until recently, pardons were the primary vehicle for record relief for convictions in Connecticut, and pardoned convictions are granted generously by an appointed administrative board, then “erased” (expunged).  Upon the subject’s request, records that have been erased are physically destroyed after three years.  Records of individuals under the age of 21 who were adjudicated as a “youthful offender,” are automatically erased upon reaching age 21, if they had no subsequent felony convictions.  Several programs for diversion or deferred adjudication may also result in erasure, and victims of human trafficking may seek vacatur of convictions (and presumably erasure).  Where the erasure statute applies, a court may proceed on its own motion to dismiss charges, and records will automatically be erased.

In June 2021, Connecticut enacted a “Clean Slate” law, effective January 1, 2023, which establishes a process to automatically erase records of most misdemeanor convictions and certain less serious felony convictions entered after January 1, 2000, after a specified period following the person’s most recent conviction for a crime (except for certain drug possession offenses).  A person’s criminal record must be erased in the event of acquittal or dismissal, and the state and its agencies may not use non-conviction records in connection with employment or licensure.  Partial sealing is available for charges dismissed in a conviction case, but only for electronic databases.  Juveniles adjudicated delinquent, who are at least 18 years old, may petition for erasure of their records after two years for less serious offenses, and four years for more serious ones.

Certificates of Relief: The pardon board or court supervisory agency may issue certificates of rehabilitation in cases that do not yet qualify for a full pardon, to give relief from legal barriers to employment and/or licensure.  They may be sought at any time after sentencing for the purpose of promoting rehabilitation.  Individuals convicted under federal law or the law of another state are eligible for a COR if they reside or do business in the state. 

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Delaware

In Delaware records eligible for expungement fall into two categories: mandatory and discretionary (by petition). Per a 2021 law, records authorized for mandatory expungement must be automatically expunged effective in August 2024.  These include most misdemeanor convictions, as well as cases “terminated in favor of the accused,” including acquittals, dismissals after probation before judgment, dismissals of all charges, and arrests that are not charged within 1 year of the arrest. In 2021 and 2022 the category of mandatory expougements was expanded to include more misdemeanors and a handful of minor felonies. Until the automatic system is operational, records may only be expunged on application to the State Bureau of Investigation after waiting periods of three years after conviction (for violations), five years (for less serious misdemeanors, including decriminalized marijuana offenses but excluding domestic violence and other offenses), and ten years (for a handful of less serious felonies). Undisposed cases became eligible in 2022 for mandatory expungement after seven years. In all but the least serious cases, the person must have no prior or subsequent convictions.

Additional convictions may be expunged upon petition to the court, if the person has no prior or subsequent disqualifying convictions, after waiting periods ranging from three to seven years.  Pardoned convictions may also be expunged on petition.  Victims of human trafficking convicted of any nonviolent crime or adjudicated delinquent may petition for pardon or vacatur, with expungement to follow in either case.  Juvenile records may be expunged under a bifurcated scheme analogous to the one applicable to criminal records, with expungement mandatory in some cases and discretionary in others, with certain “prohibitions to expungement.” Expungement means that all law-enforcement agency records and court records are “destroyed, segregated, or placed in the custody of the State Bureau of Identification,” and are not released except to law enforcement and the courts.

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District of Columbia

The D.C. record clearing law was completely revised effective March 2023, replacing one of the most restrictive and confusing schemes with a reasonably clear and generous one. Sealing by petition is available for all non-convictions records, and for misdemeanor convictions and all but the most serious felonies, after waiting periods of five and eight years after completion of sentence.  Applicable waiting periods for all arrests and convictions need no longer be satisfied before sealing, and a person need no longer waive the right to seal records not yet eligible as under the earlier law. Waiting periods are no longer extended by “disqualifying” arrests or convictions. The court must determine whether sealing is “in the interests of justice,” weighing certain required and discretionary factors. At any time, a person may seek expungement on grounds of actual innocence, decriminalized conduct, or, for all but specified violent and sexual offenses, conduct resulting from having been a victim of trafficking.  If a record of arrest or conviction is sealed, its subject may deny it in most situations, except that access is authorized for certain law enforcement, court, employment, and licensing purposes.  Juvenile records may be sealed after two years once the person is 18, if there have been no subsequent convictions.  Expungement is available by petition in actual innocence cases and for victims of human trafficking, and automatic expungement is available for decriminalized conduct (marijuana).

Automatic sealing will be available for non-conviction records and certain less serious misdemeanors after a 10-year waiting period.

Though D.C. Law 24-284 is enacted, it is unfunded, which means it is not effective and cannot be used. Currently, the FY24 Budget Support Act of 2023 set the effective date for the Second Chance Act as 1/1/26 for most of the law and 10/1/29 for the automatic sealing provisions.

 

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Florida

There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge adult convictions, including pardoned convictions, with the limited exception of convictions of victims of human trafficking.  Courts have discretion to order sealing of some non-conviction records and expungement of others, if the person has no prior convictions and no prior expungements, unless the charges arose under a long list of crimes of violence or sexual misconduct.  Records of “withheld” cases (deferred adjudication) may be sealed if the charges are otherwise eligible, and the person has no prior convictions or expungements. Notwithstanding other eligibility requirements, a person found to have acted in lawful self-defense may have the record expunged.  A 2019 law authorized the creation of an automated process for sealing eligible non-conviction records.

Expungement results in destruction of the record, while sealing permits limited law enforcement, employment, and licensing access.  Before petitioning a court to expunge a criminal record, a person must apply to the department of law enforcement for a certificate of eligibility.  Sealing is available to victims of human trafficking if their offense or alleged offense was related to the trafficking.  Juvenile records are generally confidential except for serious offenses, and expungement is available for non-judicial records of a first-offense non-violent misdemeanor, after successful completion of diversion.  Expungement for more serious juvenile adjudications is available once the person reaches the age of 26.

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Georgia

In 2020, Georgia extended its law on administrative record restriction to make adult misdemeanor convictions and pardoned convictions eligible for administrative relief followed by sealing of court records, pursuant to a petition process after a short conviction-free waiting period with no pending charges. Certain misdemeanors and felonies involving “serious violence” and sexual offenses would not be eligible.  Under preexisting law, record restriction and sealing are also available on petition for first-time drug convictions and dispositions in “accountability courts.”  Administrative non-conviction records are automatically restricted, and court records may be sealed by petition. The court must find in each case that “the harm otherwise resulting to the privacy of the individual clearly outweighs the public interest.”  Felony charges dismissed pursuant to a plea to a misdemeanor may also be restricted after four years.  A discharge without adjudication after the completion of probation for first felony offenders “completely exonerates” the defendant, seals the court record, and prohibits use of the record to deny employment except in limited cases (e.g., working with vulnerable populations).  Juvenile records may be sealed upon petition to the court after a two-year waiting period and a finding of rehabilitation, and juvenile victims of human trafficking may petition for sealing of sex offenses related to the trafficking.

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Hawaii

There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge adult convictions, with two exceptions: convictions for prostitution and related offenses may be vacated and sealed by the court after a three-year waiting period if there are no subsequent convictions; convictions for possession of three ounces or less of marijuana (decriminalized) may be expunged.  There is no authority to expunge or seal pardoned convictions.  Deferred adjudication is available for nonviolent first-time offenses, and the record may be expunged after one year upon application to the court and attorney general.  Deferred adjudication is also an option for those who are convicted of first-time drug possession, with expungement available if the crime was committed under the age of 20.

Non-conviction information is not publicly accessible except to criminal justice agencies and agencies authorized by law; upon application by the subject, the attorney general will expunge a record of arrest if no conviction resulted, and the individual may also apply to the court for expungement of court records. Juvenile records are confidential; courts may expunge juvenile records if no charges were brought, or the individual was held not responsible.

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Idaho

There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge adult convictions, including pardoned convictions, with one exception: victims of human trafficking convicted of prostitution or other offense as a result of being trafficked may petition “to vacate such conviction and/or to expunge the criminal history records.” Any defendant who was convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and not sentenced to a prison term, or whose sentence was deferred, may apply to the sentencing court upon discharge to have the sentence set aside and the charges dismissed, or for a reduction of the conviction from a felony to a misdemeanor.  In addition any person convicted of a felony and sentenced to a prison term may have the sentence reduced to a misdemeanor five years after discharge, or earlier if the prosecutor so stipulates.  The defendant must not have been convicted of any further felony or have charges pending, and the court must find “good cause.”  Only treason, murder and sex offenses are not eligible. The dismissal “shall have the effect of restoring the defendant to his civil rights,” including firearms rights, but there is no authority to expunge or seal the record.

Other non-conviction records may be sealed upon request to the state police after one year.  Juvenile adjudications, except for serious offenses, may be expunged after a waiting period (five years for felonies, one year for misdemeanors). After a hearing, the court shall grant expungement petition if it finds the person has been held accountable, is a contributing member of society, and expungement will not risk public safety.

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Illinois

Record relief:  Most misdemeanor and felony convictions are eligible for sealing upon petition three years after termination of the person’s most recent sentence, if they have no intervening findings of guilt.  Eligibility does not depend upon payment of court debt, and restitution may be reduced to a civil judgment.  Ineligible offenses include DUI, sex crimes, animal care crimes, and domestic battery.  Non-conviction records may be expunged (as opposed to sealed) as may those that have been pardoned (if the pardon document so authorizes).  Immediate sealing is available for victims of human trafficking for any offense related to the trafficking.  Sealed records of felonies may be released pursuant to state or federal laws requiring a background check.

Deferred adjudication is available for first-time nonviolent felony offenses, with expungement five years after successful completion of probation.  Non-conviction records may be sealed on petition at disposition, and may be expunged if the person has no prior convictions.  In addition, marijuana arrests and convictions may be expunged pursuant to a tiered procedure involving automatic relief for non-conviction records and minor possession offenses, and relief by petition for more serious offense.  Most juvenile records are automatically expunged after a waiting period that varies from zero to two years, except that those adjudicated for more serious felonies must petition for expungement after two years.  All juvenile records which have not been expunged are sealed.

Judicial certificates:  Courts are authorized to issue two types of certificates.  A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities addresses licensing restrictions and creates an enforceable “presumption of rehabilitation” that must be given effect by a licensing board.  A Certificate of Good Conduct lifts mandatory employment, licensing and housing bars, and evidences the individual’s rehabilitation.  Certificates may be issued by the sentencing court, either at the time of sentencing or upon satisfactory completion of sentence, or by the circuit court to those convicted of federal and out-of-state offenses, after a brief waiting period.

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Indiana

Judicial expungement is mandatory, upon petition to the court, for non-conviction records, misdemeanors, and eligible less-serious felonies; expungement is discretionary for more serious felonies.  Eligibility waiting periods range from one year for non-conviction records to ten years following completion of sentence for the most serious felonies.  After expungement, non-conviction records, and records of misdemeanors and minor felonies are sealed; more serious felonies remain public but are “marked as expunged.”  Convictions of victims of human trafficking may be vacated and expunged as a non-conviction record, and pardoned convictions are automatically expunged and sealed.  Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, and anyone convicted of such offenses is not eligible for expungement of any otherwise eligible crimes (such offenses include sexual or violent offenses, misconduct in office, or two or more separate felonies involving unlawful use of a deadly weapon).  Courts may expunge juvenile records at any time upon petition; courts must expunge automatically upon reaching age 19 (ex. for felonies).

In 2022 expungement was made automatic for most non-conviction records.

Expungement may be granted without a hearing unless the prosecutor objects; all fines and fees must be paid and no charges may be pending.  Where expungement is sought for a conviction, a petitioner may seek to expunge multiple convictions in multiple courts, but all petitions must be filed within one year; after that year, a person may not file another petition in their lifetime.  Once records are expunged, only a criminal justice agency may access them without a court order. Expungement restores rights (including firearms to all but serious violent offenders), limits employer/licensing inquiry, protects against discrimination, and bars reporting by private background screeners. Administrative sealing of convictions is also available from the state police after 15 years.  Deferral or continuance of prosecution is available for a “drug abuser” or “alcoholic” charged with a less serious felony, if they have no more than one prior conviction.

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Iowa

A single misdemeanor conviction may be expunged by the court if at least eight years have passed since conviction and the person has no other convictions or pending criminal charges, has not previously been granted more than one deferred judgment, and has paid all financial obligations ordered by the court, including indigent counsel fees. A lengthy list of ineligible crimes includes weapons offenses, misuse of public office, livestock abuse, and a variety of violent or sexual offenses.  A person may be granted only one expungement in a lifetime. There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge felony convictions or pardoned convictions.  Deferred adjudication, followed by expungement of records, is available for first offenses; however, it may be used to enhance punishment for a subsequent offense.  Records of acquittals and dismissed charges (excluding deferred adjudication) may be expunged after 180 days, but only if all court debt has been paid.  Juvenile records are presumptively confidential if they do not involve a forcible felony offense, but forcible felony records may be made confidential upon petition; juvenile records may be sealed upon petition after a two-year waiting period if the juvenile is at least age 18 and has no subsequent offenses.

Administrative Certificate: Upon release, the Iowa Board of Parole automatically issues a Certificate of Employability to any eligible individual who received parole, work release, or early discharge, and who successfully completed requisite vocational programs while incarcerated. Certificates must be given effect in determining the rehabilitation of a candidate for an occupational or professional licensing.

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Kansas

Expungement of convictions is available upon petition to the court for all but serious violent and sexual offenses, following a waiting period of three to five years after completion of sentence.  There is a  presumption in favor of expungement if the petitioner has not been convicted of a felony in the past two years, no charges are pending, and the court finds that “the circumstances and behavior of the petitioner warrant the expungement” and expungement is “consistent with the public welfare.”  Victims of human trafficking may petition for expungement of prostitution convictions and diversions after one year.  A person must be informed at each stage of the criminal process about the possibility of obtaining expungement, including upon release from prison. After expungement, a person “shall be treated as not having been arrested, convicted or diverted of the crime,” except that the expunged conviction may be considered in a subsequent criminal proceeding.

Prosecutors have authority to enter into diversion agreements promising dismissal of charges in all but the most serious cases, and courts may make rules to offer diversion without statutory limits. Non-conviction records may be expunged on petition if the court finds either that the person was acquitted, or that expungement would be “in the best interests of justice and charges have been dismissed or no charges have been or are likely to be filed.”  There is a filing fee of up to $195 to expunge non-conviction and conviction records.  Juvenile records may be expunged after a hearing if the court finds that the person is at least age 23 or two years have passed since final discharge, there have been no subsequent convictions or adjudication, no charges are pending, and the petitioner’s circumstances and behavior warrant expungement.

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Kentucky

Courts are authorized upon petition to vacate specified Class D felony convictions and pardoned convictions, dismiss the charges, and expunge the record five years after completion of sentence, with no intervening convictions and no charges pending.  There is a filing fee of $50 and an “expungement fee” of $250 that must be paid in full before expungement will be ordered.  Expungement of a single misdemeanor conviction (or series of misdemeanors arising from the same incident) is mandatory five years after completion of sentence if there are no intervening convictions or charges pending; expungement of multiple misdemeanors is discretionary.  Expungement of non-violent convictions by victims of human trafficking is available 60 days after judgment.

Deferred adjudication (“pretrial diversion”) leading to expungement is available to a person charged with a Class D felony offense (or with court permission Class C felonies) who has had no prior felony convictions within a ten-year period.  After March 2020, the court is required to automatically expunge non-conviction records upon disposition in cases of acquittal or dismissal with prejudice; for cases disposed of prior to that time, expungement is mandatory upon petition after 60 days without a hearing.  In cases where felony charges have not been indicted after 60 days, expungement is also mandatory upon petition after notice to the district attorney.  Dismissals without prejudice are eligible for expungement after a three-year waiting period for felonies, and a one-year period for misdemeanors.  Expungement is available for juvenile offenses, excluding sex offenses and violent offenses, after a two-year waiting period; expungement of juvenile records not resulting in adjudication is automatic at time of disposition.

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Louisiana

Eligible convictions may be expunged upon motion ten years after completion of sentence for felonies and five years for misdemeanors, if there have been no intervening convictions and no pending charges.  Specified offenses are ineligible.  Persons entitled to “first offender pardons” are eligible for immediate expungement, specifically including drug crimes.  Expungement of felonies may be granted only once every 15 years (except for deferred adjudication cases), and misdemeanor expungements only once every five years (except for DUI convictions which must wait 10 years).  Expunged records are not publicly available but may be accessed by law enforcement and certain licensing agencies and may serve as predicates.

In 2023 the legislature directed development of an automated expungement process, requiring the BCII to collect eligible records and provide individuals with a simplified internet filing process, with short timetables established by statute connecting the BCII and court record systems.

Expungement is authorized following deferred adjudication for certain noncapital felonies, and other non-conviction records may be expunged “at any time.”  A felony arrest that resulted in a misdemeanor conviction may be expunged.  Non-adjudication juvenile records may be expunged at age 17; misdemeanor adjudications may be expunged two years after satisfaction of judgement; felony adjudications, excluding certain serious offenses, may be expunged two years after satisfaction of judgement, with no subsequent weapons offenses and no pending charges.

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Maine

Maine authorizes sealing of court records for Class E convictions (except for sexual assault) after a one-year waiting period, as well as Class D and E marijuana convictions obtained prior to legalization in 2017. Various agencies still have access to the record, inclduing professional licensing agencies.

There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge non-conviction records, and various non-conviction records held by criminal justice agencies may be disclosed to any person who makes a specific inquiry about whether a named individual was arrested or charged “on a specific date.”  Pardoned convictions are treated like non-conviction records, except that they may upon petition be deleted from law enforcement and FBI records ten years after final discharge.  These provisions do not apply to court records, which are available to the public. Deferred adjudication is available for less serious offenses.  Juvenile records may be sealed upon petition after a three-year waiting period if there are no subsequent adjudications or convictions.

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Maryland

Expungement is authorized for 100 enumerated misdemeanors upon petition five years after completion of sentence, and for a handful of felonies (theft, burglary, drug-related) after seven years, if there have been no subsequent convictions, unless the subsequent conviction becomes eligible. In a few cases the eligibility period is 10 years. Relief is mandatory unless the prosecutor objects, in which case there must be a hearing to determine whether the person is a risk to public safety, and whether expungement would be in the best interest of justice.  Expunged records may be opened only by court order and are destroyed after three years.  In addition, “shielding” (sealing) is available for 12 enumerated non-violent misdemeanors after a 3-year waiting period.  Expungement is also available for pardoned nonviolent first offenses, nuisance convictions after three years, and decriminalized conduct.  Victims of human trafficking whose convictions are vacated may also seek expungement.  A constitutional ballot initiative in November 2022 legalized personal use of cannabis, and resulted in legislation automating sealing of some minor convictions and reducing waiting periods for expungement of both possession and PWID cannabis offenses.

Arrest records not leading to charges are automatically expunged after 60 days; other non-conviction records may be expunged upon petition three years after disposition or completion of treatment, including charges dismissed following deferred adjudication (“probation before judgment”).  Juvenile records may be sealed at any time upon a showing of “good cause,” and must be sealed when the person reaches the age of 21.

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Massachusetts

With certain exceptions, convicted persons are entitled to have their records sealed upon application to the department of probation 7 years after disposition or release from confinement for a felony and 3 years for a misdemeanor, without a conviction in the waiting period.  Exceptions include firearms offenses, crimes by public officials, and crimes “against public justice” such as perjury and witness tampering.  For sex offenses, the waiting period is 15 years after completion of sentence and removal from registry, unless registered as Level 2 or 3.  Pardoned convictions are eligible for immediate sealing.  Victims of human trafficking may petition the court to vacate a conviction for prostitution or simple drug possession, with sealing to follow.  Records of decriminalized offenses, including marijuana possession, may be sealed immediately.  Sealing prohibits use in connection with employment, housing and licensing, but it does not expunge.

Some non-conviction records are eligible for automatic sealing (acquittals and deferred adjudication cases), and some require a judicial finding “that substantial justice would best be served” (nolle prosequi or dismissed charges).  Juvenile records must be sealed upon request if 3 years have elapsed, with no adjudication, guilty findings (except some motor vehicle offenses), imprisonment or juvenile custody in the preceding 3 years.  Records of nonviolent non-sexual juvenile adjudications are eligible for expungement (permanent erasure or destruction) after three years for misdemeanors and seven years for felonies.

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Michigan

Effective April 2021, eligibility for set-aside and sealing expands to an unlimited number of misdemeanors and up to three felonies, provided that no more than two convictions for assaultive crimes may be set-aside in a person’s lifetime, and not more than one conviction for the same offense if the offense is punishable by more than 10 years in prison.  In counting convictions most crimes in the same 24-hour period arising from the same transaction are counted as a single offense.  Waiting periods ranging from 3 to 7 years apply.  A petitioner must give notice to all interested parties, and the court holds a hearing to consider the person’s “circumstances and behavior” since the conviction and to determine whether “setting aside the conviction is consistent with the public welfare.”  A conviction that has been set aside is sealed by court rule.  Charges dismissed pursuant to first offender drug deferred adjudication scheme count as misdemeanors for purposes of applying for set-aside.  Felonies subject to a life sentence are ineligible, as are traffic and sex offenses.  Victims of human trafficking may have prostitution and related convictions set-aside and sealed.  (Prior to April 2021, only one felony conviction was eligible for set-aside upon petition to the convicting court after a five-year waiting period, as long as the person had no more than two misdemeanor convictions.  People with no more than two misdemeanor convictions and no felony conviction may petition for set-aside of one or both misdemeanors, also after a five-year waiting period.)

Set-aside and sealing will become automatic in 2023 for an unlimited number of minor misdemeanors seven years after imposition of sentence; and, up to four more serious misdemeanors and up to two less serious felonies would be automatically expunged 7 or 10 years after imposition of sentence or release from imprisonment, respectively, provided that the conditions in the petition-based standards are met.

Records of uncharged arrests must be sealed by the state police repository upon the person’s release; the repository must also seal other non-conviction records upon receipt of a court order with final disposition, and courts have a policy of making their own corresponding records nonpublic in such situations.  Juveniles may petition the court to set aside up to four adjudications (one of which may be a felony) one year after the last adjudication or release from detention, or upon reaching age 18, whichever is later.  Procedures are almost identical to those that apply to adult set-asides.  Set-aside and sealing will become automatic in 2023.

Administrative Certificate: The Michigan Department of Corrections automatically issues a Certificate of Employability to prisoners who completed education or vocational programs and had no significant record of misconduct. Certificates protect employers from negligent hiring claims, and must also be considered by licensing boards to establish an applicant’s “good moral character.”

Minnesota

Courts may expunge (or seal, a term used interchangeably) misdemeanors and a list of about 50 non-violent felonies, after waiting periods ranging from 2 to 5 years after completion of sentence.  A formal petition need not be filed if the prosecutor does not object.  In all cases the court must balance the interests of the public and public safety against the disadvantages to the subject.  For convictions not on the statutory list, the courts may entertain petitions pursuant to their common law authority, but the statutory procedures and standards apply.  Less serious felony convictions may be reduced to misdemeanors, and deferred adjudication is available for first drug offenses.

Per a 2023 law, most misdemeanor and felony records eligible for petition-based expungement will be sealed automatically effective January 1, 2025, with varying waiting periods and no intervening convictions except petty misdemeanors. Pardoned convictions and some marijuana convictions will also be automatically expunged. Expunged records may not be considered in connection with public employment or licensing decisions, and if a business screening service knows that a criminal record has been expunged, or is the subject of a pardon, it must promptly delete the record.  Expunged records may not be the basis of negligent hiring liability.

Non-conviction records may be expunged upon request at disposition, and are eligible for automatic expungement in 2025. Where no charges are filed, arrest records must be destroyed if a person was not convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor in the prior ten years.  Records of juvenile adjudications may be expunged by the court at any time, applying the same balancing test that applies to adult expungements.  Juvenile records are generally available only until their subject reaches the age of 28.

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Mississippi

A misdemeanor conviction may be expunged for a “first offender” upon completion of sentence. After a 5-year waiting period, a single felony conviction (defined to include multiple convictions arising from the same operative facts) may be expunged, but 10 listed serious felonies are ineligible.  Expungement is also available through the state intervention court system (substance abuse, mental health, veterans).  Victims of human trafficking convicted under the Mississippi Human Trafficking Act may petition the court to vacate their convictions. There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions. Non-conviction records are eligible for immediate expungement upon petition, including uncharged arrests, charges dropped, charges dismissed after deferred adjudication, and acquittals.  A person whose conviction was expunged need not report it, but an employer is not prohibited from asking the person about it.  Juvenile records are generally confidential; they may be sealed when the person reaches the age of 20 or if the case was dismissed or set-aside.  The judge also has authority to order destruction of juvenile records.

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Missouri

Expungement is authorized for all non-Class A felonies and all misdemeanors, subject to a lengthy list of exceptions for violent offenses, sex offenses, other more serious crimes, and driving offenses involving liquor or commercial driver’s licenses.  Only one felony and two misdemeanors may be expunged in a lifetime (but all counts in a single indictment may be counted as a single offense).  There is a waiting period of three years after completion of sentence for felonies and one year for misdemeanors, during which there may be no new convictions, and fines and restitution must be paid.  The court notifies the prosecutor, who in turn is responsible for notifying any victim.  A hearing may be dispensed with if the parties agree, but the court in each case must find that the petitioner is not a threat to public safety and that expungement is in the public interest.  In addition, prostitution pleas and convictions may be expunged if the person was a minor acting under coercion.  Expunged records are generally not available to the public, but remain available to criminal justice agencies, licensing agencies, and employers that are required to exclude convicted individuals.

Any felony or misdemeanor for which probation may be imposed is eligible for suspended imposition of sentence. Records in cases disposed of favorably to the defendant are automatically “closed,” but expungement is available only pursuant to the same eligibility rules and procedures that apply to convictions. Juvenile records are generally unavailable to the public, and juveniles may petition the court to destroy their records once they reach the age of 17.

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Montana

There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge adult felony convictions. Expungement is available for multiple misdemeanors, but only once in a person’s lifetime.  Relief is presumed for all but certain serious misdemeanors after a 5-year waiting period; other misdemeanors may also be expunged in the court’s discretion.  Misdemeanors from different counties may be expunged in a single proceeding.  Effective Jan. 1, 2021, a person serving a sentence–or who has completed a sentence–for an marijuana act legalized or punishable by a lesser sentence under the 2020 marijuana initiatives may petition the sentencing court for an expungement, resentencing, and/or redesignation.  Deferred sentencing is available for misdemeanors and first felony offenses, after which charges are dismissed and access to records is limited.  Non-conviction arrest records must be returned to defendant or destroyed.  Youth court and associated law enforcement records are automatically sealed upon defendant’s reaching age 18.

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Nebraska

There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge adult convictions. Those sentenced to probation or to pay a fine may petition the court to set-aside the conviction upon discharge, if the court finds that the order will be “in the best interest of the offender and consistent with the public welfare.”  In 2020, for the first time, a person sentenced to a term of imprisonment of one year or less may also petition the sentencing court to “set aside” the conviction, with certain exceptions. Set-aside “nullifies” the conviction and removes “all civil disabilities and disqualifications” but does not expunge or seal the record.  Sealing is authorized for pardoned convictions, for victims of human trafficking for “any offense” directly resulting from the trafficking, and in cases of deferred judgments. For non-convictions, upon acquittal or entry of an order dismissing a case, including for successful drug court program completion, information pertaining to the case is sealed and not disseminated to persons other than criminal justice agencies.  Arrests where charges were not filed because of diversion are sealed after two years, and records of uncharged arrests are sealed after one year. Most juvenile records are automatically sealed upon disposition.

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Nevada

All convictions except for crimes against a child, sex offenses, and certain DUIs, are eligible for sealing after a waiting period ranging from one to 10 years after discharge or release from prison if no convictions during waiting period or pending charges.  There is an explicit presumption in favor of sealing except for those dishonorably discharged from probation or parole, whose sealing is discretionary.  Sealed convictions may be denied and have no predicate effect.  Non-conviction records are presumptively eligible for sealing after the charges are dismissed, declined for prosecution (after the limitations period has run or 10 years), or a person is acquitted.  Victims of human trafficking may petition to have any non-violent conviction vacated and the record sealed.  Sealing is also available for conduct that was subsequently decriminalized.  There is broad authority to defer adjudication leading to sealing, and also authority for drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans courts all also leading to sealing.  Pardoned convictions may also be sealed. Most juvenile records are automatically sealed when the person turns 21, except that earlier sealing is available by petition after a three-year waiting period, and certain violent and sexual offenses are not eligible for sealing until the person turns 30.

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New Hampshire

Convictions for most nonviolent offenses may be “annulled” by the court upon petition after waiting periods ranging from one to ten years after completion of sentence or release from prison, subject to a “public welfare” standard. Victims of human trafficking may have prostitution convictions vacated and annulled, and convictions for marijuana possession may also be annulled. There currently exists no statutory authority for deferred adjudication except in drug court.  Non-conviction records may be annulled by the court subject to the “public welfare” standard.  Records in the repository that have been annulled or that did not result in conviction are confidential, and not available to background screeners.  Juvenile records are confidential; they are “closed” when a person turns 21, though they are still available to law enforcement.

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New Jersey

Record relief:  New Jersey has two main paths to expungement of convictions: one is via petitions filed in court, and the other is a newly authorized “clean slate” authority that will eventually be automatic.  Petition-based expungement of a single “indictable” offense (felony) is authorized five years after completion of sentence, and of up to three additional “disorderly persons” offenses (misdemeanors) after a 5-year waiting period running from the last conviction.  The waiting period may be reduced to three years if the person is seeking expungement only for disorderly offenses. A prior expungement is disqualifying, as is having more than one indictable offense conviction or more than three disorderly offense convictions, but a prior conviction is not.  Most serious and violent offenses, offenses by public officials, and serious drug offenses are ineligible for expungement.   An e-filing system was authorized in 2019 and is scheduled to launch in mid-2020.

Deferred adjudication leading to expungement is broadly available, and expungement by petition is also authorized for successful completion of drug court, prostitution by victims of human trafficking, and pardoned convictions.

The second path to expungement is styled “clean slate” and authorizes automatic expungement of eligible convictions ten years after completion of the last sentence (same eligibility criteria as petition-based expungement).  Pending development of an automated delivery system, individuals may apply to the court and relief is mandatory upon a determination of eligibility.  Also, a range of marijuana convictions are subject to automatic sealing and/or expungement.

Arrest and other non-conviction records are expunged automatically at time of disposition (the requirement of a petition having been repealed in 2019).  Juvenile records may be expunged after a three-year waiting period with no subsequent adjudications or convictions.

Judicial/administrative certificates:  The sentencing court and supervisory authority are authorized to issue certificates evidencing rehabilitation that “suspends certain disabilities, forfeitures or bars to employment or professional licensure.”  A certificate may be awarded by the court at sentencing if the person has only one conviction and is not sentenced to prison, or by the supervisory authority three years after completion of supervision if the person has no other conviction within ten years.

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New Mexico

Courts are authorized to expunge convictions for all but the most serious violent offenses after a conviction-free waiting period ranging from 2 to 10 years after completion of sentence, including payment of fines and fees.  The court must find after a hearing that “justice will be served by an order to expunge,” applying a multi-factor test.  Expungement is defined as limiting public access. Deferred sentencing following a plea is available except in first-degree felony cases, and expungement is available under the procedures and standards applicable to convictions. Certain marijuana-related records are subject to automatic expungement. Victims of human trafficking may petition to have their records sealed if the offense was not a homicide and the offense was directly related to the trafficking.  Courts may also expunge non-conviction records (including conditional discharges) after a one-year waiting period, so long as no charges are pending.  Juvenile records are generally unavailable to the public. Upon motion to the court made by a person over 18 years old (or younger, upon a showing of good cause), the court is required to seal all records so long as two years have passed since release from custody/supervision (or entry of judgement), and there have been no subsequent adjudications or convictions for any felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and no charges are pending.

Judicial certificates:  Uniform Collateral Consequences of Conviction Act provides for collection, notification, limited relief from mandatory consequences, and standards for discretionary disqualification.  Gives effect to out-of-state relief, and relief is available to those with federal and out-of-state convictions.

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New York

Record relief:  Sealing is authorized for up to two convictions (only one of them a felony) 10 years after sentencing or release from prison. Sex offenses, class A and violent felonies are ineligible.  Multiple eligible convictions “committed as part of the same criminal transaction” are considered a single conviction. If the district attorney does not object, the court may decide the application without a hearing, applying a multi-factor test to determine rehabilitation.  Conditional sealing is also available upon completion of judicial diversion, and it may extend to up to three prior misdemeanors.  Prostitution convictions for victims of human trafficking may be vacated and sealed. Certain marijuana convictions are automatically expunged. Sealing of non-conviction records is mandatory upon termination of the action in favor of the accused.  Juvenile adjudications terminated in favor of the juvenile must be sealed, and those concluding in a finding of delinquency may be sealed.  Youthful offender (16-19) records are sealed automatically upon adjudication.

Judicial/administrative certificates:  A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD) may be obtained from the sentencing court for first felony offenders not sentenced to prison, and otherwise from the parole board.  A Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) is available from the parole board for people with multiple felonies.  Both certificates relieve mandatory consequences and signify rehabilitation, but only the CGC restores firearms rights and eligibility for public office. Persons residing or doing business in New York with convictions from other states or with federal convictions are eligible to apply for certificates.

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North Carolina

Record relief:  Up to three nonviolent felonies and multiple nonviolent misdemeanor convictions are eligible for “expunction” on a one-time basis — though relief may be staged where eligibility periods are different as long as there are no convictions after expungement. Multiple convictions in the same session of court shall be treated as one conviction.  The eligibility waiting period is 20 years after completion of sentence for 2-3 felonies and 10 years for a single felony, seven years for more than one misdemeanor, and five years for a single misdemeanor, and there may be no new convictions in the waiting period. Eligible persons must have paid all restitution, have no pending charges, and have no prior expungements except as permitted where relief is staged, or where relief is sought for non-convictions. Deferred adjudication is available for first-time minor drug offenses, but expunction follows only for those under age 22.  Youthful first offenses committed between the ages of 18 and 21 may also be expunged following a 4-year waiting period, and youthful offenses are eligible under other authorities.  Most non-conviction records may be automatically expunged, and expungement upon petition is also available without a hearing, notably to expunge dismissed charges in cases resulting in conviction.  Juvenile records are generally unavailable to the public and may be sealed by court order and expunged after the person turns 18 after an 18-month period of good behavior.

Judicial certificates:  A Certificate of Relief is available from the sentencing court one year after completion of sentence for individuals with a limited number of misdemeanors and minor felonies.  This certificate relieves mandatory collateral consequences, certifies that the person poses no public safety risk, and provides negligent hiring protection.

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North Dakota

Misdemeanor and felony convictions may be sealed upon petition, with conviction-free waiting periods of 3 and 5 years after conviction, respectively, except that violent offenses must wait 10 years and sex offenses are not eligible.  The court may grant a petition if it finds that the petitioner has made a showing of “good cause,” has completed the sentence and paid restitution, and that “the benefit to the petitioner outweighs the presumption of openness of the criminal record,” applying a multifactor test.  A hearing may be dispensed with if the prosecutor agrees.  “Seal” is “to prohibit the disclosure of the existence or contents of court or prosecution records unless authorized by court order.”  Minor felony convictions may be set aside and knocked down to misdemeanors after successful probation. First offense marijuana possession may be sealed after two years unless there is a subsequent conviction. Victims of human trafficking may have prostitution convictions vacated and sealed.

Deferred imposition of sentence is available, after which the record sealed. Otherwise, access to non-conviction records, including records of diversionary dispositions, may be sealed by court rule if the court finds the interest of justice will be served, pursuant to a balancing test.  Juvenile adjudications for prostitution, theft and forgery, and drug possession linked to being victim of human trafficking may be vacated and expunged.  Otherwise, juvenile records are generally unavailable to the public, and are destroyed automatically after 10 years or earlier upon petition.

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Ohio

Record relief: Sealing may be sought for an unlimited number of felonies of the 4th or 5th desgree after a one-year waiting period after final discharge, up to two felonies of the third degree and an unlimited number of more serious misdemeanors after a three-year waiting period, felonies involving nonviolent sexual offenses after five years, and felonies involving improper compensation after a seven-year waiting period.  Minor misdemeanors must wait either one year or six months, depending upon the nature of the offense.  Sealing is also available for pardoned convictions and non-conviction records upon disposition. Felonies of the first and second degree are never eligible, nor are violent offenses.  “Final discharge” requires payment of restitution. Sealing restores rights and prohibits inquiry by employers and licensing boards in most cases, but a sealed conviction may be used in subsequent criminal case. 

An application for expungement (destruction ) of a felony may be made 10 years after the time the offense would be eligible for sealing.  However, expungement of a misdemeanor may be sought one year after final discharge, or six months in the case of a minor misdemeanor.  Expungement is also available for prostitution convictions of victims of human trafficking.  Juvenile records may be sealed six months after discharge, except for convictions of rape or murder, and sealed records are automatically expunged 5 years afterward or when the person reaches age 23, or earlier by petition if the court finds rehabilitation.Sealing is available for out-of-state and federal offenses (only seals records held by Ohio). 

Intervention in lieu of conviction is available for those with no prior violent felony convictions.

Judicial certificates:  Judicial Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) removes specified mandatory occupational and licensing consequences and creates a presumption of fitness; 1-year waiting period after completion of sentence for felonies, 6 months for misdemeanors.  Unlike judicial certificates in some other states, individuals with out-of-state or federal convictions are ineligible for a CQE, even if they reside and/or do business in the state.

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Oklahoma

Up to two nonviolent felony convictions may be expunged (sealed) 10 years after completion of the last sentence, if no charges are pending. Offenses arising out of the same transaction or occurrence shall be treated as one conviction and offense. One nonviolent felony may be expunged after 5 years if no priors, two felonies after 10 years (no mention of priors), and non-violent felonies reclassified as misdemeanors may be expunged after 30 days. Misdemeanors may be expunged after 5 years if no prior felonies and no charges pending, except that the waiting period is waived if the sentence involves a fine less than $500 and no (or suspended) prison term, upon satisfaction of fine.  Pardoned offenses and prostitution convictions of victims of human trafficking may be expunged with no waiting period.

Deferred adjudication and probation is available for misdemeanors and first-time minor felony offenses, with expungement after a waiting period (5 years for felonies, one year for misdemeanors); deferred adjudication for people with first-time drug offenses leads to automatic expungement upon discharge.  Non-conviction records may be expunged in case of acquittal or if no charges are filed; dismissed charges may be expunged only if the person has no felony convictions and the limitations period has passed. Records of juvenile adjudications may be expunged upon reaching age 18 if no adult arrests or pending charges.

Certain expunged records may be “fully sealed” (acquittals, convictions reversed on appeal, and uncharged arrests) while all other expunged records are to be “partially sealed” so that they remain available to law enforcement and may be used in subsequent prosecutions.  Any sealed record may be obliterated or destroyed at the end of a ten-year period.

Clean slate eligible cases:  In May 2022, Oklahoma enacted a law making expungement automatic for non-conviction records and eligible misdemeanors, but not for eligible felonies.  Pardoned convictions, which were not included as “clean slate eligible” under the 2022 law, were added to this category in 2024. The automatic expungements commence in 2025.

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Oregon

Misdemeanors and Class C felony convictions may be set aside three to five years after judgment or release, and non-violent Class B felonies may be set aside after seven years, provided in all cases that there has been no other conviction during the waiting period. Set-aside restores all rights, relieves all disabilities, and seals the record.  Sealing is also available for pardoned convictions, human trafficking victims convicted of prostitution, and marijuana possession convictions.  Deferred adjudication in drug cases, first misdemeanor PBJ. Set-aside of non-conviction records is available 60 days after arrest if no charges filed, or any time after an acquittal or dismissal, with prior record exclusions repealed in 2021. Juvenile records may be expunged upon reaching age 18 after a 5-year waiting period if the person has no subsequent convictions of a felony or Class A misdemeanor and no charges are pending.  Juvenile records ineligible for expungement may be eligible for set-aside and sealing.

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Pennsylvania

“Clean slate” sealing (“order for limited access”) is automatic for single less serious drug felonies after a 10-year conviction-free waiting period, and for 2nd and 3rd degree misdemeanors and ungraded offenses after a 7-year conviction-free waiting period, with certain disqualifying priors (including any prior felony conviction), and full payment of restitution.  Sealed records are not available to public or private employers, or landlords, but remain available to licensing agencies and other state and criminal justice agencies.  Sealing is also available by petition to the court, with broader eligibility (less serious non-violent felonies, some first-degree misdemeanors eligible, with fewer disqualifying priors), and broader effect (licensing boards do not have access).  “Clean slate” sealing is mandated for non-conviction records  within 30 days of disposition, with the additional remedy of expungement by petition in cases where no disposition is indicated after 18 months.

Expungement is available by petition for “summary” offenses after five years; for underage drinking; for those age 70 with no arrests within 10 years; for pre-plea diversion (ARD); and for “probation before judgment” cases involving nonviolent, first-time drug offenses.  Expungement is mandatory for pardoned offenses. Courts have inherent authority to redact conviction records to expunge dismissed charges.  Juvenile records may be expunged six months after discharge on a consent decree or upon reaching age 18; or five years after delinquency adjudication.

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Puerto Rico

Expungement of a conviction is available for misdemeanors and most felonies after a waiting period of six months (misdemeanors) or five years (felonies) without further conviction.  The applicant must demonstrate “good moral reputation in the community,” and persons with a felony conviction must provide a DNA sample.  A “certificate of rehabilitation” is available from the court on motion of the corrections department for persons who have been released on parole, directing that the sentence has been fully served; the conviction is not to be included in their criminal record certificate, but it may be used in subsequent criminal cases.

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Rhode Island

Record relief:  Rhode Island law provides three separate authorities for expungement: 1) “first offenders,” defined as those with a single felony or misdemeanor conviction; 2) those with between two and six misdemeanor convictions; and 3) those who successfully completed deferred sentences.  It also provides additional authority for expunging other diversionary dispositions as well as decriminalized offenses, and for sealing non-conviction and juvenile records. Sealing and expungement have been held to be functionally identical.  Felony “first offenders” must wait ten years after completion of sentence without an arrest, and first misdemeanants five years; payment of court-imposed financial obligations is required, and some convictions for serious violence are ineligible. Additionally, up to six misdemeanors (except for domestic violence and DUI convictions) may be expunged after an arrest-free waiting period of 10 years if the person has no prior felony conviction.  Some violent crimes are ineligible. After a hearing, the court must find that the applicant “has exhibited good moral character” and that “rehabilitation has been attained to the court’s satisfaction.”  Expungement releases recipient “from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the crime,” including firearms disabilities, except that it may serve as a predicate offense and enhance a sentence in a subsequent prosecution.

Deferred sentencing is broadly available, and expungement is available immediately upon completion of a deferred sentence.  Convictions for decriminalized conduct may also be expunged.  Non-conviction records may be sealed on petition, and a proviso limiting relief (except in acquittals) to those with no prior felony conviction was repealed in 2021.  Expungement is defined to mean sealing, and there are broad exceptions.  Juvenile records are automatically sealed at disposition (with some exceptions) but may be used in subsequent sentencings.

Certificates of relief:  A Certificate of Recovery and Re-entry may be issued by the parole board to persons with no more than one nonviolent felony conviction, after completion of sentence and payment of fines and restitution.  A certificate may “serve as one determining factor as to whether the petitioner has been successful in his or her rehabilitation,” but does not remove mandatory consequences.  Certificates are available for federal and out-of-state convictions.

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South Carolina

Records of minor misdemeanor convictions and summary offenses may be expunged and destroyed after three years if there are no subsequent convictions (domestic violence convictions must wait five years). Youthful Offender Act (age 17 to 25) convictions for first offense minor felonies and non-violent misdemeanors may be expunged after five years if no prior or subsequent convictions.  Various diversionary and other authorities, including for victims of human trafficking, may lead to expungement for non-violent first offenses.  Traffic offenses cannot be expunged.  There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge pardoned convictions. A person may petition for expungement if charges are dismissed (except as part of a plea) or acquitted, and then records are destroyed but law enforcement may retain records for 3 and 1/2 years; non-convictions disposed in Magistrate or Municipal Court after June 2, 2011 are automatically expunged.  Juvenile records may be expunged when the person turns 18, with some exceptions for violent offenses and repeat offenses.  All applications for expungement must be made through the Solicitor’s Office in the judicial circuit where the charge originated, which determines eligibility, coordinating with other agencies and with courts, and processes application as necessary.  A fee of $250 applies, except that there is no fee for non-convictions.

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South Dakota

Arrests and convictions for Class 2 misdemeanors, municipal violations, and petty offenses are automatically sealed (removed from the public record) after five years if all court-ordered conditions are satisfied, and there are no intervening convictions.  There is no statutory authority to seal adult felony convictions unless they are pardoned. The state repository may destroy misdemeanor records after ten years, and the records of individuals over 75 who have been crime-free for ten years. Sealing follows deferred adjudication for people with no prior conviction charged with any felony and misdemeanor offenses except those punishable by death or life imprisonment.  Non-conviction records may be expunged by petition one year after arrest if no charges were filed; and at any time after acquittal, or after dismissal with consent of prosecutor.  Juvenile records may be sealed after a one-year waiting period if there are no subsequent adjudications or convictions, and if the court finds rehabilitation.  Juvenile records of victims of human trafficking or sexual exploitation may be vacated and expunged.

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Tennessee

Record relief:  A person with no more than two convictions for specified misdemeanors and many nonviolent felonies (Class E through C) may petition for expungement on a one-time basis after waiting periods of five-to-fifteen years after completion of the most recent sentence, as long as they have no subsequent ineligible convictions. Multiple contemporaneous convictions may be treated as a single offense and expunged.  Courts must notify defendants of their eligibility for expungement at the time of sentencing.  Expungement results in the destruction of the public record but the court retains a confidential copy that is available to law enforcement.  Victims of human trafficking may have any crimes attributable to that status expunged, but at least one of the crimes must be for prostitution. A pardon is grounds for expungement.  Expungement restores firearms rights even for those convicted of drug and violent offenses.  A special expungement filing fee has been repealed, and the regular $100 filing fee may be waived.

Deferred adjudication leading to expungement is available to persons charged with all but serious violent and sexual offenses, with no more than one prior conviction for a felony or serious misdemeanor that resulted in confinement.  Diversion is available for those charged with misdemeanor or low-level felony offenses if a person has no prior felony or Class A misdemeanor conviction and no prior diversions.  The court must destroy public records in cases of acquittal or where charges have been dismissed; the court may also redact conviction records to expunge dismissed charges from electronic databases.  Expungement is mandatory for juvenile misdemeanors after a one-year waiting period, and other juvenile records are eligible for expungement in the court’s discretion once the person has turned 17 and a year has passed since the most recent adjudication.  Juvenile victims of human trafficking may petition to expunge prostitution convictions related to the trafficking.

Judicial certificates:  Judicial restoration of rights is available upon petition after expiration of the maximum sentence or a pardon, if the court determines that the petitioner “merits having full rights of citizenship restored” (which includes firearms rights in most cases).  Individuals who have had rights restored may also petition court for a “Certificate of Employability,” which lifts most licensing barriers and protects employers from negligent hiring liability.  Persons with federal or out-of-state convictions are eligible.  The court makes findings after a hearing about character, need for relief (including for employment or licensing) and public safety.

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Texas

Texas provides no record relief for felony convictions, and authorizes sealing (“order of nondisclosure”) in misdemeanor cases only where the person has no prior convictions or deferred dispositions, after a two-year waiting period for more serious misdemeanors.  Sealing is discretionary after a waiting period of up to 5 years for first-offense DUI offenses.  An order of nondisclosure prohibits criminal justice agencies from disclosing criminal history record information to the public, and such information is exempted from disclosure under the Public Information Act.  Victims of human trafficking may apply for set-aside and sealing for marijuana offenses, theft offenses, prostitution, or Class A misdemeanor solicitation, if they were placed on community supervision.

Deferred adjudication/community supervision is available for most offenses and may result in sealing: sealing is automatic for many misdemeanor charges upon disposition; sealing is available by petition for serious and repeat misdemeanor charges after a two-year waiting period, and for felony charges after five years. “Expunction” is available for non-conviction records after a waiting period ranging from 180 days to three years.  Expunction is also available for pardoned offenses, and for class C misdemeanors that have been deferred.  Sealing for juvenile adjudications is automatic at age 19 for misdemeanors and non-conviction records, as long as the person does not have a conviction or pending charges; sealing is discretionary upon petition at age 18 or two years after discharge for felonies and other adjudications ineligible for automatic sealing.

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Utah

A person convicted of one felony and varying numbers of misdemeanors, each contained in a separate criminal episode, is eligible to apply to expunge all but serious and violent offenses after a waiting period ranging from 3 to 10 years after completion of sentence, including payment of fines and restitution. If a person is eligible, an expungement order must issue unless court finds it would be “contrary to public interest.”  Vacatur and expungement are available if the offense was committed while the petitioner was subject to force, fraud, or coercion (eligible convictions include possession of a controlled substance, prostitution, criminal trespass, theft, possession of forged documents).  A petitioner must apply for and receive a “certificate of eligibility” from the Bureau of Criminal Identification before filing a petition with the court; the court may dispense with a hearing if there is no objection from the prosecutor or victim, and “shall issue” an order of expungement if not “contrary to the interests of the public.”  A pardoned conviction is automatically expunged.  Expungement entitles a person to deny that the arrest or conviction occurred; public employers and licensing boards may not ask about or consider expunged convictions.  Effective May 1, 2020, Utah’s clean slate law authorizes development of an automated expungement process for certain less serious misdemeanors and certain non-conviction records, including dismissals due to a “plea in abeyance” (deferred adjudication).

Non-conviction records are eligible for expungement by petition after 30 days if no charges are filed, the charges are dismissed and the limitations period has expired on all charges, or the person is acquitted.  Successful completion of an agreement pursuant to a “plea-in-abeyance” agreement (deferred adjudication) may result in expungement. Juvenile records may be expunged following a one-year waiting period after age 18, and the person has no violent convictions within five years or pending charges.

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Vermont

Record relief:  Expungement and sealing are available for “qualifying” crimes (or “qualifying crimes arising out of the same incident or occurrence”) after a 5-year waiting period if no intervening convictions.  In the event of an intervening conviction, the waiting period is extended to 10 years, with no felony conviction within 7 years and no misdemeanor within 5 years.  Qualifying crimes are nonviolent non-sexual misdemeanors and several minor felonies including drug possession. In all cases, restitution must be paid in full.  If the state’s attorney and petitioner stipulate to the granting of the petition, the court “shall grant” the petition without a hearing. Sealing and expungement have a similar effect (in both cases the response to an inquiry is that ‘no record exists”) except that, for expungement, records in accessible databases and the case file are destroyed; also, a sealed record may be used by law enforcement or in a civil suit, and the conviction may be used as a predicate in a subsequent prosecution.  A person with a “qualifying” conviction (see above), resulting from being a victim of human trafficking, may have the conviction vacated and expunged.  Convictions for offenses committed under age 21 may be sealed two years after discharge if the person is deemed rehabilitated.

Deferred sentencing results in expungement upon successful completion.  Expungement is also available after two years under a diversion program available to those with up to two misdemeanors, and a youthful offender program (18-21) for those convicted of certain minor offenses.  The court must expunge or seal all non-conviction records after a short waiting period unless the government objects.  Juvenile records are generally unavailable to the public and may be sealed two years after discharge, if restitution has been paid, the person has no subsequent convictions or pending proceedings, and rehabilitation has been attained.

Judicial certificates:  The Uniform Collateral Consequences of Conviction Act (UCCCA) authorizes the court to issue targeted relief from mandatory collateral consequences at sentencing (Order of Limited Relief), and more thorough relief after five years (Certificate of Restoration of Rights).  Persons with out-of-state and federal convictions are eligible.  UCCCA also requires that people be informed about expungement and sealing at sentencing, and recognizes relief granted in other states.

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Virgin Islands

Expungement is authorized in misdemeanor cases; the government has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that expungement should not be granted.  Deferred adjudication is available for people with nonviolent first offenses and first-time drug possession offenses, with expungement after completion of probation.  Expungement is also authorized for any youthful offense after a 5-year waiting period if under age 21 at the time of the offense.  Expungement of non-conviction records is mandatory after the limitation period for charges dismissed or not prosecuted. Expunged records may be disclosed only upon court order, and only to courts in a criminal case or for government employment.  Juvenile records may be sealed on motion two years after discharge if the person has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, and no proceeding is pending seeking conviction or adjudication.

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Virginia

A law enacted in 2021 authorizes automatic sealing for some misdemeanor convictions and non-convictions, allows for sealing of felony acquittals and dismissals at disposition, and for sealing a broad range of misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions and deferred dismissals through a petition-based court process. Until that law becomes effective in 2025, there is no statutory authority to seal or expunge convictions, except that an absolute pardon (for innocence) or judicial writ of innocence permits expungement.  Deferred dispositions are available, but expungement is not an option.  As to other non-conviction records, courts will expunge records on petition after acquittals or where charges are nolle prossed or dismissed, but only where the court finds “manifest injustice” after a hearing, except where the person was charged with a misdemeanor and has no prior record, although the hearing may be waived by the prosecutor. After expungement, a person may deny any record and employers may not inquire about it.  Juvenile records are generally unavailable to the public and are automatically destroyed after the person turns 19, and five years have passed since the last hearing, subject to a few exceptions.

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Washington

Record relief:  Convictions for all but the most serious and violent offenses may be “vacated” and the charges dismissed, upon discharge.  For felonies there is a 5 to 10 year waiting period, and for misdemeanors a 3 to 5 year waiting period, during which there may be no new convictions.  Certain misdemeanors involving violence or sexual assault are ineligible, but a single domestic violence conviction may be vacated after five years.  Financial penalties need not be satisfied for felonies if five years have elapsed after supervision, but anomalously this requirement remains for misdemeanors.  Pardon automatically vacates conviction.  Vacatur results in limiting public access to state repository records, but there is no statutory authority to seal or limit access to court records.  A court rule permits limiting access to vacated court records but only in compelling circumstances.

Non-conviction records must be deleted from agency records after a two-year waiting period if disposition is indicated, and after three years if no disposition is indicated, except that deletion is discretionary in diversion cases, if the person has an additional criminal record, or if subsequent charges are pending.  Records in cases where sentencing deferred may also be sealed.  Juvenile adjudication records are automatically sealed (except serious violence, sex, and drug offenses) upon satisfaction of terms and conditions of disposition, unless the court finds compelling reasons not to seal after a hearing; juvenile adjudications ineligible for automatic sealing may be sealed after a crime-free 2-to-5 year waiting period.

Judicial certificates:  Judicial Certificates of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP) are available for all but the most serious crimes, after a waiting period ranging from 1 to 5 years after sentencing or release from confinement.  CROPs prohibit licensing agencies from disqualifying individuals solely based on their conviction record.  While employers and housing providers are not required to consider them, CROPs offer some protection against liability.

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West Virginia

Some misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies are eligible for expungement after a 1 to 5 year waiting period.  A person may apply for more than one misdemeanor but only for a single felony (including offenses arising from the same transaction or series of transactions). A hearing is required: applicants must obtain and serve documents on multiple parties, and must show by clear and convincing evidence that expungement is consistent with the general welfare and that they are rehabilitated.  If the petition is granted, the court “shall order the sealing of all records in the custody of the court and expungement of any records in the custody of any other agency or official, including law-enforcement records.”  A provision limiting a person to one expungement was repealed in 2020.  Victims of human trafficking convicted of prostitution may petition for vacatur and expungement.  Pardoned convictions are eligible for expungement after a one-year waiting period, five years after completion of sentence.  There is broad statutory authority for deferred adjudication leading to expungement.  Records of acquittals and dismissals may be expunged on petition, except where the defendant has a prior felony conviction.  Juvenile records are automatically sealed one year after discharge, or when the person turns 19, unless the case was transferred to adult court.

Wisconsin

There is no statutory authority to seal or expunge convictions, except in two specialized scenarios. A youthful conviction (under 25 at time of offense) for a misdemeanor or a minor non-violent first-time felony may be expunged upon successful completion of the sentence, but only if the court orders this relief at the time of sentencing.  Victims of human trafficking may petition to have prostitution convictions vacated and expunged. Deferred prosecution is available in domestic violence and some sex offense cases; upon successful completion of deferral, the charges are dismissed and no conviction results. Non-conviction records (criminal justice, but not court records) may also be expunged, including records in which prosecution was deferred, under a statute providing for the return of fingerprint records when an arrested person is released without charges or cleared of the offense. Upon petition, juvenile records may be expunged once the person turns 17 and the sentence is completed, if the court after a hearing finds a benefit to the individual and no harm to society.

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Wyoming

A single felony conviction may be expunged ten years after the sentence expires if the applicant has no other felony convictions and paid any restitution.  This relief is not available for felony firearm offenses, for many sexual offenses, and for crimes involving violence, child endangerment, bribery, perjury, DUI, drug distribution.  A handful of misdemeanors (simple assault, domestic violence, reckless endangerment and breach of peace) may also be expunged after five years if the offense did not involve use of a firearm.  A hearing is required under either authority only if there is an objection.  Expungement relief is available only once for misdemeanors.

Deferred sentencing is authorized on a one-time basis for misdemeanors and first felony offenses, excluding certain serious crimes; no conviction results but expungement is unavailable.  Non-conviction records (excluding deferred sentences) may be expunged 180 days after dismissal of proceedings if no other charges are pending. Victims of human trafficking may have prostitution convictions vacated, after which they presumably may be expunged as non-convictions.  Juvenile records (and certain municipal and circuit court cases, and non-conviction records of minors charged as adults) may be expunged and destroyed upon petition after reaching age 18, if the person has no subsequent felony convictions and rehabilitation is attained to the satisfaction of the court or prosecutor.

 

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