Connecticut Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Connecticut?

Connecticut's Clean Slate Act provides broad automatic erasure for most misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions.

Automatic Erasure (Clean Slate Act — No Action Required)

• Non-conviction records (dismissed, nolle prossed, acquitted): Automatically erased upon case close
• Misdemeanor convictions: Automatically erased 7 years after sentence completion with no new convictions
• Class D and E felony convictions: Automatically erased 10 years after sentence completion with no new felony convictions

Petition-Based Erasure

• Available for those who don't meet the automatic eligibility criteria
• Petition the Superior Court in the judicial district where the case was heard

Not Eligible for Automatic Erasure

• Class A, B, and C felony convictions
• Sex offenses requiring registration
• Crimes of family violence (most)
• DUI convictions

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

Automatic Erasure

No action required. The Judicial Branch processes eligible records automatically on a rolling basis. To verify your record has been erased, request your criminal history from the State Police or the Judicial Branch.

Petition-Based

1. File a petition for erasure with the Superior Court.
2. Serve the state's attorney.
3. Hearing scheduled — court considers all relevant factors.
4. Order issued — all agencies erase records.

Waiting Periods

• Non-conviction: Immediate (automatic)
• Misdemeanor conviction: 7 years from sentence completion
• Class D/E felony: 10 years from sentence completion

Costs

• Automatic erasure: Free
• Petition-based: Minimal court fee
• Attorney fees: $500–$2,000

Connecticut Legal Services and Greater Hartford Legal Aid offer free assistance at ctlegal.org.

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

After a successful expungement or sealing in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut for advice specific to your situation.