The process
How Expungement Works
Clearing your record is a legal process — but it doesn't have to be complicated. Here's exactly what happens from your first call to your final court order.
Free Eligibility Review
Same dayWe start with a no-cost consultation to review your record, the state where the offense occurred, and whether you meet the waiting period and sentence-completion requirements. Most clients know their eligibility status within 24 hours.
- Review of all charges and convictions
- State-specific waiting period check
- Sentence and probation completion verification
- Written eligibility summary provided
Record Retrieval & Case Preparation
1–2 weeksOnce you're confirmed eligible, we obtain certified copies of your court records, prepare all required petitions, and draft the supporting documentation required by your state's expungement statute.
- Certified court record retrieval
- Petition and motion drafting
- State-specific filing requirements met
- Client review and signature
Court Filing
1–3 weeksWe file your petition with the appropriate court and serve all required parties — including the prosecuting attorney and arresting agency. We handle every filing deadline and procedural requirement so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Petition filed with the correct court
- Service on prosecutor and law enforcement
- Filing fees paid and receipts provided
- Hearing date scheduled (if required)
Court Hearing (If Required)
Varies by stateMany states grant expungements without a hearing. When a hearing is required, we prepare you thoroughly, appear alongside you, and present your case to the judge. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of expungement hearings nationwide.
- Full hearing preparation and coaching
- Attorney representation at the hearing
- Response to any prosecutorial objections
- Judge's order obtained same day
Record Sealed & Cleared
2–8 weeks after orderAfter the court grants your expungement, we serve the order on all relevant agencies — state repositories, local law enforcement, and background check databases. We follow up until every agency confirms the record has been updated.
- Order served on state criminal repository
- Local law enforcement notified
- Background check database follow-up
- Certified copy of order provided to you
Typical timeline
From First Call to Clear Record
Timelines vary by state and court backlog. We'll give you a realistic estimate for your specific jurisdiction during your free consultation.
Day 1
Free consultation & eligibility review
Week 1–2
Record retrieval & petition preparation
Week 2–4
Court filing & service
Week 4–12
Hearing (if required) & court order
Week 6–20
Agencies updated & record cleared
State-by-state differences
Every State Has Different Rules
Expungement law varies dramatically from state to state. Some states allow felonies to be expunged; others do not. Waiting periods range from one year to ten years. Some states call the process "sealing" rather than "expungement" — but the effect is the same.
Our attorneys are experienced in the expungement statutes of all 50 states. When you contact us, we'll tell you exactly what the rules are in your state and whether your specific record qualifies.
Key factors that vary by state
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire process take?
Most cases are resolved in 3–6 months from start to finish. The biggest variable is court scheduling — some courts process expungements in weeks, others take several months. We'll give you a realistic timeline for your specific court during your consultation.
Do I have to appear in court?
In many states, no court appearance is required. When a hearing is required, we prepare you fully and appear alongside you. You will never walk into a courtroom alone.
What happens to my record after expungement?
Once expunged, your record is sealed from public view. Most employers, landlords, and licensing boards conducting background checks will not see the expunged record. In most states, you can legally answer 'no' when asked if you have a criminal record.
Will my record disappear from the internet?
Expungement clears official government records. Third-party websites that publish arrest records may not update immediately — we advise clients on how to request removal from those sites after the expungement is granted.
What if I was arrested but never convicted?
Arrests without convictions are often the easiest records to expunge and in many states can be cleared immediately. Contact us — these cases are frequently resolved faster than conviction expungements.
Ready to Start?
Find out if you qualify in minutes — free, no commitment.