Arkansas Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Arkansas?

Arkansas allows sealing and expungement for a range of offenses, with the most favorable path for those who completed the Arkansas First Offender Act (ACA) probation program.

Arkansas First Offender Act (Most Favorable)

• If you pled guilty and were placed on ACA probation, and successfully completed it — you are eligible to have the record sealed upon completion
• No waiting period after completion
• Available for most non-violent felonies and misdemeanors

Non-Conviction Records

• Dismissed / acquitted charges — eligible immediately with no waiting period

Conviction Sealing (Non-First-Offender)

• Non-violent Class C or D felony: 5 years after sentence completion
• Misdemeanor: 5 years after sentence completion
• No new felony convictions during waiting period

Not Eligible

• Class Y, A, or B felonies (most violent crimes)
• Sex offenses requiring registration
• DWI convictions (separate, very limited track)
• Any offense involving a victim under 18 (most)

Step-by-Step: How to Clear Your Record in Arkansas

1. Obtain your record — From Arkansas State Police (ASP) Identification Bureau.
2. File petition — In the circuit court of conviction. Filing fee: $100–$150.
3. Prosecutor notification — The prosecuting attorney has 30 days to object.
4. Hearing (if needed) — Scheduled if the prosecutor objects.
5. Order issued — ASP and all agencies seal the records.

Waiting Periods

• ACA completion: No waiting period
• Dismissed / acquitted: No waiting period
• Misdemeanor / Class C/D felony conviction: 5 years from sentence completion

Costs

• Filing fee: $100–$150
• ASP record request: ~$25
• Attorney fees: $500–$2,000

Center for Arkansas Legal Services offers free help at arlegalservices.org.

What Record Clearing Does (and Doesn't) Do in Arkansas

After a successful expungement or sealing in Arkansas, your record will generally be cleared from:

• Most private employer background checks
• Rental housing background checks
• Most licensing board inquiries (varies by profession)

However, it typically does not affect:

• Federal law enforcement and immigration records
• Military background checks
• Applications for law enforcement positions
• Some professional licensing boards (law, medicine, teaching — varies by state)
• Sex offender registry requirements (in most cases)

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas for advice specific to your situation.