Most people think once they have a conviction on their record, it’s there for life and there’s nothing you can do about it. Every time you apply for a job or an apartment, you’re forced to check that tiny box that terrifies everyone; the “have you ever been convicted of a crime” box.

Fortunately that is not the case. Most states allow individuals to go back and expunge their record, a way to “clean up” past mistakes; Missouri is one of those states. Currently, the Missouri Expungement Laws only allow you to erase a handful of misdemeanor convictions and a couple felony convictions. Come 2018, all of that is going to change.

Current Missouri Expungement Law

Under the current law is Missouri, the only felony convictions that can be removed from your record are passing a bad check, fraudulently stopping payment of an instrument (a check) and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card device.

There are currently about only thirteen (13) misdemeanor charges that can be erased from your record, such as trespass, property damage, gambling, disturbing the peace and public intoxication.

In order to qualify for an expungement, it has to be at least twenty (20) years since your felony sentence and ten (10) years since a misdemeanor sentence. You have to have paid all your fines and costs, the circumstances warrant an expungement and cannot currently be facing any additional charges.

For more information on the currently Missouri Expungement Laws visit my web page Missouri Expungement.

New Missouri Expungement Law

In July of 2016 Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed bill SB-588 that will drastically expand the availability of an expungement for Missouri residents whom have been convicted of a crime. This Law will take effect in 2018.

The new law only lists the convictions that do not qualify for expungement. Examples of those crimes include:

(1) any Class A Felony;

(2) dangerous felonies;

(3) an offense that requires registration on the sex offenders registry;

(4) a felony offense where death is an element of the offense;

(5) felony assault;

(6) misdemeanor or felony domestic violence;

(7) felony kidnapping; and

(8) unlawful use of a weapon.

The Law will open the door allowing for additional non-violent crimes to be expunged from your record.

Additionally, instead of the lengthy waiting period, you only need to wait seven (7) years for felony convictions and three (3) years for misdemeanor convictions.

If you think you have a conviction that can be expunged from your record, contact Howard Law at (314) 325-9868 for a free consultation and be ready to check “NO” on the next form you fill out asking if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime.