Mississippi Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Mississippi?

Mississippi's expungement law was significantly expanded in 2019 to include first-offense nonviolent felony convictions.

Who Qualifies

• Dismissed / acquitted charges: Eligible immediately after case close
• First offense misdemeanor conviction: 5 years after sentence completion, with no new convictions
• First offense nonviolent felony conviction: 5 years after sentence completion, with no new felony convictions
• Conditional discharge / first offender program completion: Eligible upon completion
• All fines, fees, and restitution fully paid

Not Eligible

• Second or subsequent offenses of any kind
• Violent felonies (murder, rape, armed robbery, etc.)
• Sex offenses requiring registration
• Crimes against children
• DUI convictions (generally)
• Trafficking offenses

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

1. Obtain Mississippi criminal record — From Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Criminal Information Center.
2. File petition — In the circuit court of the county of conviction. Fee: $150.
3. Serve the district attorney — Has 30 days to object.
4. Hearing — Required for all petitions. Bring documentation of rehabilitation, employment, and community involvement.
5. Order issued — All agencies must expunge records per court order.

Waiting Periods

• Dismissed / acquitted: Immediate
• First offense misdemeanor or nonviolent felony: 5 years from sentence completion
• First offender program completion: Upon completion

Costs

• Filing fee: $150
• Attorney fees: $750–$2,500

Mississippi Center for Justice and Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project offer free assistance at mscenterforjustice.org.

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

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