Can a Sex Crime Conviction be Expunged From My Record in Missouri? The expungement of a sex crime conviction in Missouri is highly restricted and depends on the nature of the crime. Most sex crime convictions cannot be expunged, however you should speak with an attorney who has experience in cases just like yours to find out for sure.
Call the expert sex crime lawyers at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case. We have more than three decades of experience in criminal law and have successfully defended over 10,000 cases like yours.
Can a Sex Crime Conviction be Expunged From My Record in Missouri?
Expungement is the legal process of sealing a criminal record from public access, effectively allowing you to move forward without the conviction following you in background checks for employment, housing, and other areas. Your record is sealed from public view but not destroyed. Law enforcement agencies and some government entities might still be able to access expunged records.
Although every case is different, generally, any sex crime that requires registration as a sex offender and/or is classified as a class A felony is ineligible for expungement. The following crimes are typically excluded from expungement in Missouri:
Some misdemeanor sex offenses may be eligible for expungement under specific circumstances. For example, if the crime was nonviolent or did not involve a minor, there may be a chance of expunging your record. However, even if your misdemeanor is expunged this does not automatically remove you from Missouri’s sex offender registry. This is another issue that, in most cases, you must petition for separately. Combs Waterkotte can help. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Requirements for Expungement in Missouri
For any sex crime conviction to be expunged in Missouri, you must meet the following conditions:
- Your conviction must be eligible under Missouri Revised Statute § 610.140
- You must have completed your sentence, including any probation or parole, and have paid all fines
- A certain number of years must have passed since the completion of your sentence – usually 3 years for a misdemeanor and 7 years for a felony
- You must not have any pending charges
- You can’t have been convicted of another offense during the required waiting period
Due to the strict limitations on expungement for sex crimes in Missouri, it’s essential to consult a criminal defense attorney with expertise in the area. The skilled lawyers at Combs Waterkotte can evaluate your case, determine if your conviction is eligible for expungement, and guide you through the process.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review.
