The notion that those who are convicted of criminal offenses when they are young and then become law abiding citizens should eventually be given a clean slate has significant public support. Prior to 2012, a pardon by Missouri’s Governor, which is quite rare, was effectively the only way that an individual could get this fresh start.
We all know that having a criminal conviction, beside the initial punishment, has a lot of collateral consequences. Having a criminal conviction entails a lot of consequences that you might not expect. It can cause you to not be able to get a good job. It can follow you all of your life and created a lot of social stigma. Indeed, it can even block you from getting a concealed carry permit.
In 2012 the Missouri General Assembly passed a law that authorized expungement of a limited number of criminal offenses. Those included, bad checks, fraudulent use of credit devises, trespass, peace disturbance, public drunkenness a few other offenses. To be eligible under the 2012 law you had to have no additional convictions, other than minor traffic offense, for twenty years for felonies and ten years for misdemeanors.
In 2016 the General Assembly passed a new law that went into effect on January 1st of this year. That law significantly expanded the crimes which could be expunged and reduced the waiting time to seven years for a felony and three years on a misdemeanor. Certain specified crimes cannot be expunged including dangerous felonies, sex offense, domestic assault, robbery, burglary and stealing. Most other offenses can be wiped form your record. You certainly need a lawyer to help you through this process. I have experience in these matters. I can assist you if you think you qualify. Give me a call and I can analyze you case.