Whether you’re starting a new job, moving to a new city or going into a new calendar year, it feels great to turn the page on a new chapter of your life. However, having a criminal record can feel like a dead end to your story. Finding that new job, moving to a different home or feeling accepted by others when you have a record hanging over your head may be challenging.
Luckily, an option may be available for you to move forward to your next chapter.
Here’s a quick recap of how expungements work in Missouri:
If you are found guilty of an offense, violation or infraction, you can apply for an expungement of your record. Expungement is the process of sealing or destroying records of a criminal conviction. In Missouri, those records are sealed and can only be opened by court order, meaning they are out of reach for any public entity.
If you get an expungement, you don’t have to disclose your criminal record in most circumstances (outside of a few exceptions) regarding employment, housing, loan applications, etc. However, not all offenses are eligible for expungement. The list of ineligible crimes is mostly the same as the 2018 updates to the expungement law, including:
A few other items of note for expungement are:
If you think you’re eligible for expungement, it’s a great idea to visit our contact page to connect with an experienced criminal defense and expungement attorney. For an in-depth look at the ins and outs of expungement in Missouri, head to our Expungements page, where you can learn more about the original Missouri expungement bill signed in 2016.
Now, let’s go over the significant changes to the expungement bill that could affect you.
In 2021, new Missouri Senate Bills modified the waiting period between the completed disposition and when you can file a petition. The original bill established a seven-year waiting period for felonies and a three-year waiting period for misdemeanors. You now only have to wait three years for a felony offense and one year for a misdemeanor offense.
If you’ve been waiting for your chance to put a past mistake behind you, you can do it sooner than before. See how you can file an expungement today by clicking the chat box in the right corner.
Flip the page and start a new chapter in your life by contacting us today. Our team of experienced expungement attorneys can help you explore your options and review the expungement process with you. You can see our whole team of attorneys by visiting our Attorney Profiles page.
Bob Riebold
I have a 2009 Class B Felony conviction for embezzlements in Cole County, MO. If I were to get an expungement, do I get my Missouri right to own and carry a gun back? I understand there is a $240 court filing fee. What is your firm’s cost to handle an expungement case in Jefferson city.? And do I get my right to own a gun back?.
kbrown
You need to call in and speak with Andrew Popplewell. Our number is 573-874-4190.
Randy Gear
Expongement
Tony M.
How do I expunge my felony record for child support in Taney County in Missouri?
kbrown
You should call in to the office at 573-874-4190 and ask to speak with Andrew Popplewell.
Jessica McDonald
I need to know how and if I can get my record expunged for a class D felony CHARGE from 2020. I did diversion, which consisted of 40hrs of community service and staying out of trouble for 8 months. I was told that when the case was dismissed that my record would not be public but federal jobs still hold it against me. Would an expungement help that?
kbrown
You need to call in to the office and ask to speak with Andrew Popplewell about expungement. He’ll be able to answer your questions.
573-874-4190
elizabeth bellew
I have a felony drug charge from many years ago but have already had 1 expunged. May need to file for pardon. Can you help with this?
Kenneth Campbell
Can I expunge my entire record of convictions
Just Wondering
Do Missouri state expungements apply to old various level municipal guilty pleas, and can you petition for expungement if you have state felony charges pending?