Many people believe that a criminal record is permanent, a mark that can never be erased. For a long time in Missouri, that felt true for many, with a process that was long, expensive, and highly restrictive. However, that assumption is no longer accurate. The new expungement law in Missouri has opened the door for thousands of people who were previously ineligible to clear their records. With shorter timelines and expanded criteria, what was once out of reach may now be possible for you. It’s time to set aside old beliefs and learn how these powerful changes could directly impact your future.

Key Takeaways

Shorter Waiting Periods: Missouri now lets you apply to expunge a misdemeanor 18 months after the arrest (down from 3 years) and a felony 3 years after finishing the sentence (down from 7 years). This means you can clear your record much sooner under the 2025 law.
More Offenses Eligible: You can now expunge up to 2 felony convictions and 3 misdemeanors in your lifetime (increased from 1 felony and 2 misdemeanors). Many low-level offenses that were once ineligible are now eligible, except serious crimes (see below).
Automatic Expungements Coming: Starting August 28, 2025, Missouri will automatically expunge qualifying records without a petition, for people under the offense limits. Courts and the state will work together to clear thousands of old records, making expungement easier for those who qualify.
New Crimes Added to “No Expungement” List: A few more offenses are barred from expungement as of 2025 – for example, certain sexual offenses involving nursing home residents and children, and even cross burning have been added to the ineligible list. Violent felonies, sex crimes, serious assaults, and DWI offenses remain not expungeable under this law (though first-time DWIs have a separate process).
Records Truly Sealed: Once expunged, your Missouri record is sealed from public view. You can legally answer “no” when asked about expunged arrests or convictions on job and housing applications. Your civil rights (voting, holding office, jury service, etc.) are fully restored by the expungement order. (There are a few narrow exceptions – e.g. certain professional license or law enforcement inquiries – which we explain below.)
Local Filing Required: Expungement isn’t automatic (unless you wait for the new automatic process). You must still file a petition in the court where you were charged or convicted, pay a filing fee (about $250, though it can be waived), and serve the right agencies. A hearing will be held if there’s any objection. We walk through these steps so you know what to expect in Greene County.

Missouri’s New Expungement Law: What You Need to Know

“Expungement” in Missouri is the legal process of sealing a criminal record so that it’s closed to the public. Once a conviction or arrest is expunged, it no longer shows up in standard background checks. Landlords, most employers, and the general public cannot see an expunged record without a court order. In everyday life, this means you generally do not have to disclose an expunged arrest or conviction when asked. For example, if a job application asks if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime, and the conviction was expunged, you can legally answer “no” in most cases.

However, expungement does not erase the record completely in all senses. The record is sealed and treated as confidential, but law enforcement and courts can still see it in limited circumstances. Additionally, if you are applying for certain professional licenses or jobs (like law enforcement, childcare, banking, etc.), Missouri law may require you to disclose expunged offenses on those applications. Expunged offenses can also still count as prior offenses if you re-offend (for example, an expunged DWI might count as a prior DWI for a new charge). But for most purposes – employment, housing, voting – an expungement gives you a fresh start and restores your rights.

Important: An expungement is not a pardon. It doesn’t declare you innocent; it simply seals the record. Missouri’s 2025 changes make the effects of expungement even stronger by explicitly restoring the person to the status they held before the conviction, including restoring civil rights such as voting and serving on a jury. And for those worried about gun rights – Missouri law now clarifies that an expungement removes the effects of a conviction for firearm possession laws, including domestic-violence-related firearm bans. (Federal authorities may interpret this on a case-by-case basis, but Missouri considers an expunged conviction as fully removed for these purposes.)

Now, let’s look at exactly what changed in 2025 and how it helps Springfield residents with past records.

What’s New in Missouri’s 2025 Expungement Law?

Missouri lawmakers passed a criminal justice reform package that significantly expanded expungement access effective January 1, 2025. Here are the major updates you need to know:

You Can Now Apply Sooner

You don’t have to wait as long to clear your record now. Under the new law:

Felony convictions: You can petition after 3 years (previously 7 years) from the date you completed your sentence (including probation or parole).
Misdemeanor convictions (and municipal offenses/infractions): You can petition after 1 year (previously 3 years) from the date you completed the sentence.
Arrests that didn’t result in charges or conviction: You can petition 18 months after the date of arrest if no charges were filed (or after charges were dropped), reduced from a 3-year wait.

These reductions are huge. For instance, if you got off probation for a felony in 2022, under the old rules you’d wait until 2029 to apply, but now you might be eligible in 2025. For a minor misdemeanor you finished in 2022, you’d no longer need to wait until 2025 – you could file now. Bottom line: many people who thought they had years left before they could expunge a case may be eligible immediately under the 2025 law.

Do note that you must have completed all parts of your sentence (served any jail time, finished probation, and paid all fines or restitution) before the clock starts ticking on these waiting periods. Also, you need to stay out of trouble during the wait – if you pick up a new charge or conviction, that will reset your eligibility clock or disqualify you until you’ve gone the required time with a clean record.

Clear More Records: Higher Expungement Limits

Missouri used to allow only one felony and two misdemeanors to be expunged in a lifetime. The new law expanded this limit. Now, you can expunge up to two felony offenses and three misdemeanors (or municipal ordinance violations) in your lifetime. There is no limit on expunging infractions (minor violations).

This change recognizes that people may have more than one brush with the law and still be deserving of a clean slate. For example, if you have a couple of old felony convictions and a few misdemeanors, you may now be able to clear all or most of them (as long as they are eligible offenses). Keep in mind these numbers are lifetime limits for petitions under §610.140 RSMo – once you expunge, say, two felonies, you generally can’t expunge a third felony later on. (The only exception is if multiple offenses were part of the “same course of criminal conduct,” which we discuss below.)

Related charges counted as one: One nuance is how Missouri counts offenses that happened together. If multiple charges arose from the same incident, they can be treated as one expungement for counting purposes. For instance, if you were charged with both “stealing” and “possession of a stolen check” in one event, those might count as a single course of conduct, thus one felony expungement, not two. The new law actually tightened this standard: charges simply being in the same case isn’t automatically enough – they truly have to be closely related in how they happened. Courts will look at whether the offenses were part of the same action or sequence of actions by you. If they were, you won’t be “penalized” by the counting limits for having multiple counts from one incident. If they were separate incidents, they count separately.

Which Offenses Are Now Ineligible?

Missouri’s expungement law has a list of disqualifying offenses that can never be expunged. The big categories (which haven’t changed) include: Class A felonies, dangerous felonies (e.g. murder, armed robbery), any offense that requires sex offender registration, any offense where death is an element (like manslaughter), felony assaults and domestic assaults, felony kidnapping, and a variety of specific offenses listed in the statute. Also, DWI and other intoxication-related driving or boating offenses cannot be expunged under this statute (more on DWI in a moment).

In 2025, the law added four more crimes to the never-expunge list:

Sexual conduct with a nursing facility resident (second degree): This involves caregivers engaging in sexual acts with certain vulnerable residents.
Use of a child in a sexual performance (forcing or encouraging a child to participate in a sexual conduct for entertainment).
Promoting a sexual performance by a child (e.g. producing or directing such performances).
Cross burning (which in Missouri is a hate crime).

These offenses join the list of crimes that absolutely cannot be expunged. The rationale is that these are considered too serious or indicative of ongoing risk. For Springfield residents, this likely won’t affect a large number of people – they are relatively uncommon charges – but it’s important to know if it applies to you.

Reminder: If your offense is on the ineligible list, no matter how old it is or how minor you feel it was, Missouri courts cannot expunge it under the statute. Examples of common ineligible offenses are domestic assault (misdemeanor or felony) and any felony assault, which unfortunately bars a lot of assault convictions from expungement. Also, sex offenses (even some non-violent ones) and child pornography or exploitation charges are not expungeable. If you’re unsure, check the statute or consult a lawyer to see if your conviction is on the no-go list.

How a Judge’s Discretion Affects Your Case

Under prior law, if a victim of the crime objected to your expungement and testified against it at a hearing, the court could deny expungement solely on that basis. The 2025 changes removed the rule that a judge must make a decision based “solely on a victim’s testimony.” Now, a victim still has the right to be heard and their testimony must be considered, but a judge doesn’t have to treat a victim’s objection as automatically decisive.

Instead, the law instructs judges to weigh the “continuing impact” on the victim against the benefits of expungement. There’s also now a rebuttable presumption that expungement should be granted if you meet all the basic criteria (waiting period, no new crimes, etc.). The prosecutor can rebut this by showing, for example, that the offense’s impact on a victim or the community is so ongoing and serious that sealing it isn’t in the public interest. This is a more balanced approach that gives people a fair chance even if a victim feels strongly against the expungement, while still allowing the court to deny if justice truly warrants it.

Missouri’s Automatic Expungement: How It Works

Perhaps the biggest news: Missouri is moving toward automatic expungement of records for many who qualify. A new provision in the law directs that, beginning August 28, 2025, any offenses that are eligible for expungement by law will become eligible for expungement without requiring the person to file a petition. In other words, the state will start cleaning records proactively.

Here’s how it works: Missouri’s Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) will identify criminal cases that are past the waiting periods and otherwise eligible. OSCA will send those records to the State Central Repository (the criminal records database, run by the Missouri State Highway Patrol) for review. If within 30 days no agency objects that a record is ineligible (for example, an objection if they think the person has too many offenses or it’s a type of crime that can’t be expunged), then OSCA transmits those records to the courts. Each circuit court’s presiding judge will then issue expungement orders to seal those cases, generally within 30 days of getting the list.

What does this mean for you? Potentially, you might get your old case expunged without ever going to court. The law even says the courts or probation offices should notify individuals when their records become eligible for automatic expungement. So you might receive a notice in the mail that, say, your 10-year-old felony is set to be expunged on a certain date.

However, automatic expungement has limits. The law says if you have more than 3 felonies or more than 5 misdemeanors, you do not qualify for the automatic no-petition process. Those folks would still have to file a petition instead. And of course any disqualified offenses (violent, etc.) won’t be cleared automatically either. Also, the automatic process will take time to roll out; it’s not like a switch flips and everyone’s record is instantly gone on Aug. 28, 2025. The law gives the state up to 5 years (until 2030) to clear the backlog of eligible cases, prioritizing those who’ve been waiting longest.

If you’re in a hurry to get an expungement, you don’t have to wait for the automatic process – you can still file a petition yourself. Even after automatic expungement begins, the law explicitly allows you to file a case on your own if you prefer not to wait. Filing proactively might be wise if, for example, you’re applying for a job and need your record sealed sooner rather than later.

Tip: We expect Greene County (and neighboring Christian and Webster counties) to start seeing automatic expungements in late 2025 and 2026. If you believe you’re eligible and haven’t heard anything, you might want to check with the Greene County Circuit Clerk or an attorney to see if your case is on the list. It’s early in the process, so glitches may happen. As local expungement attorneys, we can help check the status or even push your petition through now so you’re at the front of the line.

Understanding the New Legislation: SB 347 and SB 1161

The recent changes to Missouri’s expungement laws are thanks to two key pieces of legislation: Senate Bill 347 and Senate Bill 1161. Together, they create a more accessible path for people to seal their past criminal records. These new rules establish clear timelines for when you can apply, set up a system to manage the process, and define exactly what it means for a record to be sealed. Understanding these details is the first step toward figuring out how this fresh start can apply to you. Let’s break down the most important parts of these new laws so you know what to expect from the process.

Key Timelines and Effective Dates

Timing is everything, and the new laws have some important dates you’ll want to mark on your calendar. The expanded access to expungement officially went into effect on January 1, 2025. This is the date that the shorter waiting periods and higher lifetime limits for clearing records became active. If you were waiting to become eligible under the old rules, you might already qualify under the new ones. The second major date is August 28, 2025. This is when Missouri will begin the process of automatically expunging qualifying records for people who are under the offense limits, meaning you might not even have to file a petition yourself. This automatic process will roll out over time, but it marks a significant shift in making expungement more accessible for everyone.

Administrative Oversight and Funding

Putting these sweeping changes into practice requires a solid plan and the resources to back it up. Missouri has established a clear administrative structure to make sure the new expungement process runs smoothly. The Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) is the agency tasked with managing the new system, from identifying eligible records for automatic expungement to reporting on the program’s progress. To ensure this isn’t an unfunded mandate, the state has also created a specific fund to cover the costs, showing a real commitment to the success of this reform. This level of planning is designed to make the process more efficient and transparent for everyone involved.

The Missouri Expungement Fund

To pay for the massive undertaking of identifying and processing thousands of eligible records, the state created the “Missouri Expungement Fund.” This dedicated fund provides the necessary financial resources for OSCA to manage all the moving parts of the new law. It covers the costs of technology upgrades, administrative staff, and the coordination required between state agencies and local courts. By setting aside this money, lawmakers have ensured that the new system has the support it needs to function effectively. This is great news because it means the process is less likely to get bogged down by budget issues, helping people get their records cleared in a timely manner.

Annual Reporting Requirements

To keep the new system accountable, the law includes a transparency requirement. Starting on August 28, 2026, OSCA must submit a report every year to the state Senate and House committees that oversee the judicial system. These reports will provide a public update on how the expungement process is working across the state. They will include key data, such as the total number of records that were successfully expunged and how many were objected to by prosecutors or other agencies. This annual review ensures that lawmakers and the public can see the results of the reform and identify any areas that might need improvement in the future.

Confidentiality and Corrections

One of the most powerful aspects of getting an expungement is the confidentiality it provides. Once your Missouri record is expunged, it is officially sealed from public view. This means that when you fill out most job, housing, or loan applications, you can legally answer “no” when asked if you have any expunged arrests or convictions. It allows you to move forward without the shadow of a past mistake. However, the system isn’t perfect, and the law includes provisions for what happens if a record is sealed by mistake or if certain officials need access for specific, limited reasons. Understanding these nuances is key to knowing exactly what an expungement does and does not do.

Handling of Mistaken Expungements

With any large-scale administrative process, errors can happen. The new law anticipates this and includes a clear procedure for correcting mistakes. If a court discovers that a record was expunged in error—for example, if the offense was actually on the ineligible list or the person had other pending charges—it has the authority to reverse the expungement. This means the court can unseal the record and restore it to its previous public status. This safeguard ensures the integrity of the process and confirms that only those who truly qualify receive the benefits of a sealed record. While it’s a rare occurrence, it’s an important check within the system.

Confidential Records for Official Use

While an expunged record is hidden from the general public, it is not completely erased. The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains a confidential, non-public record of all expungements. This private record can only be accessed for very specific and limited official purposes. For instance, law enforcement agencies may be able to view it when conducting background checks for certain sensitive jobs, or a prosecutor could access it if you are charged with a new crime. Navigating the complexities of what an expungement means for your specific situation can be tricky, which is why discussing your case with a legal professional can provide clarity. If you have questions, you can always contact our office for guidance.

Am I Eligible for Expungement in Missouri?

Eligibility can be a bit confusing, but let’s break it down. As of 2025, you are generally eligible to expunge a Missouri criminal record if:

It’s been the required waiting period since you completed your sentence (3 years for a felony, 1 year for a misdemeanor, etc.).
You have no new charges or convictions during that waiting period (minor traffic tickets don’t count).
The offense is not on the list of excluded offenses (see below).
You have not exceeded the limit on how many convictions you can expunge (no more than 2 felonies and 3 misdemeanors in lifetime).
You have paid off all fines, restitution, and completed any probation conditions.
You have no charges pending currently.
Your “habits and conduct” show you are not a threat to public safety, and expungement would be consistent with the public welfare. (This is a broad standard, but basically the court wants to see that you’ve turned things around and expunging your case won’t harm society.)

For an arrest that didn’t lead to a conviction, eligibility is a bit different. Missouri had an older law (§610.122 RSMo) that let people expunge arrest records if they were arrested based on false information or the case never went anywhere. That older arrest-expungement law required proving a few extra things (like you didn’t actually commit the offense, or no charges were pursued) and had no set limit on number of arrests that could be expunged. Now, with §610.140’s update, if you were arrested and never charged, or the charges were dropped, you can petition after 18 months as long as you haven’t picked up any new offenses in that time. Practically, this is easier for many folks, because you don’t have to prove the arrest was based on false info – just that you stayed out of trouble and the case didn’t result in a conviction. And there’s no lifetime limit mentioned on arrest-only expungements. So, if you were arrested in Springfield and the prosecutor never filed charges, you could file to expunge that arrest record a year and a half later. If you were acquitted (found not guilty) or the case was dismissed, you might even be able to file sooner (depending on the circumstances, some people file right away under other provisions). It’s worth consulting an attorney for those, because an acquittal can potentially be expunged immediately under certain rules.

Commonly Expungeable Offenses

So, what kinds of charges can actually be cleared? Generally, expungement is designed for non-violent and less serious offenses. Think of it as a second chance for mistakes that don’t pose a long-term threat to public safety. Common examples of records that are often eligible for expungement in Missouri include minor drug possession, theft or shoplifting, vandalism, and certain property crimes. A first-time DWI also has its own specific expungement process, which is separate from the main statute we’ve been discussing. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a blanket solution; serious crimes like violent felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and crimes involving a death are explicitly excluded. If you’re unsure where your specific charge falls, it’s always best to get a professional opinion.

Special Conditions: MIP Charges

If you received a Minor in Possession (MIP) charge for alcohol when you were younger, Missouri law has a special rule just for you. Instead of following the standard one-year waiting period for misdemeanors, an MIP charge has its own timeline. You become eligible to expunge an MIP conviction one year after your 21st birthday—in other words, on or after your 22nd birthday. This specific provision acknowledges that youthful mistakes shouldn’t create a permanent barrier to opportunities later in life. Clearing an MIP from your record can be a huge relief, especially when you’re starting a career and need a clean background check. It’s a straightforward process designed to help young adults move forward without a minor offense holding them back.

A Note on Fines and Fees

Before you can file your petition, there’s a critical step you must complete: all your court-ordered fines and restitution must be paid in full. The court will not consider your petition until your financial obligations related to the case are settled. Once you’re ready to file, there is a standard court filing fee, which is typically around $250. However, don’t let that fee stop you if you’re facing financial hardship. Missouri law allows you to request a waiver for this fee if you cannot afford it. Navigating the paperwork for the petition and the fee waiver can be tricky, but it’s a standard part of the process. Ensuring all these financial details are handled correctly is essential for a smooth and successful expungement.

What Crimes Can’t Be Expunged in Missouri?Can’t Expunge)

We touched on this above, but to recap the main types of crimes that cannot be expunged in Missouri:

Class A felonies: The most serious felonies (e.g. first-degree murder, rape, etc.).
“Dangerous felonies” as defined by law (this includes a list of violent crimes like second-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree assault, robbery, etc.).
Any offense requiring sex offender registration: This covers a range of sex crimes. If you’d have to register as a sex offender for it, it’s not expungeable.
Any felony where someone died as a result (homicide, vehicular manslaughter, etc.).
Felony assault or kidnapping, and misdemeanor domestic assault. Missouri explicitly bars expungement of domestic violence offenses.
Any offense involving children or sexual exploitation that is listed in the statute (there’s a long list, including incest, child abuse, child pornography, etc.). Basically, crimes in chapter 566 (sexual offenses) and certain other child-related crimes cannot be expunged.
Corruption and public office crimes – certain offenses like bribery of a public official are on the list (this is less common for most folks).
Certain felony fraud and vote-related offenses – e.g. forgery of a certificate of title, election fraud, etc. (Again, not common, but listed in the law.)
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and boating while intoxicated offenses, as well as operating a commercial vehicle under the influence. The law says any “intoxication-related traffic or boating offense” is not eligible under §610.140.
Any offense by a commercial driver that involves a vehicle (this closes a loophole to comply with federal rules that states can’t expunge CDL-related offenses).
Most gun offenses: Notably, felony unlawful use of a weapon (which includes things like carrying a gun unlawfully or shooting from a vehicle) is on the no-expunge list – except one specific older sub-section for possession of a firearm by a felon prior to 2017 can be expunged. In general, weapons charges are very tough to clear.
The new ones for 2025: sexual conduct with a nursing home resident (2nd degree), use of a child in a sexual performance, promoting a sexual performance by a child, and cross burning. These are now explicitly added to the ineligible list.

If your conviction falls into any of those categories, unfortunately you are not eligible to have it expunged in Missouri.

What about DWI? Missouri handles DWI (driving while intoxicated) differently. While DWI convictions cannot be expunged under the general law, there is a separate statute – now codified at §610.130 RSMo (formerly known as 577.054) – that allows a one-time expungement for a first-time alcohol-related offense (DWI/BAC) after 10 years of a clean record. So if you have a single misdemeanor DWI from 10+ years ago and no other alcohol offenses, you might pursue an expungement under that law. The process is similar but separate from what we describe here (and you still file in the county of the offense). If that’s your situation, it’s best to talk to a lawyer, because the criteria are specific (e.g. you must not have any other intoxication-related offenses before or since, and it only applies to one lifetime expungement of a DWI).

Minor drug offenses: It’s worth noting that Missouri’s expungement law is pretty generous for most drug offenses (aside from major trafficking). Even some felonies like possession or non-violent distribution might be expunged if they’re not class A felonies or didn’t involve death or high-level violence. And remember, Missouri passed an amendment to legalize recreational marijuana in 2022 (Amendment 3), which included provisions to expunge many past marijuana offenses. Those are being handled by a different process (some automatic through the courts for simple possession). If you have a marijuana charge, you might already be eligible for expungement under that amendment without needing a §610.140 petition – check with the courts or an attorney, because the timelines for automatic marijuana expungements vary by offense level.

Finally, out-of-state or federal convictions cannot be expunged by a Missouri state court. Missouri’s expungement law applies to Missouri state offenses only (including municipal ordinances). If you have a conviction from another state or the federal system, Missouri courts have no authority over those records.

New Protections Under the Law

The benefits of Missouri’s new expungement law extend beyond just sealing a record. The legislation also introduces important protections that address two of the biggest hurdles people face when re-entering society: finding a job and building financial stability. Lawmakers recognized that a truly fresh start means removing the stigma and practical barriers that a past record creates. By providing safeguards for employers and placing new rules on credit reporting agencies, the law helps ensure that an expungement translates into real-world opportunities for housing, employment, and financial well-being.

Legal Safeguards for Employers

One of the biggest fears for businesses is the risk of a “negligent hiring” lawsuit. This happens when an employee harms someone, and the employer is sued for not having done a thorough enough background check. This fear often makes companies hesitant to hire anyone with a criminal record, even a very old one. The new law directly addresses this by shielding employers from liability. If a business hires someone whose record has been expunged, they are now protected from lawsuits if that employee later causes a problem related to their old, sealed criminal history. This important provision encourages employers to give qualified candidates a fair chance, knowing they won’t be penalized for offering a second chance.

Regulations for Credit Bureaus

A criminal record can cast a long shadow over your financial life, making it difficult to get a loan, rent an apartment, or even open a bank account. The new law takes a major step to fix this by regulating what credit bureaus can report. Under the updated rules, credit reporting agencies are prohibited from including any criminal records that have been expunged in their reports. Furthermore, the law states they cannot report other criminal records for more than seven years after a person’s release from incarceration or parole. This change, detailed in recent legislation, helps ensure your past doesn’t unfairly block your financial future, allowing you to rebuild your credit and move forward. If you have questions about how an expungement could impact your life, our team is here to help you understand your options.

The Expungement Process in Springfield & Greene County, MO

If you determine you’re eligible to pursue an expungement, here’s how the process works step-by-step. We’ll focus on how this plays out in Greene County (Springfield), but the procedure is similar statewide:

Prepare the Petition: You (or, ideally, your attorney) must file a petition for expungement in the circuit court where the offense took place or where you were charged/convicted. For example, if you were convicted in Greene County Circuit Court, you file there; if it was a Springfield municipal ordinance violation, you’d file in the Springfield Municipal Division or appropriate court. Missouri has standard forms for expungement petitions that you can use. In the petition, you need to list all offenses you wish to expunge (include everything you want gone in one petition if possible). You also must list all the agencies or officials who might have your records. This typically includes: the arresting police department (e.g. Springfield Police or Greene County Sheriff), the court of record, the prosecuting attorney’s office that handled the case, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s criminal records repository, and any other agency you think might have a file on you (sometimes the Missouri Department of Corrections or Probation office if you were on probation, etc.). If you’re unsure, list it – it’s safer to include too many than omit one. Common mistake: If you forget to name an entity, the expungement order won’t apply to them and they won’t know to seal their records. An attorney can help ensure the list is thorough.
Fingerprint Card: Missouri law requires a fingerprint card to be submitted with your petition. This is used to verify your identity and pull your criminal history. In Greene County, you can usually get fingerprinted at the Sheriff’s Office or Springfield Police Department. It must be a traditional ink-and-paper fingerprint card (not just a digital scan). Attach this to your petition when filing so the Highway Patrol can run a background check and confirm to the court that you’ve not had other disqualifying convictions.
Filing Fee: When you file the petition, there is a $250 surcharge (filing fee) by state law. In Greene County, you’d pay this to the Circuit Clerk when you turn in your petition. If you truly cannot afford it, you can file a Motion to Proceed as a Poor Person (in forma pauperis)greenecountycourts.org, and a judge can waive the fee if you’re indigent. Keep in mind this $250 is per case/petition, not per offense. So if you include multiple offenses on one petition, it’s still one fee. (If you had to file separate petitions in different counties, you’d pay separately in each.)
Service of the Petition: After filing, the court will issue a summons just like in a civil lawsuit, and you must serve the petition on all the parties you listed (the defendants in the case). In practice, the Circuit Clerk may handle sending these out via certified mail to the agencies, or a sheriff’s deputy or process server might deliver them. In Greene County, the clerk’s office typically takes care of notifying the Greene County Prosecutor, the arresting agency, etc., once you provide their info. But confirm with the clerk that service will be handled; otherwise, you may need to arrange it.
Parties commonly served: the local Prosecuting Attorney or Municipal Prosecutor, the police department or sheriff that made the arrest, the Missouri State Highway Patrol (Criminal Records Repository), the court that has the case file (they’ll seal their own file), and possibly the Missouri Department of Revenue (for driving records if it’s a traffic offense or DWI-related). If any of these parties aren’t served properly, that could delay or derail your expungement, so attention to detail here is key.
Waiting for Objections (30 Days): Once each party receives the petition, they have 30 days to file any objection with the court. Commonly, the prosecutor’s office or the highway patrol might object if they believe you’re not eligible (e.g., “We object because this offense is not eligible” or “the petitioner has another conviction not disclosed” etc.). In many cases, if you clearly meet all criteria, no one will object. The MSHP might submit a report of your criminal history but not a formal objection, unless they find something disqualifying.
Hearing (if needed): If an objection is filed, the court will set a hearing within 60 days of the objection. You (and your attorney, if you have one) will get a court date. At the hearing, the judge will listen to evidence or arguments. You should be prepared to testify as to why you want the expungement – e.g. how it will help you get a job, how you’ve been rehabilitated, etc. The prosecutor or objecting agency might question you or present evidence against expungement (for example, a victim might speak, or they might argue you don’t meet a requirement). The judge will consider the factors in the law: your behavior since, any risk to public, the victim’s input, etc.. If no objection is filed within 30 days, Missouri law doesn’t automatically require a hearing. The judge can decide on the papers or still choose to set a brief hearing. In Greene County, it’s common that the court will still hold a short hearing or at least require the petitioner to appear, even if just to confirm the basics. Always verify with the clerk – you don’t want to assume no hearing and then miss one. By law, all expungement cases (with or without objections) should be concluded within 6 months of filing, so the process should not drag on too long.
Court Decision: If the judge is satisfied that you meet all the criteria and no statutory exclusions apply, the court will grant the expungement. They issue an order of expungement which will list the records to be sealed. The judge might announce the decision at the hearing or issue a written order shortly after. If for some reason the judge denies the expungement (finding you didn’t meet the burden or it’s not in public interest), you will get an order saying so. You can try again after a year if denied, or appeal the decision, but most denials are because of ineligibility that can’t be fixed with time (e.g., the offense is ineligible).
Notifying Agencies and Sealing Records: When an expungement is granted, the court will send the order to all the agencies that were named and served. Each agency is then legally required to close/seal their records related to that offense. “Closing” a record in Missouri means it’s no longer public; it’s only available to law enforcement or by court order. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will update the state’s criminal history database, and they are supposed to notify the FBI to expunge the record from the federal NCIC database as well. In reality, the FBI’s compliance can vary – sometimes the FBI doesn’t remove it, but it will at least note that the record is sealed. Credit reporting agencies and private background check companies are forbidden from reporting expunged records, and Missouri even made it so credit bureaus can be liable if they do. If an agency or party fails to properly expunge a record they were ordered to, Missouri law says they could be guilty of a misdemeanor (or a felony if they do it willfully for profit), so there’s teeth to enforce compliance.
Life After Expungement: Once your record is expunged, you can move forward without that cloud over you. In Missouri, the effect of the order is to “restore you to the status you had before” the conviction or arrest. Practically, this means you can apply for jobs, housing, etc., and generally do not have to disclose the expunged matter. You can even answer “no” in many cases where it asks if you have a criminal record – and it’s not perjury or a lie, because legally the law treats it as if it never happened. A few exceptions: if you’re applying for certain professional licenses (like law, nursing, teaching) or certain jobs (like law enforcement or positions involving caring for vulnerable individuals), you may have to disclose expunged convictions on those applications. And if you are in court again for a new offense, an expunged conviction can still be considered by a judge for things like sentencing (it can count as a prior offense in that context). But for most people, day-to-day, an expunged record is out of sight and out of mind.

A quick note about Greene County local practice: Filing an expungement in Greene County Circuit Court is done at the Civil Division window (since it’s technically a civil case). The clerks in Springfield are quite helpful in pointing you to the right forms but cannot give legal advice or help you fill them out. The petition will be assigned to a judge (often a “civil” division judge). Sometimes these can be handled on the document submissions if no one objects, but you should be prepared to appear at least once. The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office may have an attorney review expungement petitions and, if you’re clearly eligible, they might not object at all. If you had a case in one of the small municipalities in Greene County, expungement still gets filed in the Circuit Court (Associate Circuit).

Christian County and Webster County follow similar procedures: file in the county’s Circuit Court, serve the County Prosecutor, etc. Just be sure to check that county’s filing fee and forms (though the state forms are uniform). Wherever you file, keep copies of everything, and if you get an expungement granted, keep a certified copy of the order. Months or years later, if an old record mistakenly pops up on a background check, you can show the expungement order as proof that it should be sealed.

Common Pitfalls in the Expungement Process

Even with the law becoming more forgiving, there are several common mistakes or challenges that trip up people seeking expungements. Here are some to be mindful of:

Not Including All Charges: Make sure you list every charge or case you want expunged in your petition. If you leave one out, you’ll have to start over for that charge later (and you might hit the numeric limit). Also, if multiple counts were in one case, list them all. Don’t assume expunging the case number covers all counts automatically – spell it out in the petition.
Offense Not Actually Eligible: We often see people who didn’t realize their particular crime is on the ineligible list. For example, a petitioner might try to expunge a domestic assault conviction or a felony DWI, which the court simply has no authority to do. Before filing, double-check the statute’s list of exclusions (or consult an attorney) to confirm your offense qualifies. Filing on a clearly ineligible offense will waste time and the $250 fee.
Filing Too Early: Timing is key. If you file even a month too soon (before your waiting period is over, or before you’ve completed all sentence requirements), the petition will likely be denied. Calculate the dates carefully. Remember, for convictions it’s from when you finished the sentence (end of probation or payment of fines, etc.), not the date of arrest or conviction. If in doubt, wait a little longer or get guidance.
Too Many Convictions: Missouri’s lifetime limit of expungeable offenses is now higher, but it’s still a limit. If you have, say, 4 misdemeanor convictions, you can only expunge 3 of them. If you try to include all 4 in a petition, the court can’t lawfully grant that. There may be strategy in choosing which ones to expunge. Often it’s best to expunge the ones that are affecting you most (e.g., the ones showing up in background checks for jobs).
Forgetting to Serve All Parties: As mentioned, not serving every required agency or official can doom your petition or limit its effect. For instance, if you forget to serve the Missouri Highway Patrol, your record might remain in the state criminal database even if the court order was granted – because they never got notice to remove it. Check your service list twice. If doing it pro se (without a lawyer), follow up with the clerk to ensure each party got the papers.
Missing the Hearing: If a court hearing is scheduled and you (or your lawyer) don’t show up, the petition will likely be dismissed. Always keep track of any court dates. In Greene County, if you file on your own, the court may send a notice of hearing by mail – be sure to check your mail and provide a current address on your petition.
Lack of Preparation for Objections: If the prosecutor or an agency objects, be prepared to present a convincing case at the hearing. This might include personal testimony about how you’ve changed, letters of recommendation, proof of employment or rehabilitation, etc. One pitfall is assuming it’s just a rubber-stamp. While many expungements are uncontested, if yours is contested, you essentially have to convince the judge you deserve it. Victim objections can be emotional; acknowledge any harm caused but emphasize how you’ve made amends and that keeping the record won’t benefit anyone.
Fingerprint Card Issues: Not providing the required fingerprint card, or submitting illegible prints, can stall your case. Make sure to do this step and use the right form (ask the law enforcement agency for a card for expungement petitions).
Expecting Complete Erasure: Understand what expungement will and won’t do. A common misconception is that the record is destroyed. In Missouri, expunged records are closed/sealed, not physically destroyed (except arrest records under the older 610.122 might be destroyed). Law enforcement can still see an expunged record in certain contexts. Additionally, if your case got news coverage or was on the internet, an expungement doesn’t magically remove old news articles or Google results. Some people feel disappointed when an expunged conviction still lingers in other ways. It’s a powerful remedy, but not absolute cosmic erasure.
Federal Records: If your fingerprints were taken, the FBI likely has a record. Missouri will request the FBI to expunge it, but the FBI isn’t obligated to comply. In many cases, the FBI will note it or remove it, but sometimes expunged state charges still show on a deep federal background check (with a note that it’s been expunged). There’s not much you can do about this on a state level. Just be aware, especially if you go into a federal job or the military – disclose that it was expunged if asked for “have you ever…”. It’s a tricky area where legal advice is recommended.

By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can greatly increase the chance that your expungement process goes smoothly and ends in a success.

FAQ: Missouri Expungement Law (2025 Updates)

Q1: What are the 2025 changes to Missouri’s expungement law?
A: The 2025 law made several big changes: it shortened the waiting periods to expunge convictions (now 3 years after a felony sentence and 1 year after a misdemeanor), it raised the limit on how many convictions you can clear (now 2 felonies + 3 misdemeanors in a lifetime), and it added a few more crimes to the ineligible list (certain sex-related offenses and cross burning). It also gave judges more discretion (they no longer have to deny just because a victim objects). Another huge update is that starting late 2025, Missouri will begin automatically expunging many eligible records without requiring people to file a petition. These changes aim to make expungement faster and available to more people.

Q2: Who qualifies for expungement under Missouri’s new law?
A: Generally, anyone with an eligible Missouri offense can apply if they’ve: (1) waited the required time (3 years for felonies, 1 year for misdemeanors after finishing all sentence requirements); (2) stayed crime-free in that period; (3) the offense is not on the prohibited list (not a serious violent/sex crime, etc.); (4) they haven’t expunged more than 2 felonies or 3 misdemeanors before; and (5) they have no current charges and have paid all fines/restitution. In short, if you have a past low-level felony or misdemeanor, completed your sentence, kept a clean record for a few years, and the crime wasn’t extremely serious (like violent or sexual in nature), you likely qualify. Arrests that didn’t lead to conviction are also expungeable after 18 months. Always double-check the eligible vs. ineligible offenses list or consult a lawyer to be sure.

Q3: How long do I have to wait to expunge my record in Missouri?
A: For a felony conviction, you must wait at least 3 years from when you completed your sentence (including probation). For a misdemeanor conviction, it’s a 1-year wait after completion of the sentence. The clock starts when you’re “off paper” – done with jail, probation, and all payments. If it’s just an arrest with no charges or a case that was dropped, you can petition after 18 months from the arrest date as long as you haven’t been in more trouble. These are minimum waits – you can file any time after the period passes (there’s no deadline; e.g., if it’s been 10 years that’s fine too). Remember, you also must have a clean record during those years. If you catch a new charge, the wait starts over from the end of that new case.

Q4: How do I file an expungement petition in Springfield or Greene County?
A: You file a petition in the Circuit Court of Greene County (if that’s where you were charged or convicted). The petition needs to list all the offenses you want expunged and all the agencies that have your records. There’s a state form (available on Missouri Courts website or from the clerk) to help structure this. You’ll attach a fingerprint card to the petition and pay the $250 filing fee (unless waived for hardship). Once filed, the court will send out the petition to the Prosecutor, police, Highway Patrol, etc. Those parties have 30 days to object. If none object, a judge will review your petition (and may set a brief hearing or just sign the order). If someone objects, you’ll have a hearing in front of a judge about 1–2 months later. In the hearing, you explain why you qualify and how you’ve turned your life around, etc. If all goes well, the judge issues an expungement order, and all agencies will then seal their records of your case. In Greene County, you can contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office Civil Division for the forms or guidance on filing, but it’s often wise to consult an attorney to ensure everything is done correctly.

Q5: How much does it cost to get an expungement in Missouri?
A: The court filing fee is $250 by law for an expungement petition. This is a one-time fee per case you file. If you’re low-income, the court can waive this fee, but you have to file a motion and financial info to ask for a waiver. Beyond that, if you hire an attorney, you’ll have legal fees. Attorney costs vary – some charge a flat fee that could range from a thousand dollars or more depending on the complexity (misdemeanors often less than felonies due to work involved). If you go DIY (pro se), your cost is mainly the filing fee and perhaps postage or service fees. There might also be small costs like getting fingerprinted (some agencies charge a few dollars for an ink fingerprint card). There is no cost once it’s approved to actually seal the record; agencies can’t charge you extra for expunging their copies. Be cautious of any service that promises expungement for a cheap fee – it often just connects you with forms. It’s usually worth investing in professional help for something as important as clearing your record, but if you cannot, Missouri provides resources (like legal aid clinics or the UMKC Expungement Clinic in the state) that might assist for free or low cost.

Q6: Can I expunge a DWI or a violent felony in Missouri?
A: DWI convictions (and related charges like BAC or DUI) are not eligible under the general expungement law. Missouri has a separate process: if it was your first DWI offense and 10 years have passed with a clean record, you can petition under §610.130 RSMo to expunge that one DWI. That’s a one-time deal; you can only ever expunge one DWI in your life. So if you have multiple DWIs, expungement will only be an option for one of them (usually the first). As for violent felonies: most are not expungeable. Any “dangerous felony” (like armed criminal action, felony assault, robbery, etc.) cannot be expunged. Homicides, sex offenses, kidnappings – all those serious crimes are barred from expungement. The law was designed to help people with less severe offenses – typically low-level drug offenses, property crimes, theft/fraud, and other non-violent felonies, as well as most misdemeanors. If you’re unsure about your specific charge, consult the statute or a lawyer. For example, a felony stealing or drug possession is usually eligible; a felony domestic assault is not. One nuance: domestic violence misdemeanors (like third-degree domestic assault or violating an order of protection) are specifically not expungeable either, unfortunately. The new law didn’t change that, likely due to public safety concerns.

Q7: Will an expunged record still show up or need to be disclosed?
A: Once expunged, the record is sealed and should not show up on standard background checks – for example, the public Casenet system in Missouri will no longer show the case, and employers running checks through commercial databases won’t see it. Missouri law even makes it illegal for employers or landlords to ask about expunged records, and you can answer “no” as if it never happened. So for most job applications or housing forms, you do not need to disclose an expunged conviction or arrest. However, there are a few exceptions: If you’re applying for a state-issued professional license (like to be a nurse, lawyer, teacher, etc.), or certain jobs that by law exclude people with certain convictions (like bank jobs, insurance, law enforcement), you may still have to disclose expunged offenses on those applications. The application will usually specify – for example, a law enforcement job might ask, “Include even expunged convictions.” In those special cases, you must say it (the agency will keep it confidential). Also, expunged records can be seen by criminal justice agencies. Police, prosecutors, and courts can access sealed records for future investigations or sentencing considerations. And as noted earlier, the FBI’s national database may retain the info with a marker that it was expunged, meaning federal background checks (for military, federal jobs, etc.) might still find it. But those are not typical civilian scenarios. For everyday life in Springfield – applying for work, renting an apartment, going back to school – an expunged record will no longer haunt you, and you can proceed as though it did not exist, with full rights restored.

Q8: Do I need a lawyer to file for expungement, or can I do it myself?
A: You are allowed to file for expungement on your own (pro se), and some people do successfully, especially for straightforward cases. Missouri provides forms and even some “pro se expungement” guides. If your case is simple – say, one old misdemeanor, clearly eligible – you might manage it. However, be prepared to navigate legal procedures: filing the correct paperwork, serving multiple agencies, possibly appearing in court and making a persuasive argument. Small mistakes (like not listing a party or mis-identifying a charge) could lead to denial or delay. An experienced expungement attorney can be very helpful – they know the ins and outs, ensure all details are correct, and will represent you in front of the judge. In more complex situations (multiple convictions, borderline eligibility, an anticipated objection), a lawyer is highly recommended. Given this is a one-time chance for many to wipe the slate, you might not want to risk an avoidable error. In the Springfield area, there are attorneys (like us) who focus on expungements and can often tell you quickly if you’re eligible and handle the process relatively affordably. There are also occasional legal clinics or nonprofits that assist with expungements for low-income individuals (for example, organizations that held expungement clinics in Missouri’s larger cities). So while you don’t need a lawyer by law, getting professional help can smooth the process and improve your odds – consider it an investment in your future opportunities.

Ready to Clear Your Record? Here’s How We Can Help

Clearing a criminal record can open up new opportunities – better jobs, housing, education – and give you peace of mind. Missouri’s expungement reforms in 2025 have made this relief available to more people than ever. If you’re a Springfield or Greene County resident with a past arrest or conviction, now is a great time to see if we can help you get a fresh start.

At The Law Office of Chad G. Mann, LLC, we have experience guiding clients through the expungement process in Springfield and surrounding counties. We can help you determine your eligibility under the new law, ensure all paperwork is in order, and represent you in court to advocate for your expungement. Our goal is to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible so you can move forward with your life.

Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll review your record, answer your questions, and if we take your case, we’ll handle the filing and court appearances on your behalf. Our Springfield office can be reached at (417) 842-8679. You can also fill out a short form on our Contact page to get started. Let’s work together to put your past behind you.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. Expungement cases can be complex, and outcomes depend on individual facts. For advice on your specific situation, please contact an attorney licensed in Missouri.

Last updated: September 17, 2025

New Expungement Law in Missouri: A 2025 Guide