Missouri Expungement Eligibility
Eligibility comes down to three things: the offense, how much time has passed, and your record since. Here’s how to tell where you stand, and why the only certain answer comes from a case review.
1. The offense has to qualify
Many misdemeanors and Class C, D, and E felonies are eligible, along with many municipal violations, certain drug and marijuana offenses, and arrests that didn’t lead to a conviction. Some serious offenses are excluded by statute.
2. Enough time has to have passed
- Felonies: about 3 years after completing your sentence.
- Misdemeanors / ordinance violations: about 1 year.
- Measured from the end of your entire disposition, including probation and paid-off fines and restitution.
3. The court has to be satisfied on all six factors
Even eligible records aren’t automatic. Before granting a petition, a judge must find that:
- The waiting period has passed;
- You haven’t been found guilty of another offense since;
- You’ve satisfied all obligations, including fines and restitution;
- You have no pending charges;
- Your conduct shows you’re not a threat to public safety; and
- Expungement is consistent with the public welfare and the interests of justice.
Lifetime limits to keep in mind
Missouri lets you expunge up to two felonies and three misdemeanors in your lifetime (infractions are unlimited). If you have several records, we help you decide which to pursue and in what order.
Common questions
How do I know if I’m eligible?
The fastest way is our free eligibility check: tell us the offense, the year, and the county, and we’ll review it against current Missouri law, usually within one business day.
Does a dismissed case still show up?
Yes. Even arrests and dismissed charges can appear on background checks. Many can be expunged, often relatively quickly.
Missouri statutes & sources
Links go to the official Missouri Revisor of Statutes. Statutes can change; confirm the current text for your situation.
General information about Missouri law, not legal advice. Every case is different. Written & reviewed by Andrew Popplewell; last reviewed August 2026.