How many times can you get something expunged?

Asked by: Ramon Hamill  |  Last update: January 15, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (61 votes)

Once your qualifying records have been expunged, you cannot seek expungement again in the future, unless it is an expungement of an arrest that did not lead to conviction, otherwise known as a Section 1 expungement.

How many times can you get an expungement?

Without getting into the definition of "expungement" as there really is no such thing in CA, assuming your definition, there is no limit. However, the underlying offense must be one eligible for expungement and the sentence must be one that qualifies.

How many expungements are you allowed in FL?

In the state of Florida, you typically can only have your case sealed and expunged once in a lifetime.

What crimes cannot be expunged in Utah?

Was your conviction for one of these crimes?
  • a capital felony, first degree felony or "violent felony" (defined in Utah Code 76-3-203.5(1)(c)(i))
  • felony automobile homicide.
  • felony DUI (under Utah Code Section 41-6a-501(2))
  • a registerable sex offense (under Utah Code Section 77-41-102(17)) or.

How many expungements are you allowed in Iowa?

You have paid all financial obligations in the case. You have not previously received more than one deferred judgment. You are only allowed one expungement under this rule in their lifetime, but one request can cover multiple convictions if they arose from the same transaction or occurrence.

How Many Misdemeanors Can You Have Expunged?

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What can felons not do in Iowa?

In Iowa, any person convicted of a felony in a state or federal court is prohibited from receiving, transporting, or possessing a firearm.

Can you expunge a record without an attorney?

Yes. You are allowed to pursue your case “pro se,” meaning without an attorney. The court might provide the forms you need to file the petition. However, the process of expunging a criminal record can be challenging.

Can judges see expunged records?

Courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice agencies can access expunged records for future criminal investigations and charging and sentencing decisions.

How long do felonies stay on your record in Utah?

Misdemeanors under the Utah Traffic Code: 10 years. Felonies under the Utah Controlled Substance Act: 10 years. Other felonies: 7 years. Class A misdemeanors: 5 years.

Will an expunged record show up on a level 2 background check?

The existence of expunged convictions that involve mistreatment of children or other vulnerable individuals may be legally reported in Level 2 background checks, though unsealing the details of those records typically requires a court order.

Will a sealed record show up on a gun background check?

FBI for background checks related to firearms. Courts can still access your sealed convictions and may count them for the purpose of sentence enhancement or for establishing the elements of a subsequent crime.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.

Can you reverse an expungement?

A Type of Dismissal

Instead, it is used to clear defendants' records after sentencing. In most states, an expungement would not be reversed because the defendant already served their sentence.

Do felonies ever fall off your record?

In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever, if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. Until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history, you can face serious obstacles.

What is considered a clean criminal record?

Lawyers will advise you that clean criminal records are ones in which no convictions are present. Some of the items that will appear on criminal records include: Convictions and arrests. Dismissals.

What cannot be expunged in Utah?

Exclusions: While Utah law allows most types of records to be expunged, due to their nature, certain types of records cannot be expunged under Utah law. These include capital felonies, certain violent felonies, felony automobile homicide, registrable sex offenses, and registrable child abuse offenses.

How many expungements can you get?

There are no limits to how many times you can file a petition for a Section 1 expungement, and they may be filed even if the individual has previously filed for expungement of convictions.

Can I file for expungement without a lawyer?

You can do it yourself, but it is better to hire a lawyer. You want it done right the first time, and the process can be confusing for laypeople. It's best to hire a professional to do the work for you.

How to find out if your criminal record has been expunged?

You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.

Does a felony ever go away in Iowa?

Most criminal records cannot be removed from a person's Iowa criminal history. However, Iowa law provides that certain records can be expunged if qualifications are met. If they are met, the court can enter an order expunging the record of the case.

Can a felon get a passport after 7 years?

For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.

Is Iowa a felon-friendly state?

In addition, the state of Iowa offers a state tax credit* of 65% of the wages paid to an ex-felon in the first 12 months of employment— with a maximum deduction of $20,000 per employee.

How far back do most background checks go?

Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.

What is the 7 year rule?

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.