Can I Expunge My Criminal Record?

Life with a criminal record is not easy. A conviction can make it difficult to find a job, rent a home, or seek a professional license to advance your career. If you have a felony or misdemeanor conviction and are struggling to overcome these hurdles, you might consider a criminal record expungement.

Criminal record expungement is a legal process that seals your record from public view. Once you have your record expunged, you can truthfully answer, in all but a few limited circumstances, that you do not have a criminal record.

There are significant benefits to a criminal record expungement. But the process can be tedious and complicated. Working with our experienced criminal defense team will increase your likelihood of success.

Who Is Eligible for Criminal Record Expungement?

Wyoming applies different standards for criminal record expungement depending on whether you were convicted and the severity of the offense.

You are not eligible for criminal record expungement if you were convicted of any of the following crimes:

• Murder, manslaughter, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, aggravated burglary, and other violent crimes
• Sexual assault
• Child abuse or sexual exploitation of children
• Incest
• Endangering children with controlled substances
• Bribery
• Weapons offenses
• Crimes that require sex offender registration

Expunging an Arrest Record

For arrests that did not result in a conviction, you can seek criminal record expungement if:

• It has been at least 180 days since the arrest or the date the criminal charge was dismissed;
• You have no criminal charges pending when you submit the request for expungement; and
• At least one of the following is true:
  • You were not convicted of any criminal charge relating to the event that led to the arrest; or
  • No criminal charges of any kind were filed against you as a result of the event that led to the arrest; or
  • The prosecutor or court dismissed all criminal charges against you relating to the event.

Expunging a Misdemeanor Conviction

If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, you can seek criminal record expungement if:

• At least one year has passed since the end of your sentence for a status offense (something that is only illegal for certain groups of people, such as consuming alcohol if you are under 21) or at least five years have passed since the end of your sentence for a non-status offense;
• The crime did not involve the use of a gun; and
• You are not in danger of harming yourself, a victim, or society.

Expunging a Felony Conviction

If you were convicted of a felony that is not one of the offenses listed above, you can seek criminal record expungement if:

• More than ten years have passed since the end of your sentence (including probation), you completed any court-ordered programs, and you made full restitution to the victim(s);
• You have not pled guilty or no contest or been convicted of any other felonies;
• No guns were used in the commission of the crime for which you are seeking expungement; and
• You are not a danger to yourself, a victim, or society.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Criminal Record Expungement?

You do not need a lawyer for a criminal record expungement. However, the process is complicated, and even if you represent yourself, you will be held to the same standard as if you had a lawyer. Working with our criminal defense team will improve your likelihood of success. We will:

1. Evaluate your circumstances to determine whether you qualify for criminal record expungement.
2. Obtain your complete criminal record. If you have multiple convictions in multiple courts, we will request records from all jurisdictions where you have a criminal record and help you determine which charges to expunge.
3. Complete and file the appropriate forms and motions with the correct court.
4. Prepare a proposed Order of Expungement for the judge to sign.
5. Prepare and serve copies of the expungement forms on any interested parties.

How the Just Criminal Law Team Can Help with Criminal Record Expungement

Seeking a criminal record expungement can be complicated and time-consuming. Working with our criminal defense team will increase your likelihood of success. We have a thorough and nuanced understanding of Wyoming criminal record expungement law and the process you must follow to seek criminal record expungement.

Contact Just Criminal Law Can Help with Criminal Record Expungement

Contact our office today to schedule your personalized case review and strategy session.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is offered for educational purposes only. This information is not offered as legal advice. A person accused of a crime should always consult with an attorney before making decisions that have legal consequences.