Missouri Expungement Myths – What Springfield, MO Residents Should Know (Top 5)

Key Takeaways:

• Not all crimes can be expunged. Missouri law allows many criminal records to be sealed, but violent felonies, sex offenses, and other serious crimes are not eligible.
• You must qualify and wait. To clear a conviction, you must finish all sentence requirements (probation, fines, etc.) and stay conviction-free for a waiting period (usually 3 years for felonies, 1 year for misdemeanors after completing the sentence).
• Lifetime limits apply. Missouri limits expungements to at most 2 felonies and 3 misdemeanors in your lifetime (additional minor infractions can be expunged without limit).
• DWI expungement has special rules. A first-time DWI (misdemeanor) can be expunged after 10 years if you have no other alcohol-related offenses, but multiple DUIs or CDL (commercial driver’s license) cases cannot be cleared.
• Expungement seals the record, not destroys it. An expunged record is closed to the public – landlords and employers won’t see it on standard background checks – but police, courts, and certain employers (like law enforcement or caregiving agencies) can still access it in specific situations.

Expunging a criminal record in Springfield, Missouri can open doors for employment, housing, and peace of mind. However, misconceptions abound about who qualifies and what an expungement actually does. As a local law firm, we want to clear up the top 5 myths about Missouri expungements – and share the facts, based on current Missouri law (including 2024–2025 updates) and Greene County practices. (This discussion is general information, not legal advice – please see our disclaimer below.)

Misconception #1: “Expungement Erases Your Record Completely”

The myth: Many people believe an expungement “wipes your record clean,” as if the incident never happened. They assume the file is destroyed and no one will ever know about it.

The truth: Expungement in Missouri seals the record from public view, but it does not delete it entirely. When a Missouri court grants an expungement, the record becomes a “closed record” – it’s no longer available to the general public or standard background checks. You can legally answer “no” when asked if you have a conviction in most situations, and most employers or landlords won’t see the expunged case. However, the record still exists in confidential form. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain government or licensing bodies can access expunged records under specific circumstances. For example, police and prosecutors can view a sealed conviction if you are charged with a new offense, and an expunged conviction can still count as a prior offense in a future criminal case. Additionally, some applications require disclosure of expunged offenses, such as for a professional license, law enforcement or emergency services jobs, childcare or elder-care positions, or a concealed carry firearm permit. Missouri law says you must disclose expunged offenses in these sensitive applications (but the expunged conviction cannot by itself automatically disqualify you from the job or license). In short, expungement gives you a fresh start for most purposes, but it is not absolute “erasure.” It’s better thought of as sealing or hiding the record from public view – the record is still available to the courts and certain employers, and it can be reopened by court order if needed.

Example: Jane had a felony drug possession conviction in Greene County. After fulfilling all requirements, she gets it expunged. When Jane applies for an apartment or a private-sector job, her record won’t show up on a standard background check. If asked on a job application about convictions, she can legally answer “No” for that expunged offense. But, if Jane applies to become a police officer or get a state professional license (like a nursing license), she must disclose the expunged conviction, and the agency can consider it (though not automatically reject her because of it). Also, if Jane were to be charged with a new crime, prosecutors and judges could still see the expunged conviction and consider it in court.

Misconception #2: “Any Conviction Can Be Expunged Nowadays”

The myth: With recent changes in Missouri law expanding expungements, some believe you can clear any type of offense, even violent felonies or sex crimes. Others assume minor convictions (like DWI or domestic assault) are automatically eligible.

The truth: Missouri’s expungement law covers a wide range of offenses – over 1,900 eligible offenses – but not every crime is expungeable. Certain serious offenses are specifically excluded by law. You cannot expunge:

• Class A felonies (the most serious felonies, like first-degree murder).
• “Dangerous felonies,” such as those involving deadly weapons or serious physical injury (as defined in Missouri law).
• Offenses requiring sex offender registration, and most sexual offenses (e.g. rape, child molestation).
• Felonies where death is an element of the crime (e.g. homicide offenses).
• Felony assault and kidnapping offenses, and domestic assault (misdemeanor or felony) – these are not eligible.
• Certain other specific offenses listed in the statute. Missouri law contains a long list of statutes that are ineligible for expungement. This list includes crimes like public corruption by officials, certain election offenses, sexual offenses in nursing facilities, using a child in a sexual performance, promoting child sexual performance, and even “cross burning” (added as ineligible in a 2024 law update). In general, crimes involving child abuse, exploitation, or endangerment are not expungeable. Serious financial crimes (e.g. major fraud by brokers, specified in Chapter 570) and serious weapon offenses are also on the no-go list.

Importantly, Missouri’s expungement law also excludes most driving offenses involving intoxication. Standard DUI/DWI convictions and intoxication-related boating offenses are not eligible under the main expungement statute (we’ll discuss the special rule for a first-time DWI in Misconception #5 below). And if the offense was committed by someone holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at the time, any motor vehicle offense is ineligible – this means a truck driver can’t expunge a traffic conviction that occurred while driving commercially.

Bottom line: Don’t assume every conviction can be cleared. Missouri law bars expungement for violent and sexual crimes, serious felonies, and certain other offenses. The good news is that many common offenses (drug possession, theft, property damage, lower-level assaults, etc.) can potentially be expunged if you meet the other requirements. It’s wise to consult the statute or an attorney to see if your specific conviction is on the eligible list or the excluded list. (We have a reference of ineligible offenses in Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.140.2.)

Misconception #3: “I Can Apply for Expungement Right After I Finish My Sentence”

The myth: Some people think that as soon as they’ve served their time, paid their fine, or finished probation, they can immediately file for an expungement – or that their record will clear automatically after a certain number of years. There’s also confusion about needing a “clean slate” period.

The truth: Missouri law requires a waiting period after you complete your sentence before you can petition for expungement. It’s not automatic – you must actively petition the court – and you have to wait a minimum amount of time with no new offenses. As of 2025, the general waiting periods are:

• For a felony conviction: At least 3 years must have passed since you completed all parts of your sentence. Completion means you’ve finished any incarceration, probation, or parole and paid all fines and restitution. The clock starts after you’re “off paper.” So if you got off probation on January 1, 2022, you’d be eligible to file on January 1, 2025 (3 years later).
• For a misdemeanor (or municipal offense or infraction): At least 1 year must have passed since completing all sentence requirements. For example, if a misdemeanor sentence ended in June 2024, you could petition in June 2025. (Note: Recent legislation in 2024 slightly tweaked some timing – for instance, if you were arrested and not convicted, the wait to expunge that arrest record was shortened from 3 years to 18 months. But for convictions, the waits remain 3 and 1 year as stated.)

During this waiting period, you must stay out of trouble. Missouri law requires that you have not been found guilty of any new felony or misdemeanor in that time frame (traffic infractions like speeding tickets don’t count, but any criminal charge does). You also cannot have any charges pending when you file your expungement petition. Essentially, you need to demonstrate a “clean” record during the wait.

Additionally, all obligations must be fulfilled: this means fines, fees, court costs, and restitution must be paid in full, and any community service or classes completed. If you still owe money on the case or haven’t completed a required program, the court will not grant an expungement until that’s resolved.

There’s no automatic expungement for adult convictions in Missouri (except for some marijuana offenses under a special 2022 constitutional amendment, which required courts to expunge certain past marijuana cases). For most crimes, you must file a petition and go through the court process – the record does not simply vanish after X years on its own. We’ve had clients surprised that a decade-old conviction was still showing up; in Missouri, it will stay on your public record indefinitely until you affirmatively get it expunged (if eligible).

Summary: Patience is required. From the date you finish the sentence, mark your calendar for the required wait (1 or 3 years). Use that time to maintain a clean record, because even one new misdemeanor can reset the clock. After the waiting period, you can prepare to file your expungement petition. (If you file too early and don’t meet the waiting requirement or other criteria, the court will dismiss your petition, and you’ll have to wait at least a year to refile.) Missouri law also directs courts to handle expungement cases relatively quickly once you do file – the court generally must issue a decision within six months of filing the petition – but getting to that point requires satisfying the initial wait and eligibility rules.

Misconception #4: “I Can Expunge Unlimited Convictions (or All My Convictions)”

The myth: Some believe they can “wipe their whole slate clean” if they have multiple convictions, or file separate expungements for each offense without limit. On the other hand, others think you only get to do this once, so you must pick carefully. What’s the reality?

The truth: Missouri’s expungement law sets lifetime limits on how many convictions you can expunge, though these limits were expanded in 2025. You are not allowed to expunge an unlimited number of offenses – there’s a cap. As of now, a person can have at most two felony offenses and three misdemeanors expunged in their lifetime. (In the past, it was stricter: only one felony and two misdemeanors, but the law was changed effective January 1, 2025 to increase the limits.)

Here’s how it works: you can include multiple offenses on one expungement petition if they are eligible and you have not exceeded the limits. If you have, say, one felony conviction and two misdemeanor convictions, you can try to expunge all three (that would hit the limits exactly). If you have two felonies and three misdemeanors, those are the absolute maximum you could ever clear in your lifetime under current law. If you have more than two felony convictions, or more than three misdemeanor convictions, Missouri law unfortunately won’t let you expunge all of them – you’d have to choose which ones to petition for, up to the cap. Once you’ve expunged the maximum allowed, you generally can’t expunge additional convictions later. Infractions (very minor offenses) like traffic infractions don’t count toward the total – the law says you can expunge any number of infractions without counting against the limits.

It’s also important to note: If multiple offenses happened in the “same course of conduct” (i.e. part of one incident or case), you may be allowed to count them as one for the purpose of the limit. For example, if someone was convicted of three charges in one case arising from one event, the law might treat that as one felony (the highest charge) for expungement counting. This can get complex, so getting legal advice is wise if you have multiple convictions.

In short: Missouri gives you a chance to clear a limited number of past mistakes, not an unlimited blank check. Plan strategically – if you have several convictions, you might target the ones that are impacting you the most (for instance, the felony that’s a barrier to jobs). Because once you’ve expunged the allowed number, you cannot go back for more. On the flip side, you don’t necessarily have to use your expungement “opportunities” all at once; you could expunge one case now and another a few years later, as long as you stay within the lifetime cap. We often counsel clients on prioritizing which convictions to clear. And remember, all offenses you want to expunge that are currently eligible should be listed in the same petition if possible – you generally file in each court where you were convicted, listing all eligible charges from that court. If you try to do them separately, the court might question why you didn’t include them together.

Common Pitfall: Not realizing the lifetime limit can lead to mistakes. For instance, someone might file to expunge two misdemeanors now, then later try to expunge a felony – but if they also had another misdemeanor they expunged earlier, they could run afoul of the “3 misdemeanors” rule. Keep track of what you’ve expunged. The law is a one-way street: you can’t “un-expunge” something to swap in a different conviction later. It’s truly a lifetime cap. Fortunately, Missouri increased the limits in 2025, so more people can benefit (some folks who already used their one-and-two chance might even get another shot under the new limits if they have more to clear – this is a nuanced area to discuss with a lawyer).

Misconception #5: “You Can’t Expunge a DWI or Driving Offense” (or “DUI Expungement Is Automatic”)

The myth: We hear two opposite myths about drunk-driving convictions in Missouri: (a) “No DWI can ever be expunged,” and (b) “Minor DWIs fall off your record after 10 years automatically.” Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) is a common charge, so it’s important to clarify this.

The truth: Missouri law does allow expungement of one DWI offense in a lifetime if very specific conditions are met – but it’s not automatic, and multiple or serious DWIs cannot be expunged. In fact, the primary expungement statute (§ 610.140) explicitly excludes any “intoxication-related traffic offense” (which includes DWI). Instead, Missouri has a separate law, § 610.130 RSMo, that covers expungement of one DUI/DWI.

Under § 610.130 (the DWI expungement law), you may expunge one alcohol-related driving offense if all of the following are true:

• It was your first and only intoxication-related offense. You cannot have any other alcohol-related driving offenses or “enforcement contacts” (like administrative license suspensions for DUI) on your record. This means truly one chance – if you’ve had two or more DUIs in your life, none of them can be expunged under current law.
• It was a misdemeanor conviction or plea of guilty (typically a first-offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor). Felony DWI (such as repeat offender or causing injury) is not eligible for expungement.
• At least 10 years have passed since the date of your conviction or guilty plea, during which time you have not had any other alcohol-related offenses. Missouri requires a 10-year clean period for DWI expungement, which is much longer than the wait for other misdemeanors. Essentially, you must prove that the DWI was an isolated incident and you’ve been law-abiding (and sober behind the wheel) for a decade.
• You have satisfied all the terms of the sentence (fines paid, any probation or treatment completed) and have no other disqualifying circumstances (for example, you were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time – anyone who held a commercial driver’s license (CDL) when they got the DWI cannot get it expunged, even if it was a personal vehicle).

If you meet those criteria, you can file a petition under § 610.130 to expunge the DWI. It’s not automatic – you still have to apply to the court and potentially have a hearing, similar to other expungements.

Important: You can use this DWI expungement only once (one case per lifetime). Also, note that this does not cover DUI-related license suspensions or revocations by the Department of Revenue unless those were directly tied to the expunged case – and even then, the records of suspensions might remain accessible for law enforcement.

So, the truth lies between the two myths: A first-offense DWI in Missouri can be expunged, but it requires a 10-year wait and a petition, and multiple DUI convictions cannot be erased. If you received a minor in possession (MIP) or juvenile alcohol offense, those might fall under other provisions (there’s a separate law for expunging underage alcohol offenses at 21, for instance). And for regular traffic tickets (speeding, etc.) – those are usually infractions, which can be expunged (and don’t count against your limits) if you choose, though many people don’t bother unless it’s a very damaging ticket.

Example: John got a DWI in Springfield at age 25, pleaded guilty, and completed probation. It was his only offense. John is now 36 and has had a clean driving record since. John can file a petition to expunge that DWI from his record. If granted, the DWI will be closed to public view, which can help with employment (some employers won’t hire anyone with a DWI on record). However, if John had two DWIs, or if only 5 years had passed since the incident, he would not yet qualify. And if John was a CDL truck driver at the time of his offense, unfortunately he could not get that DWI expunged at all under Missouri law.

How the Expungement Process Works in Springfield & Greene County, Missouri

If you’ve determined you’re eligible to expunge a Missouri offense, what next? The expungement process is fairly standard statewide, but here are the basic steps and some local pointers for Springfield/Greene County (and neighboring counties like Christian or Webster):

• Filing the Petition: You must file a written Petition for Expungement in the circuit court where you were charged or convicted. For example, if your case was in Greene County Circuit Court (which covers Springfield), you file the petition with the Greene County Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Springfield. If it was a municipal offense (city court), file in that municipal division. (In Christian County (Ozark) or Webster County (Marshfield), you’d file in those counties’ circuit courts similarly.) Missouri provides standard forms for expungement petitions – you can obtain a petition form (sometimes called “Form CCEX” or similar) from the Missouri Courts website or the clerk’s office. There is a $250 surcharge for filing an expungement petition in Missouri (on top of any normal court filing fee). However, if you cannot afford this, the judge can waive the $250 fee if you file a motion proving you’re indigent. It’s important to attach that request if needed, so the fee doesn’t become a barrier.
• Listing Defendants (Who Must Be Notified): In your petition, you are required to name as “defendants” all the agencies and officials who might have records of your case. This typically includes the law enforcement agency that arrested you (e.g. Springfield Police Department or Missouri State Highway Patrol), the court of record, the prosecutor’s office that handled the case (e.g. Greene County Prosecutor), and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Criminal Records Repository (which maintains statewide records). Essentially, anyone who has a file on your offense should be named so they get notice. This is a critical step – if you leave out an agency, the expungement order might not reach them and won’t affect their records. In Greene County, for instance, we ensure the petition includes the Springfield Police (if they were the arresting agency) and any other police departments involved, the county prosecutor, the circuit court, and the MSHP.
• Serving the Petition: After filing, the court clerk will send a copy of your petition to the prosecutor’s office that prosecuted the case. You may need to send notices to the other listed defendants as well (some courts handle some of the service, but be prepared to mail or deliver copies if necessary). In Greene County, the clerk typically issues a summons or notice to the named parties. The prosecutor (and other defendants) have 30 days to object to your expungement request.
• Objections and Hearing: If no one objects within 30 days, the court may decide the case without a hearing, or set a brief hearing anyway to ensure you meet the criteria. If an objection is filed (commonly by the prosecutor), the court will schedule a hearing. A hearing must be held within 60 days of an objection (or, if there’s no objection, within 30 days after that initial notice period, unless the court doesn’t think a hearing is needed). At the hearing, you (often with your attorney) will present evidence that you satisfy all the legal requirements: the waiting period has passed, you’ve been law-abiding (no new convictions), and that expunging your record is consistent with the public welfare and your behavior shows you’re not a threat to public safety. You might testify about how you’ve turned your life around, for example. The prosecutor or any victim can also present evidence or reasons why expungement should or shouldn’t be granted. In many uncontested cases, hearings are short and straightforward.
• Decision: Missouri law directs that the judge “shall issue an order within six months” of filing the petition, either granting or denying expungement. If all criteria are met, there is a presumption in favor of expungement. In practice, if you clearly qualify, the order is often granted without much difficulty. In Greene County, once an expungement is ordered, the court clerk will send certified copies of the order to all the agencies you listed (police, MSHP, etc.). Those agencies then have to seal/close their records of the offense. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will update the state criminal history database to reflect that the conviction is expunged (closed record).
• After Expungement: Once you have the signed expungement order, your case is sealed. Going forward, you can legally state that you have not been convicted or arrested for the expunged offense in most situations. The law even says you are “fully restored to the status” you had before the conviction, as if it never happened. This includes restoration of civil rights like voting and firearms ownership in many cases (for example, if a felony is expunged, Missouri now considers you no longer a convicted felon for gun law purposes, though federal firearm laws can be tricky – consult an attorney if gun rights are a concern). Keep your expungement order in a safe place; occasionally, private background check companies might still show an old record in error, and you can show them the court order.

Throughout this process, we highly recommend legal guidance. While Missouri does provide forms for people to file on their own (“pro se”), expungement law can be technical. Any mistake – such as naming the wrong party, or misinterpreting eligibility – can delay relief. Our Springfield-based team has handled many expungements in Greene County and beyond; we know the local judges’ procedures and common pitfalls to avoid.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Missouri Expungements

Even if you understand the law, there are some common mistakes that trip up individuals seeking expungement:

• Not including all records or aliases: Make sure to list every charge or case number you want expunged in your petition. If you had multiple charges in one case (or multiple cases that are eligible), include them all. Also, if you were arrested under a maiden name or alias, mention that so records under that name get cleared too. If you leave something out, you might have to start over or file another petition (which could cost another $250).
• Failing to serve all parties: As noted, you must notify all agencies with records. A common error is forgetting to name the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the arresting police department. If an entity isn’t named, the expungement order won’t bind them – meaning they could still show the record. Double-check that you’ve got the right prosecutor’s office (for example, state vs. municipal prosecutor) and any city police, county sheriff, or state agency involved.
• Filing too early: Patience is key. If you file even one week before the waiting period is up, the petition will be dismissed for not meeting the timing requirement. Calculate the dates carefully, and remember it’s from the date you completed the sentence (end of probation or payment, etc.), not the date of arrest or conviction in most cases. For a DWI expungement, that 10-year mark is critical – don’t try at year 9.
• Having new incidents: We’ve seen people attempt expungement while they still have a pending charge or a recent conviction on their record. Any new charge or conviction in the waiting period can disqualify you. If something happens (like you get a misdemeanor charge) after you file but before the court rules, that can also derail things. It’s best to have a completely clean recent record.
• Assuming expungement = guaranteed job: While expungement greatly improves your record, private background check companies or online mugshot listings might not immediately update. Most will remove expunged records if you send them the court order. Also, some government jobs and licenses will still see the expunged record (as discussed). So manage your expectations – expungement is a legal relief, but it’s not magic; you may still need to explain gaps in employment or the fact you had a case in the past in certain scenarios. The good news is Missouri law forbids employers (outside those exceptions) from discriminating if a conviction was expunged.
• Not keeping proof: Always keep copies of your filed petition and the final expungement judgment. Missouri will close the court file, so later on, even you will have difficulty getting information about the case without the order in hand. Treat it like a vital document.

By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can greatly increase the odds of a smooth expungement process.

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. For advice on your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm.)

FAQ: Missouri Expungement Questions

Q1: What offenses cannot be expunged in Missouri?
A: Missouri law bars expungement for Class A felonies, dangerous felonies, offenses requiring sex offender registration, any felony involving death, felony assault or kidnapping, domestic assault, and a list of specific crimes such as certain sex crimes, child pornography, felony DWI injuries, and others. In general, violent crimes, sex crimes, and serious felonies aren’t eligible for expungement. Also, intoxication-related driving offenses (DWIs) are not covered under the main expungement law – except a first-time misdemeanor DWI can be expunged under a separate process. If you’re unsure about a particular charge, check § 610.140 RSMo or ask an attorney, because the statute lists many ineligible offenses by code section.

Q2: How long do I have to wait to expunge a conviction in Missouri?
A: The waiting period is typically 3 years after completing your sentence for a felony, and 1 year after completing your sentence for a misdemeanor, municipal offense, or infraction. The clock starts once all aspects of the sentence are done (end of probation/parole and payment of fines or restitution). You also must have no new convictions in that period and no charges pending. For a DWI misdemeanor, the wait is 10 years from the date of conviction (with no other alcohol-related offenses in those 10 years). Note that for an arrest that didn’t lead to a charge or conviction, recent changes allow you to petition 18 months after the arrest if no charges were filed.

Q3: Can I expunge a felony in Missouri?
A: Yes, many felonies (especially non-violent, non-sexual felonies) can be expunged, but only certain ones and only up to two in a lifetime. Class A felonies and dangerous felonies cannot be. But for example, a Class C or D felony like drug possession or theft might be eligible if it’s not on the exclusion list and you meet the waiting period (3 years) and other criteria. Only two felony expungements are allowed per person in Missouri, so choose wisely which ones to clear if you have multiple.

Q4: How do I file an expungement petition in Greene County (Springfield)?
A: To file in Greene County, you’ll prepare a Petition for Expungement (use Missouri’s form or have your attorney draft one) and file it with the Greene County Circuit Court in Springfield, MO, where your case was handled. Include all required information: your name, the offenses you want expunged (with case numbers), the date of charges, the county/court of the offenses, etc., and list all agencies that should be served. Pay the $250 surcharge (or file a poverty affidavit to waive it if eligible). The court will set a hearing or await objections from the prosecutor. It’s often helpful to get a lawyer to ensure everything is done correctly. The Greene County Circuit Clerk’s office can provide the blank petition form and basic guidance, but they can’t give legal advice. Once you file, keep an eye on mail or e-filing notifications for any hearing date. Remember to attend the hearing if one is set, and bring proof that you meet all conditions (completion of sentence, etc.). If you’re unsure, our firm can guide you through the process step by step – we file expungements regularly in this court.

Q5: Will an expunged record show up on a background check?
A: For the general public and most employers, no – an expunged record is sealed and should not show up on routine background checks. Missouri law makes expunged records “closed records,” meaning they aren’t accessible in the standard state criminal record search or Casenet (the Missouri online court system). However, there are a few caveats: law enforcement, courts, and certain governmental agencies can still see expunged records. Also, if a private background check company hasn’t updated its database, an old record might mistakenly appear – though you can request those be updated. When an employer asks, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”, legally you can answer “No” for an expunged conviction in most cases. The exceptions are if you’re applying for a job or license in a sensitive field (law enforcement, etc.) where they’re allowed to ask about expunged records – in that case, you must disclose it, but the employer/licensing board is not supposed to automatically disqualify you because of it. In summary, after expungement, the vast majority of background checks (like for a typical job, apartment, loan, or school admission) will come back clean, giving you a fresh start.

Q6: How much does it cost to get an expungement in Missouri?
A: The state-imposed surcharge is $250 per expungement petition. On top of that, there may be standard court filing fees (which in Greene County are usually around $100 for a civil filing). If you hire an attorney, there will be legal fees for their services (which can vary based on complexity). If you cannot afford the $250 surcharge, you can file a motion to have that fee waived for indigence, and the judge may waive the fee if you truly cannot pay. There might also be small costs for serving documents or getting copies of records. We often work with clients on payment plans for our attorney fees, because we know cost can be a barrier to clearing your record. It’s worth noting that compared to the potential increase in job opportunities, the cost of expungement can be a very wise investment in your future.

Q7: Do I need a lawyer to get my record expunged?
A: You are not required to have a lawyer – Missouri provides forms for people to file on their own. However, expungement law can be tricky, and one mistake can result in a denial or delay. An experienced Springfield expungement attorney can help ensure you meet all the requirements, file in the right place, include all necessary information, and effectively argue your case if there’s a hearing. In our experience, having an attorney greatly smooths the process and avoids the common pitfalls (we listed some above). Additionally, if there’s any doubt about eligibility or if you have multiple convictions to strategize around, legal advice is invaluable. So while it’s legally possible to DIY an expungement, many people choose to hire a lawyer for peace of mind and a higher chance of success – especially for something as important as clearing your criminal record.

Take the Next Step – We’re Here to Help. If you’re considering an expungement in Springfield, Greene County, or surrounding areas in Missouri, reach out to us. At The Law Office of Chad G. Mann, LLC, we have helped many local clients restore their record and move forward with their lives. Call us at (417) 842-8679 to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your eligibility, guide you through the process, and handle the legal legwork – from filing the petition to representing you in court. You can also contact us through our website or visit our office (by appointment) in Springfield. Don’t let old mistakes hold you back – we’re ready to assist you in seeking a fresh start.

Last updated: September 17, 2025