QUICK OVERVIEW
ARKANSAS EXPUNGEMENT AT A GLANCE
Arkansas doesn’t use traditional “expungement” — instead, the state offers record sealing under the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act. Here’s what you need to know.
Official term: Record Sealing
Governing law: Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013
Eligible offenses: Many misdemeanors & certain felonies
Waiting periods: Vary by offense type
Where to file: Circuit or District Court where sentenced
Filing fee: None (eliminated in 2019)
Attorney required? No, but recommended for complex cases
Effect of sealing: Conduct deemed to have never occurred
UNDERSTANDING THE LAW
What Is Expungement in Arkansas
Arkansas calls it "record sealing" not expungement
What sealing does — conviction hidden from public view, legally deemed never occurred
What sealing doesn’t do — records not destroyed, courts can still access them
Background check impact — won’t appear on ACIC check, but private companies may have old data
ELIGIBILITY
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing in Arkansas?
Brief text about eligibility depending on offense type, criminal history, and sentence completion.
Misdemeanors |
✅ Most misdemeanors may be eligible immediately after sentence completion (including required payments/conditions). |
✅ No limit on how many misdemeanor/violation petitions you can file (with a few exceptions below). |
✅ 5-year waiting period applies to these specific misdemeanors:
|
✅ DWI/BWI: You generally can’t file to seal until the applicable “lookback” period has elapsed (often treated as a long wait—many people reference up to 10 years, depending on history). |
Felonies |
✅ Some Class C/D felonies may qualify (rules vary by offense type and history). |
✅ Drug felonies may qualify in certain situations. |
✅ Under-18 / youthful situations may qualify depending on the statute and case details. |
✅ One-felony limit (common restriction): many sealing pathways restrict eligibility if you have more than one felony conviction (sealed or not). |
Non-Conviction Records |
✅ Dismissed cases: eligible to petition to seal. |
✅ Acquittals: eligible to petition to seal (with limited exceptions). |
✅ Nolle prosequi: eligible after 1 year from the date the order was entered. |
✅ Arrests with no charges filed: eligible after 1 year from the date of arrest. |
Special Programs |
✅ First Offender-type outcomes: may result in sealing eligibility depending on how the case was resolved. |
✅ Drug Court / specialty courts: may qualify based on completion and court orders. |
✅ Veterans Treatment Court: may qualify based on completion and court orders. |
✅ Pardoned convictions: may be eligible to seal in many cases. |
Some convictions are not eligible to be sealed under Arkansas’s record-sealing law—commonly including Class Y/A/B felonies (with limited exceptions), manslaughter, certain unclassified felonies (max sentence over 10 years), felony sex offenses, and felonies involving violence.
TIMELINES
Arkansas Record Sealing Waiting Periods
"All waiting periods begin after full sentence completion..."
THE PROCESS
How to File for Record Sealing in Arkansas
Brief text about this being a high-level overview and the full guide having detailed instructions.
COSTS
How Much Does Record Sealing Cost in Arkansas?
"Filing fees were eliminated in 2019. If you handle it yourself, costs are minimal. Attorney fees vary by complexity."
GETTING HELP
Should You Hire an Arkansas Expungement Attorney?
"Not everyone needs a lawyer. But some situations strongly benefit from professional help. Here’s how to decide."
ATTORNEY DIRECTORY
Arkansas Expungement Attorneys
"These attorneys handle record sealing cases in Arkansas. Contact them directly to discuss your situation."