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.
