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Official statutes and their text

Links to review all the different laws that allow you to seal or expunge your criminal record, along with official links that may be helpful.

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- Select - Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Alabama

Alabama's expungement statutes are Section 15-27-1 to 20.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• Section 15-27-1 to 20

Agencies

• The official expungement page from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
• Authentication instructions from the Alabama Secretary of State

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Alaska

Alaska's record sealing statutes are Section 12.62.180 and 13 AAC 68.205.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• Alaska Statutes Section 12.62.180.
• 13 AAC 68.205.

Agencies

• Official page of the group responsible for record sealing in the Alaska Department of Safety.

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Arizona

Arizona's record set aside statutes are Sections ARS13-905 to 912.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• ARS 13-905
• ARS 13-906
• ARS 13-907
• ARS 13-907.01
• ARS 13-908
• ARS 13-909
• ARS 13-910
• ARS 13-911
• ARS 13-912
• ARS 13-912.01

Agencies

• The Arizona Department of Public Safety's criminal history records page.

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Arkansas

Arkansas's sealing statutes are Arkansas Statute Sections 16-90-1401 to 1419.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1401.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1402.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1403.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1404.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1405.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1406.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1407.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1408.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1409.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1410.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1411.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1412.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1413.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1414.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1415.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1416.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1417.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1418.
• Arkansas Statute Section 16-90-1419.

Agencies

• Forms from the Arkansas Crime Information Center (the only official page from the state government).

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California

California's sealing statutes are California Penal Code 17(b), 236.14, 851.8, 851.85, 851.86, 851.87, 851.90, 1203.3, 1203.4, 1203.4a, 1203.41, 1203.45, 1203.47, 1203.49, 4852.03, 4852.08, 4852.13(a), 4852.17, and 4853-4854.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• California Penal Code 17(b).
• California Penal Code 236.14.
• California Penal Code 851.8.
• California Penal Code 851.85.
• California Penal Code 851.86.
• California Penal Code 851.87.
• California Penal Code 851.90.
• California Penal Code 1203.3.
• California Penal Code 1203.4.
• California Penal Code 1203.4a.
• California Penal Code 1203.41.
• California Penal Code 1203.45.
• California Penal Code 1203.47.
• California Penal Code 1203.49.
• California Penal Code 4852.03.
• California Penal Code 4852.08.
• California Penal Code 4852.13(a).
• California Penal Code 4852.17.
• California Penal Code 4853-4854.

Agencies

• Official Site from CADOJ

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Colorado

Colorado's sealing statutes are CRS 24-72-701 to 710.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-701.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-701.5.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-702.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-702.5.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-703.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-704.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-705.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-706.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-707.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-708.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-709.
• Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-710.

Agencies

• Official site from CODOJ

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Connecticut

Connecticut's expungement and pardon statutes are Sections 54-142a-e.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• Connecticut Statutes Section 54-142a.
• Connecticut Statutes Section 54-142b.
• Connecticut Statutes Section 54-142c.
• Connecticut Statutes Section 54-142d.
• Connecticut Statutes Section 54-142e.

Agencies

• The official site from the Connecticut Board of Pardons & Paroles.

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Delaware

Delaware's expungement statutes are Sections 4371 through 4378.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• Delaware Code Sections 4371 through 4378.

Agencies

• The official expungements page from the Delaware Courts.

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District of Columbia

District of Columbia's sealing statutes are Chapter 8 of the DC Code.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• DC Code Chapter 8.
• DC Code 48-904.01(e).

Agencies

• The official sealing page from the District of Columbia Courts.

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Florida

Florida Statutes 943.0585 and 943.059 govern the Expeal process in Florida. Florida allows more charges to qualify for sealing and expunging than most states, but with a major catch. In Florida, if you ever had a conviction of any kind – including criminal traffic infractions like Driving While License Suspended or Reckless Driving – you can never seal or expunge any other record, whether it is related or not. That also means that the only charges that can ever be sealed or expunged are those that did not result in a conviction themselves.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 943.0585 - Court-ordered expunction of criminal history records.
• 943.059 - Court-ordered sealing of criminal history records.

Agencies

• Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Seal and Expunge office.
• The official webpage to restore your rights in Florida.

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Georgia

Georgia Code section 35-3-37 allow you to restrict your record in Georgia.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• Georgia Code section 35-3-37.

Agencies

• The official Georgia Bureau of Investigation record restriction page.

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Hawaii

Hawaii statutes section 831-3.2 allows you to expunge your record in Hawaii.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• HRS 831-3.2

Agencies

• The official FAQ from HCJDC

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Idaho

Idaho statutes section 67-3004 allows you to expunge your record in Idaho.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 67-3004

Agencies

• Official site of the BCI in the IDSP.

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Illinois

Illinois statutes section 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 allows you to seal or expunge your record in Illinois.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 20 ILCS 2630/5.2

Agencies

• Official Site from Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender

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Indiana

Indiana statutes section IC 35-38-9 allows you to expunge your record in Indiana.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• IC 35-38-9

Agencies

• Official site from IN Courts.

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Iowa

Iowa statutes section IC 35-38-9 allows you to expunge your record in Iowa.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 123.46
• 123.47

Agencies

• Official Site from IADPS.

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Kansas

Kansas statutes section 21-6614 allows you to expunge your record in Kansas.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 21-6614

Agencies

• The official guide to expungement in Kansas provided by Kansas Legal Services.

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Kentucky

Kentucky statutes section 431.078 allows you to expunge your record in Kentucky.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 431.078

Agencies

• Louisiana State Bar Association expungement guide.

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Louisiana

Louisiana statutes sections CCRP 971 to 996 allow you to expunge your record in Louisiana.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• CCRP 971
• CCRP 972
• CCRP 973
• CCRP 974
• CCRP 975
• CCRP 976
• CCRP 977
• CCRP 978
• CCRP 979
• CCRP 980
• CCRP 981
• CCRP 982
• CCRP 983
• CCRP 984
• CCRP 984
• CCRP 985
• CCRP 985.1
• CCRP 986
• CCRP 987
• CCRP 988
• CCRP 989
• CCRP 990
• CCRP 991
• CCRP 992
• CCRP 993
• CCRP 994
• CCRP 995
• CCRP 996

Agencies

• Louisiana State Bar Association expungement guide.

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Maine

Maine's constitution allow you to obtain a pardon in Maine.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• Article V, Section 11 of the Maine Constitution

Agencies

• Official Site from MEDOC

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Maryland

Maryland statutes sections 10-101 to 110 allow you to expunge your record in Maryland.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 10-101
• 10-102
• 10-103
• 10-103.1
• 10-104
• 10-105
• 10-106
• 10-107
• 10-108
• 10-109
• 10-110

Agencies

• Official site from the MD Courts.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts statutes sections c94C s34 and s44; c233 s21; and, c276 s100A-D allow you to seal your record in Massachusetts.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• c94C s34
• c94C s44
• c233 s21
• c276 s100A
• c276 s100B
• c276 s100C
• c276 s100D

Agencies

• Official guide from MADCJIS

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Michigan

Michigan statutes section 780.621 allows you to expunge your record in Michigan.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 780.621

Agencies

• The official guide from the Michigan Supreme Court-led Michigan Legal Help.

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Minnesota

Minnesota statutes section 609A.02 allows you to expunge your record in Minnesota.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 609A.02

Agencies

• The official website from the Minnesota courts.

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Mississippi

Mississippi statutes section 99-19-71 and 63-11-30 allows you to expunge your record in Mississippi.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 99-19-71
• 63-11-30

Agencies

The state of Mississippi has no official website outlining the expungement process.

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Missouri

Missouri has one of the tougher set of expungement laws in the country. In order to help educate as many people as we can, the entire text of Sections 610.122, 610.123, 610.124, 610.013, 610.140, and Chapter 488.650 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, are printed below.

The text and commentary are both from February 10, 2019. Please make sure everything is still accurate.

Statutes

• 610.100 - Definitions.
• 610.103 - Criminal background check completed without fee, when.
• 610.105 - Effect of nolle pros — dismissal — sentence suspended on record — not guilty due to mental disease or defect, effect — official records available to victim in certain cases.
• 610.106 - Suspended sentence prior to September 28, 1981, procedure to close records.
• 610.110 - Failure to recite closed record excused — exceptions.
• 610.115 - Penalty.
• 610.120 - Records to be confidential - accessible to whom, purposes.
• 610.122 - Arrest record expunged, requirements.
• 610.123 - Procedure to expunge, supreme court to promulgate rules — similar to small claims.
• 610.124 - Destruction of arrest records — removal from all electronic files — FBI requested to expunge — protest to expungement, procedure.
• 610.125 - Failure to comply with expungement order, penalty — knowingly using expunged record for gain, penalty.
• 610.126 - Expungement does not deem arrest invalid — department of revenue may retain records necessary for administrative actions on driver's license — power to close or expunge record, limitation.
• 610.130 - Alcohol-related driving offenses, expunged from records, when — procedures, effect — limitations.
• 610.131 - Expungement for persons less than eighteen years of age at time of offense.
• 610.140 - Expungement of certain criminal records, petition, contents, procedure — effect of expungement on employer inquiry — lifetime limits.
• 610.145 - Stolen or mistaken identity, expungement of records, procedure.

Agencies

• Missouri Courts official page.

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Montana

Montana's Fort Peck Tribal Code Chapter 9 allows for expungment of criminal records in Montana.

Statutes

• A link to Chapter 9 of the Fort Peck Tribal Code.

Agencies

• The Fort Peck Tribal Court does not offer an official guide on expungment.

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Nebraska

Nebraska's statutes section 29-2264 allows you to set aside your records and Article IV-13 allows you to pardon your record.

Statutes

• Stat 29-2264
• Art IV-13

Agencies

• The official page outlining how to set aside a record in Nebraska.
• The official page outlining how to pardon a record in Nebraska.

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Nevada

Nevada's statutes section NRS 179 allows you to seal your record.

Statutes

• NRS 179

Agencies

• An official guide from the Clark County Public Defender's office.

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New Hampshire

New Hampshire's statutes section 651:5 allows you to annul your record.

Statutes

• 651:5

Agencies

• The official page from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.

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New Jersey

New Jersey's statutes section 2C:52-1 to 27.1 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 2C:52-1. Definition of expungement.
• 2C:52-2. Indictable offenses.
• 2C:52-3. Disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses.
• 2C:52-4. Ordinances
• 2C:52-4.1 Juvenile delinquent; expungement of adjudications and charges.
• 2C:52-5. Expungement of Records of Young Drug Offenders.
• 2C:52-6. Arrests not resulting in conviction.
• 2C:52-7. Petition for expungement.
• 2C:52-8. Statements to accompany petition.
• 2C:52-9. Order fixing time for hearing
• 2C:52-10. Service of petition and documents.
• 2C:52-11. Order expungement where no objection prior to hearing.
• 2C:52-12. Denial of relief although no objection entered.
• 2C:52-13. When hearing on petition for expungement shall not be held.
• 2C:52-14. Grounds for denial of relief.
• 2C:52-15. Records to be removed, retained as confidential; control.
• 2C:52-16. Expunged record including names of persons other than petitioner.
• 2C:52-17. Use of expunged records by agencies on pending petition for expungement.
• 2C:52-18. Supplying information to Violent Crimes Compensation Office.
• 2C:52-19. Order of superior court permitting inspection of records or release of information; limitations.
• 2C:52-20. Use of Expunged Records In Conjunction with Supervisory Treatment or Diversion Programs.
• 2C:52-21. Use of Expunged Records in Conjunction with Setting Bail or Authorizing Pretrial Release, Presentence Report, or Sentencing.
• 2C:52-22. Use of expunged records by parole board.
• 2C:52-23. Use of expunged records by department of corrections.
• 2C:52-23.1 Use of expunged records; nullification.
• SEC
• 2C:52-25. Retroactive application.
• 2C:52-26. Vacating of orders of sealing; time; basis.
• 2C:52-27. Effect of expungement.
• 2C:52-27.1 Petition to rescind order of debarment for health care claims fraud; restoration.

Agencies

• A guide to expungement from Legal Services of New Jersey (Legal Aid).

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New Mexico

New Mexico's statutes section 2C:52-1 to 27.1 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• NMSA 29-3-81

Agencies

• The official page from New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

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New York

New York's statutes sections 160.58 and 160.59 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 160.58
• 160.59

Agencies

• The official page from New York Courts.

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North Carolina

North Carolina's statutes Chapter 15A, Article 5 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• Article 5

Agencies

• Legal Aid North Carolina's expungement guide.

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North Dakota

North Dakota's statutes 12.1-41-14, 19-03.1-23(10), 27-20-54, 31-13-07, and State v. Howe allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 12.1-41-14. Motion to vacate and expunge conviction.
• 19-03.1-23(10). Prohibited Acts A - Mandatory terms of imprisonment and fines - Unclassified offenses - Penalties.
• 27-20-54. Destruction of juvenile court records.
• 31-13-07. Removal of DNA profiles from database.
• State v. Howe, 308 N.W.2d 743 (N.D. 1981) (removal of records of unconstitutional arrests).

Agencies

• The official guide from the North Dakota Courts.

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Ohio

Ohio's statutes 2953.31 – 2953.61 allows you to seal, set aside, or expunge your record.

Statutes

• 2953.31 Sealing of record of conviction definitions.
• 2953.32 Sealing of conviction record or bail forfeiture record.
• 2953.321 Divulging confidential investigatory work product.
• 2953.33 Restoration of rights and privileges.
• 2953.34 Sealing record not to affect appeal rights of eligible offender.
• 2953.35 Divulging confidential information.
• 2953.36 Sealing of record of conviction exceptions.
• 2953.37 Expungement of certain convictions relating to firearms.
• http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2953.38
• 2953.41 to 2953.43 [Repealed].
• 2953.51 Sealing of records after not guilty or dismissal definitions.
• 2953.52 Sealing of records after not guilty finding, dismissal of proceedings or no bill by grand jury.
• 2953.521 Application for order to expunge records.
• 2953.53 Order to seal records; index.
• 2953.54 Officer's specific investigatory work product - divulging confidential information.
• 2953.55 Inquiries as records sealed after not guilty finding - divulging confidential information.
• 2953.56 Violations of secs. 2953.31-2953.61 not basis to exclude or suppress certain evidence.
• 2953.57 Timing of judgment vacating and setting aside conviction because of DNA testing.
• 2953.58 Orders to seal official records.
• 2953.59 Dissemination of confidential information from sealed records by law enforcement officers or agencies.
• 2953.60 Questioning with respect to sealed records; release or dissemination of information from sealed records by state officer or employee.
• 2953.61 Multiple charges; sealing of records.

Agencies

• The official guide from the Ohio Courts.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma's statutes Section 18 and 991c allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• Section 18 - Expungment of Criminal Records.
• Section 991c - Deferred Sentence.

Agencies

• The official guide from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

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Oregon

Oregon's statutes Section 137.221, 137.223, and 137.225 allows you to vacate or set aside your record.

Statutes

• 137.221, 137.223, and 137.225.

Agencies

• The official guide from the Oregon State Bar.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's statutes Section 18 Pa.C.S. 9122 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 18 Pa.C.S. 9122

Agencies

• The official guide from the Pennsylvania State Police.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island's statutes Title 12, Chapter 1.3 allows you to expunge or seal your record.

Statutes

• Title 12, Chapter 1.3

Agencies

• The official page from the Rhode Island Judiciary.

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South Carolina

South Carolina's statutes sections 17-22-910 to 960 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 17-22-910 to 960

Agencies

• The official guide from the South Carolina Courts.

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South Dakota

South Dakota's statutes sections 23A-3-26 to 37 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 23A-3-26. Definition of expungement.
• 23A-3-27. Motion for expungement of arrest record.
• 23A-3-28. Service of motion--Fee.
• 23A-3-29. Hearing on motion for expungement.
• 23A-3-30. Order of expungement.
• 23A-3-31. Report to Division of Criminal Investigation--Retention and use of nonpublic records--Sealing of records.
• 23A-3-32. Effect of order of expungement.
• 23A-3-33. No time limitation for making application.
• 23A-3-34. Automatic removal of certain charges or convictions from background check record--Case record available to court personnel.
• 23A-3-35. Eligibility of person placed in diversion program for expungement of record.
• 23A-3-36. Dismissal of charges and notice of completion of diversion.
• 23A-3-37. Expungement of record on filing of dismissal and notice.

Agencies

• The official page from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.

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Tennessee

Tennessee's statutes sections 40-32-101 to 104 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 40-32-101
• 40-32-102
• 40-32-103
• 40-32-104

Agencies

• The official guide from the Tennessee Courts.

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Texas

Texas's statutes sections Chapter 55 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• Chapter 55

Agencies

• The official guide from the Texas State Bar Association.

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Utah

Utah's statutes sections Title 77, Chapter 40 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• Title 77, Chapter 40

Agencies

• The official guide from the Utah Courts.

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Vermont

Vermont's statutes sections Title 13, Chapter 230 allows you to expunge or seal your record.

Statutes

• Title 13, Chapter 230

Agencies

• The official guide from the Vermont Department of Public Safety.

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Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands's statutes sections Title 5, Subtitle 3, Part I, Chapter 314 allows you to expunge or seal your record.

Statutes

• 3731. Definitions.
• 3732. Expungement of criminal records—when they may be expunged.
• 3733. Expungement of criminal records—when expungement required.
• 3734. Expungement of misdemeanor conviction.
• 3735. Expungement petition.
• 3736. Hearing on petition for expungement.
• 3737. Non-appealable.
• 3738. Effect of expungement.
• 3739. Expunged records.
• 3740. Enforcement.
• 3741. Retroactivity.

Agencies

• The official forms page from the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.

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Virginia

Virginia's statutes sections 19.2-392.2 allows you to expunge or seal your record.

Statutes

• 19.2-392.2

Agencies

• The official guide from the Virginia Legal Aid.

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Washington

Washington's statutes sections 19.2-392.2 allows you to expunge or seal your record.

Statutes

• 19.2-392.2

Agencies

• The official guide from the Washington Courts.

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West Virginia

West Virginia's statutes sections 61-11-125 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 61-11-25

Agencies

• The official page from the West Virginia Judiciary.

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin's statutes sections 973.015 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• 973.015

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Wyoming

Wyoming's statutes sections Article 14 and Article 15 allows you to expunge your record.

Statutes

• Article 14
• Article 15

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