NAPOLS Expungement Services

EXPUNGING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Convictions and Arrest Records
A criminal record is a public record that shows up on a background check.
A criminal record can be a barrier to finding housing or a job, becoming a foster parent,
and other important opportunities.

What is expungement?
Expungement is a court process that seals (sets aside) criminal records, making the records
unavailable to background check agencies and the public.

What are the benefits of expungement?
If your criminal record is expunged, you may treat the arrest or conviction as if it never
happened. For example, if a conviction is expunged, you may truthfully state on an application
that you were never convicted of that crime.

How much does it cost to expunge a criminal record?
To apply to expunge a conviction, fees include:
Background check fee (currently $33)
Fingerprinting fees (usually $10 – $25)

* If you are low income, NAPOLS can help you ask the court to waive the filing fee or put you on
a payment plan. The background check fee can’t be waived.

There are no court or background check fees involved in expunging an arrest record (if the arrest
did not result in conviction), but a copy of your fingerprints must be submitted.

What types of charges can be expunged?
Violations, misdemeanors, felonies treated as misdemeanors, and Class C felonies are generally
eligible for expungement, if detailed timing requirements are met.

The following types of convictions usually cannot be expunged:

EXPUNGING CRIMINAL RECORDS
Convictions and Arrest Records

• Traffic crimes (such as Driving Under the influence of Intoxicants (DUII) and Driving
While Suspended)
• Traffic violations (such as speeding)
• Class A felonies
• Most Class B felonies
• Violent felonies
• Most sex offenses
• Offenses involving child abuse

Am I eligible to expunge my CONVICTION?

In general, a conviction can be expunged if:
• The conviction was at least 3 years ago;
• You have fully complied with your sentence;
• You haven’t been convicted of another crime in the last 10 years ( other than traffic
violations);
• You are not being prosecuted for any crime.

Am I eligible to expunge my ARREST?

In general, an arrest can be expunged if:
• No charges were filed against you, your case was dismissed, or you were found not
guilty;
• You have not been arrested for any other non-traffic offense in the last 3 years;
• You have not been convicted of another crime in the last 10 years ( other than traffic
violations);
• You are not being prosecuted for any crime.

The information that follows describes expungements in Oregon’s state courts.
For information about expunging a tribal court record, please contact NAPOLS.

For legal advice about whether your criminal record is eligible for expungement, please contact
NAPOLS.