If you once pleaded guilty to a felony charge in Arkansas, you might want to know if you can get an expungement. There are certain criteria in order to have this happen.
Can a felony be expunged?
Many felonies cannot be expunged. Those that involve a violent crime are not eligible, but it’s possible to get an expungement for felony convictions that are non-violent.
There is a waiting period to get your record expunged. In most cases, you will have to complete the terms of your sentence before you are permitted to file for an expungement. This means serving your jail or prison sentence, paying all fines and other fees, performing community service and anything else the court ordered you to do.
Which felonies can never be expunged?
Although Arkansas allows many felony convictions to be expunged, some can never be sealed. Violent crimes like murder, assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, rape, terrorism, arson and crimes that result in life in prison are never expunged.
Any type of crime that results in being put on the sex offender registry doesn’t qualify for expungement. Knowingly exposing another person to HIV also cannot be expunged.
Which felony convictions can be expunged?
Aside from class C and D felony offenses, other felony convictions can be expunged. After you have satisfied all the terms of your sentence, you are free to apply for expungement of the following convictions:
- Felonies without classification that result in less than 10 years in prison
- Some drug convictions
- Solicitation or conspiracy to commit certain felony crimes
- Felony DWI conviction 60 days after completing your sentence
- Non-violent felony crimes committed when you were still a minor
Usually, you can have a felony conviction expunged when you pleaded guilty or pleaded no contest to the charges. You can only be eligible for an expungement if you have no previous felony convictions.
A felony conviction can shatter your life and follow you for years. If you were convicted of one, you might want to consider having your record expunged.