How much does it cost to expunge a felony in Kentucky?
Asked by: Loren Dicki | Last update: April 19, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (54 votes)
In Kentucky, expunging a felony generally costs around $300 in court fees, plus a $40 Kentucky State Police (KSP) certification fee, with potential additional attorney fees if you hire one; the court fees include a $50 filing fee and a $250 expungement fee (payable in installments), but some offenses aren't eligible, and costs can vary slightly by county or if you have no prior convictions.
What felonies cannot be expunged in Kentucky?
The Kentucky law does not include any federal court charges. The law covers 61 felonies, (see attached list) or about 70% of the available infractions. The law specifically excludes expungement for any violent crimes, sexual offense or for any crimes against children or public corruption.
How long does it take to expunge a felony in Kentucky?
Timeline to File for Felony Expungement
An application cannot be filed sooner than five (5) years after the completion of the person's sentence or five (5) years after the successful completion of the person's probation or parole, whichever occurs later.
What kind of felonies cannot be expunged?
Generally, serious felonies like murder, violent crimes (e.g., aggravated assault, kidnapping, robbery), sex offenses (especially against minors), and domestic violence convictions are often ineligible for expungement across most states, with specific exclusions varying by jurisdiction, while federal felonies are typically not expungeable at all, but state laws have exceptions for certain offenses like some DUIs or lower-level drug crimes.
Is it better to seal or expunge your record?
It's generally better to get a record expunged if you qualify, as it erases the record, making it as if it never happened and completely removing it from most background checks. Sealing a record hides it from public view, but law enforcement and some government agencies can still access it with a court order, making expungement the superior, though often harder to get, option for a truly clean slate.
📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?
Unlike the popular myth of the “seven-year rule,” conviction records do not automatically expire or disappear from your criminal history after any specific time period. Your criminal record is maintained at multiple levels within the justice system.
Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in Kentucky?
Under Kentucky's expungement laws, expunged misdemeanor and felony convictions cannot be reported regardless of how old they might be.
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.
How to find out if your felony has been 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's the least bad felony?
The least serious felonies are typically Class E or Class I felonies, depending on the state (like NY's Class E or NC's Class I), often involving property crimes, low-level drug possession, or fraud, with penalties potentially including probation instead of mandatory prison time, though penalties vary significantly by jurisdiction and specific circumstances.
How much does expungement cost in KY?
In Kentucky, expungement costs involve a mandatory $40 certificate of eligibility fee plus court filing fees, which are $100 for misdemeanors (with $50 refundable if denied) and $300 for felonies (a $50 filing fee and $250 expungement fee if granted, with installments possible for the $250). Additional attorney fees will apply if you hire a lawyer, though some Medicaid plans may help with costs.
Who grants expungements?
The authority to grant an expungement is vested in judges, while the authority to grant a pardon rests with the President of the United States for federal crimes, or state governors for state-level offenses.
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.
What crimes appear on criminal records?
Most forms of murder and sexual assault show up in this category, but other crimes such as armed robbery, drug manufacturing, and aggravated kidnapping are also considered felonies. These are also the types of crimes that may keep applicants from getting a number of possible jobs.
What felonies cannot be expunged in KY?
The following convictions remain ineligible for expungement pursuant to KRS 431.073(1)(d): 1. Driving under the Influence, pursuant to KRS 189A. 010; 2. Assault 4, Domestic Violence, pursuant to KRS 508.032; 3.
What crimes are not expungeable?
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.
What does it mean if a case is "docketed"?
A case is “docketed” when it is added to the docket, and it is given a “docket number” at that time. The court's docket shows all the official actions in that case, such as the filing of briefs and orders of the court.
Is $500 considered a felony?
Theft can escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony based on the value of the stolen property. This distinction carries significant legal implications and penalties. Each state sets its own threshold for what constitutes felony theft. These thresholds can range from $500 to $2,500, depending on local laws.
What is a level 5 felony?
A Level 5 felony is a mid-tier serious crime, ranking above the least severe felonies (like Class 6) and below more serious ones (Classes 1-4), with penalties including potential prison time, large fines, and loss of rights, though specifics vary by state, with examples including aggravated assault, grand theft, or drug offenses, and sometimes being convertible to a misdemeanor (a "wobbler") in states like Virginia.
What felony is worse, C or D?
Class D felonies encompass offenses that still have considerable seriousness but are generally less impactful than those classified as Class A, B, or C. These crimes may involve lower levels of harm or smaller financial losses.
Who can look at an expunged record?
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 are the benefits of having a record expunged?
An expungement is a legal process that seals your criminal record from public view. It protects your privacy and allows you to take advantage of job, school, and other opportunities that previously were unavailable because of your arrest and charges showing up in a criminal background check.
How do I know if my record is clean?
Local police background check
Police departments may need you to be there in person to request the background check: Ask that the police conduct a local or state criminal records search. Request proof that you have no history of a criminal record.
How much does expungement cost in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, expungement costs involve a mandatory $40 certificate of eligibility fee plus court filing fees, which are $100 for misdemeanors (with $50 refundable if denied) and $300 for felonies (a $50 filing fee and $250 expungement fee if granted, with installments possible for the $250). Additional attorney fees will apply if you hire a lawyer, though some Medicaid plans may help with costs.
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.