How many times can you get your record expunged?

Asked by: Miss Dannie Kirlin  |  Last update: May 12, 2026
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You can often get dismissed charges or non-convictions expunged multiple times, but for convictions, limits vary greatly by state, with some states like Florida allowing it only once, while Michigan allows multiple felonies (up to three) and unlimited misdemeanors, and some states (like Indiana) allow a single expungement petition for your entire record. Rules depend on the crime's severity, how long ago it occurred, and state-specific "Clean Slate" laws, so it's crucial to check your state's specific laws.

What is the expungement law in Montana?

Montana's primary expungement statute is Title 46, Chapter 18, Part 11 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), enacted via House Bill 168 in 2017, allowing petition for misdemeanor record expungement after sentence completion and a 5-year clean period, though driving-related offenses are excluded (DUI is discretionary) and only one lifetime expungement is allowed, with the record permanently destroyed except for fingerprints used for investigation.
 

How does expungement work in Indiana?

Under Indiana law, there are three main requirements that must be met before filing for an expungement: You don't have any pending criminal charges; All court costs, fines, fees, and restitution must be paid; AND. The relevant waiting periods must be met.

What crimes cannot be expunged in Oregon?

In Oregon, you generally cannot expunge Class A felonies (except some marijuana-related ones), most sex crimes, DUIs, violent crimes, and traffic offenses; you also can't expunge offenses if you have other recent convictions or owe restitution. Specific examples of ineligible crimes include Assault in the Third Degree against a police officer, certain child abuse, and elder mistreatment. Expungement eligibility hinges on the crime's class, the time since conviction, and your entire criminal history, making it crucial to check specific statutes or consult a lawyer. 

How much is it to expunge your record in Kansas?

Expunging a record in Kansas generally costs around $195 in filing fees per case for district courts, though some city courts might be lower (like $90 in Wichita), and you might need separate filings for multiple cases or charges, with additional costs for attorney fees if you hire one. You must also pay any outstanding court costs, fines, and fees related to the original case before you can get an expungement, and you can apply for a fee waiver if you can't afford it. 

📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps

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Is expunging your record worth it?

Yes, for most eligible individuals, expungement is generally considered worth the effort as it removes barriers to employment, housing, education, and financial stability, offering a fresh start and reduced stigma, though it has limitations and eligibility depends on state laws and crime type. The benefits of greater opportunity and peace of mind often outweigh the costs and time involved in the process, but it doesn't erase records from all government databases or guarantee clearance for certain high-level professions. 

Does expunged mean erased?

“Expungement” means the court orders law enforcement and all relevant court personnel to remove information about the expunged conviction or arrest from your record.

Can police pull up expunged records?

Police and other law enforcement agencies can access an expunged record only for certain purposes, such as if you apply for a law enforcement job or certification. In fact, if you seek employment as a police officer or similar role, you are required to disclose expunged convictions during the background process.

What's worse, felony 1 or felony 3?

A first-degree felony is significantly worse than a third-degree felony, carrying much harsher penalties like longer prison sentences (often decades or life) and larger fines, whereas third-degree felonies are less severe, with shorter potential prison terms (typically up to 5 years) and smaller fines, though both are serious offenses. The ranking goes from most severe (First Degree) down to less severe (Third Degree) for general felonies, but with murder, it's reversed, with third-degree murder being less severe than first-degree murder (premeditated) but still a first-degree felony in some states like Pennsylvania. 

Will my expunged record show up on a background check in Oregon?

A set-aside (also called expungement) means the court seals your criminal or contempt record. Once sealed, it will not show up in official court records. However, they may show up in certain federal background checks, and in rare cases the court can unseal them. The information below is not legal advice.

Is it better to seal or expunge?

It's better to get your record expunged if you're eligible, as it erases the record, making it like it never happened, but sealing is often more accessible, hiding it from the public but allowing law enforcement and some agencies access, so the "better" option depends on your specific offense, state laws, and desired level of privacy. Expungement offers a "clean slate," while sealing provides confidentiality for certain background checks. 

How can you tell if your record is expunged?

You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed. You can visit the courthouse in person, call them, or use an online search or contact tool (if available).

What crimes are not eligible for expungement?

Crimes that generally cannot be expunged include serious violent offenses (murder, rape, assault), sex offenses (especially against minors, requiring registration), human trafficking, terrorism, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, and certain federal crimes, though specific exclusions vary significantly by state and often involve felonies or crimes involving serious bodily harm or vulnerable victims. 

Is my life ruined if I get a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor won't necessarily ruin your life, but it can create significant hurdles for jobs, housing, and licensing, appearing on background checks and potentially leading to fines, probation, or short jail time, though effects lessen over time, especially with expungement, diversion programs, or if you keep your record clean afterward. For first-time offenders, the impact is usually less severe, but it depends heavily on the type of crime, your field, and your jurisdiction. 

How bad is a level 5 felony?

A felony 5 (or Class 5/Level 5) is a lower-level felony, generally less severe than higher classes but still a serious crime carrying significant penalties like prison time (often 6 months to a few years), fines, and long-term consequences such as loss of rights (voting, gun ownership) and difficulty with employment/housing, though sentencing varies by state and circumstances, with possibilities for probation for first offenses. 

What are the 5 levels of crime?

Although there are many different kinds of crimes, criminal acts can generally be divided into five primary categories: crimes against a person, crimes against property, inchoate crimes, statutory crimes, and financial crimes.

Can the FBI see my expunged record?

A Level 2 FBI Background Check

A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.

Is it better to have your record sealed or expunged?

It's better to get your record expunged if you're eligible, as it erases the record, making it like it never happened, but sealing is often more accessible, hiding it from the public but allowing law enforcement and some agencies access, so the "better" option depends on your specific offense, state laws, and desired level of privacy. Expungement offers a "clean slate," while sealing provides confidentiality for certain background checks. 

Are expunged records destroyed?

To “expunge” is to “erase or remove completely.” In law, “expungement” is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal record.

Can judges see expunged records?

An expungement removes arrests and/or convictions from a person's criminal record entirely as if they never happened. Even a court or prosecutor cannot view a person's expunged record. In contrast, sealing removes a person's criminal record from public view, but it can still be accessed through a court order.

Do misdemeanors go away after 10 years?

Criminal Records in California

They don't automatically disappear or get sealed over time. Even minor misdemeanors, like shoplifting, can show up on background checks indefinitely. Some misdemeanor convictions can result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as firearm ownership.

What happens if expungement is denied?

A denied expungement petition can feel like a major setback, but it is not necessarily the end of the road. A Santa Rosa criminal defense lawyer can review the court's decision, identify any errors in the original petition filing or legal arguments, and explain your next legal steps.

What are the hardest crimes to prove?

Top 5 Hardest Criminal Charges to Beat

  • First-degree Murder.
  • Sexual Assault.
  • Drug Trafficking.
  • White-collar Fraud.
  • Repeat DUI Offenses.
  • DNA Evidence.
  • Digital Forensics.
  • Ballistics and Weapon Analysis.

Which states have expungement laws?

State

  • Alabama. Alabama passed expungement legislation in 2014. ...
  • Arizona. Arizona's expungement equivalent is "setting aside" a conviction. ...
  • Colorado. Colorado law has recently been changed via Colorado HB 11–1167, which allows drug conviction to be sealed. ...
  • Florida. ...
  • Georgia. ...
  • Illinois. ...
  • Indiana. ...
  • Kentucky.