A criminal record can haunt you long after your case is closed, affecting your ability to get a job, find housing, or qualify for loans. Fortunately, Missouri offers expungement, which allows eligible individuals to seal certain past offenses from public view.

If you’ve ever asked, “Can I get my record cleared in Missouri?” — you’re not alone.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced and affordable Kansas City criminal defense lawyers help people across Kansas City — and Missouri — clear their names and reclaim their futures.

WHAT IS EXPUNGEMENT?

Expungement is a legal process that removes an arrest, plea, trial, or conviction from your criminal record. Once expunged, your record is sealed from public view—meaning employers, landlords, and most background checks won’t see it.

Expunged records are not erased entirely, but they are only accessible to law enforcement or by court order.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN MISSOURI?

In 2018, Missouri greatly expanded its expungement law, allowing more than 1,900 types of misdemeanors and felonies to be expunged.

You may be eligible if:

It’s been 3 years since the end of your sentence for a misdemeanor
It’s been 7 years since the end of your sentence for a felony
You’ve had no new convictions or charges during that time
You have paid all fines, restitution, and completed probation or parole

WHAT CRIMES CAN BE EXPUNGED IN MISSOURI?

Eligible crimes include:

Misdemeanor drug possession
Property damage
Theft or shoplifting
Trespassing
Driving while suspended
First-time DWI (under certain conditions)
Public intoxication
Minor in possession (MIP)

WHAT CRIMES CANNOT BE EXPUNGED IN MISSOURI?

You cannot expunge:

Violent felonies
Sex offenses
Domestic assault
Class A felonies
Certain dangerous drug trafficking charges
Crimes requiring lifetime registration

The knowledgeable criminal defense team at KC Defense Counsel can review your charges and let you know whether you’re eligible—and how to proceed.

HOW THE EXPUNGEMENT PROCESS WORKS IN MISSOURI

Review Your Eligibility: Our lawyers assess your record and determine which charges qualify.
File a Petition: We prepare and file a formal request in the court where the charge originated.
Court Hearing: A judge will review your case and allow prosecutors or victims to object.
Order Issued: If the court grants your expungement, your record will be sealed from public access.

The process typically takes a few months but can be life-changing when approved.

THE BENEFITS OF EXPUNGEMENT ON YOUR RECORD

Apply for jobs without fear of background checks
Regain eligibility for housing and student loans
Clean your reputation and remove public access
In many cases, legally say you’ve never been convicted of a crime

An expunged record is a second chance and our team works hard to secure it for you.

CONTACT A KANSAS CITY EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER NEAR ME

Our affordable Missouri criminal defense lawyers have handled hundreds of expungement cases. We know what the courts look for, how to present your case persuasively, and how to navigate objections from prosecutors or law enforcement.

We also offer free consultations, so you know exactly what your options are before committing to the process.

DON’T WAIT. CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY

If you’re tired of your past holding you back, don’t wait. Contact KC Defense Counsel now for a free consultation with a Kansas City expungement attorney. We’ll help you determine if you’re eligible and guide you every step of the way.

Category: CRIMINAL RECORD

CAN I EXPUNGE MY CRIMINAL RECORD IN MISSOURI: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW