EXPUNGING MISSOURI ARREST RECORDS

If You've Been Arrested, You Have a Record

If you have a criminal record in Missouri, you already know how frustrating it can be. Whether you’re charged, convicted, or only arrested for a crime in Missouri, a criminal record is created and then maintained by a division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol called the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division, making your records available in a background check.

This Information Is For You

Since the majority of people reading this aren’t lawyers, we’ve tried to simplify the legal jargon on our website, so regular people may follow along and get the information needed to understand their rights. However, before we get started, we should be clear that some of this information can get complicated, and, in many cases, it’s best to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer.

To help you understand your rights, our lawyers have developed a tool that can be helpful in figuring out your options. This tool can’t be perfectly accurate in every situation, but our lawyers have invested substantial time and resources working to make it as accurate as possible.

You can get started by using our Secure Eligibility Test, or you can give us a call at (844) 947-3732 to see if our legal staff is available for a free consultation. Be aware that our staff is often busy with current clients and a high volume of calls and appointments. If you’re serious about getting rid of your record, your best bet is to take our Secure Eligibility Test and then schedule an appointment to discuss your results and options.

Can You Get Your Record Sealed

In the above situations there may not have been a finding of guilt, but, unless you do something about it, the arrest record will remain on your criminal record forever, regardless of there being merit to the charges. Unfortunately, MO Rev Stat § 610.122 only permits the expungement of Missouri arrest records in very limited situations when not expunged automatically by the courts.

When you have a criminal record without a finding of guilt, Missouri law is generally referring to one of the following situations:

• You were arrested, but no charges were filed
• Your charges were dismissed
• You were found not guilty or acquitted at trial
• You successfully completed a diversion or alternative sentencing program and your charges were dismissed

• When You Can Expunge Missouri Arrest Records

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  Missouri expungement law provides for the expungement of arrest records, if additional requirements are met, in the following very limited circumstances:

  • Arrest records based on false information OR
  • Arrest records for dismissed motor vehicle offenses.

• 1. Expungement of Arrest Records Based on False Information

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  If your arrest was based on false information, you may be eligible to have it expunged and completely destroyed under MO Rev Stat § 610.122, if each of the following are true:

  • There was no probable cause to indicate you committed the crime
  • You were not charged with a crime
  • You have no previous misdemeanor or felony convictions
  • You did not receive a suspended sentence for the offense and
  • No civil action is pending relating to the arrest

• 2. Dismiss Motor Vehicle Offenses

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  If you were arrested and charged with a misdemeanor motor vehicle offense, and the charges were either dropped or you were found not guilty, you can have your record expunged under MO Rev Stat § 610.122 unless any of the following are true:

  • The arrest involved intoxication
  • You have a commercial driver’s license and were operating a commercial vehicle at the time
  • You have a misdemeanor or felony conviction on your record or
  • No civil action is pending relating to the arrest or the records sought to be expunged.

Legal Effect Of Expunging Your Arrest Record

• How Will Expunging My Conviction or Arrest Record Help Me Get a Job

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  Arrests are not typically as big of a barrier to employment as a conviction, but it’s certainly preferable for them to not show up on a background check. This is particularly true when the offense you were arrested for is something severe. You can legally state that the conviction or arrest never occurred, and Missouri criminal justice agencies cannot release or make any information related to the expunged matter available. The bottom line is that the expunged criminal record is not publicly available and will not appear in most background check related to employment.

  However, even after your criminal record has been expunged, the Missouri State Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS) continues to index and maintain expunged criminal records for very specific uses. They are prohibited from releasing this information to the public, but, upon special request in limited circumstances, certain organizations may access expunged information. These organizations are primarily related to professional licensing, banking, insurance, and employment with law enforcement and emergency service providers.

  As a result, there are certain occupations requiring Missouri state licensing where you may need to disclose the expunged criminal information. These situations are limited, though, and expunging your record should keep that information from the vast majority of potential employers.

• Will Sealing My Record Restore My Second Amendment Rights?

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  No, expunging your arrest record under MO Rev Stat § 610.122 will not restore your firearm rights. Arrests that do not result in a conviction or other finding of guilt should not affect your Second Amendment Rights to bear arms, so expunging them should have no effect in restoring them

What You Need to Do to Get Rid of Your Record

If you are tired of having a criminal record hold you back, reach out to us by taking our Secure Eligibility Test or by giving us a call at (844) 947-3732. Our law firm has helped thousands of people with criminal records move on in life, leaving many of the negative effects of a criminal record behind. Our experienced attorneys and legal staff are here to help you figure out what criminal record clearing services best fit your needs, and then help you accomplish your goals. Using our secure, confidential Eligibility Test is the best way to get the process started.

Some of the Potential Benefits of Expunging an Arrest Record in Missouri Include:

• Removing a finding of guilt and closing the case on your criminal record to help you get a better job
• Restoring your Second Amendment Rights to own a firearm
• Becoming eligible for professional licenses you previously did not qualify for
• Increased eligibility for student loans, housing assistance, and government programs
• Improving your ability to obtain higher-paying job opportunities
• Improving access and admission to college and other educational resources

We Are Here to Help

Each of Missouri's methods for dealing with your criminal record have different requirements and are meant for different circumstances. To move forward, it’s important to determine what Missouri criminal record services are available to you, and then select the services that will provide the greatest benefit. Eastman Meyler, PC is here to help you navigate this very specific area of Missouri criminal law, fight to protect your rights, and assist you in moving forward in life without the effects of a Missouri criminal record.

You can trust that you will get exceptional service from our law firm, as we have an A Rating from the Better Business Bureau, and prestigious attorney rating services such as Thompson Reuters and Avvo list our attorneys as Super Lawyers and Superb Attorneys. Our law firm has attorneys licensed to practice law in all Missouri state courts, provides low price guarantees, and is here to fight for you and put your criminal record behind you!