We all do things that we regret when we are young, but sometimes those incidents result in a criminal record that we would like to erase, or expunge, when we get older. Missouri law allows for certain types of criminal offenses to be expunged from the record, which can positively impact your opportunities for employment, education, housing, and more. At the Johnson Law Firm, our team understands how important expunging a criminal record can be for our clients and are here to help you or a loved one through the process. If you’re asking, “How can I get my record expunged in Missouri,” call or contact our office today.

Expunging a Criminal Record 

Missouri law allows for both misdemeanor and felony crimes to be expunged from a criminal record. A person must wait three years before applying for an expungement of a misdemeanor conviction and seven years for a felony expungement request. Not all crimes can be expunged from a criminal record, but the convictions that do qualify for expungement will be completely erased from the system. All agencies, officials, and courts that have a record of the offense must destroy their documents, and the conviction is removed from the person’s criminal record. 

Once a criminal act is expunged, that person can legally act as though it never happened. If it was the only conviction on the record, a person can legally mark that they have no criminal record on applications for jobs and housing. A background check will not show any convictions for criminal acts expunged from the record, and it can even mean giving rights back to a person who used to be considered a felon under Missouri law. An experienced attorney can explain all of the benefits of expunging a criminal record and why it is in your best interest to do so.

What Criminal Convictions Cannot be Expunged? 

It is important to note that certain offenses cannot be expunged from your criminal record in Missouri. Under the law, the following types of misdemeanor and felony crimes are not allowed to be expunged:

• Class A felony offenses
• Dangerous felonies as defined by Missouri law
• Any offense that requires registration as a sex offender
• Any felony where death is an element of the offense
• Any felony conviction for assault
• Any conviction for domestic assault
• Felony offense kidnapping and other specific crimes against persons
• Intoxication-related offenses (except first time DUI convictions), and
• Violations regarding the operation of a commercial vehicle 

An experienced Missouri attorney can review your criminal record and advise you on what convictions may be available for expungement as well as help you through the process. 

How Can I Get My Record Expunged? Call or Contact the Office 

A criminal record does not need to hold you back for the rest of your life. If you would like legal assistance with expunging your criminal record in Missouri, the Johnson Law Firm is here to help. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys now.