Record Expungement

Few people enjoy having a criminal record, especially when good opportunities for work or housing can already be hard to find. Luckily, Utah offers record expungement, which can wipe the slate clean and let you get on with your life. Unfortunately, expunging your records still requires a lengthy process. That’s why we’re here.

With 100+ years here in Salt Lake, our attorneys know how to provide the service you want while also achieving the results you deserve. Our highly qualified lawyers aggressively preserve your quality of life by tackling the legal components so you can focus on more important things.

We can help you with your Utah record expungement. Call 801.980.9965 today for a free case review.

What is Record Expungement?

Record expungement is the process of having your criminal record sealed from public view. It doesn’t erase your arrest or conviction, but it does mean that no one except certain government officials can see your record. As far as the public is concerned, the arrest, detention, criminal investigation, or conviction never happened.

Benefits of a Records Expungement:

• You no longer have the incident on your criminal record
• You can say you have not been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony on job or housing applications
• It can restore certain rights you forfeited after being convicted

Record Expungement Eligibility

Want to have your records expunged, but don’t know if you qualify? There are two broad situations where you can have you have your records expunged. If you weren’t convicted, a record of arrest may be expunged if:

• No charges were filed
• You were acquitted (and are typically eligible to apply immediately)
• Your case was dismissed
• At least 30 days must have passed since your arrest
• You aren’t facing any other criminal chargesIf you were convicted, then you can have your records expunged after a certain number of years, depending on the severity of the crime:
  • Misdemeanors under the Utah Traffic Code: 10 years
  • Felonies under the Utah Controlled Substance Act: 10 years
  • Other felonies: 7 years
  • Class A misdemeanors: 5 years
  • Class B misdemeanors: 4 years
  • Other misdemeanors or infractions: 3 years

  Note: Your criminal record may not be expunged if you were convicted of a felony DUI, vehicular homicide, or if your conviction required you to register as a sex offender. Particularly harmful crimes (violent crimes, first degree or capital felonies, etc.) can also be grounds for denying expungement petitions. You can, however, petition to be pardoned even if you were convicted, which allows expungement. Contact us if you have questions.

  How to Expunge Your Criminal Record in Utah

  If you want to expunge your record, you need to get a Certificate of Eligibility from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. They check to make sure you qualify, which can take a long time, and then issue the Certificate of Eligibility if you do. Once you receive the certificate, you need to file a petition at the court where your case was originally heard.

  Even though expungement applies to criminal charges, the petition itself is handled as a civil process. The court typically reviews your eligibility, verifies the required certificate, and issues an expungement order if all statutory requirements are met. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently. Our team provides personalized guidance and leverages years of experience to help you move forward with confidence.

  Contact Wasatch Defense Attorneys at 801-980-9965 today for a no-obligation consultation.