What crimes can be expunged in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, most misdemeanors and many felonies can be expunged after the required waiting period. However, certain serious offenses like violent crimes and sex offenses are typically ineligible.

How long is the waiting period for expungement in Kentucky?

Waiting periods in Kentucky vary by offense type. Arrests typically require 1 year, misdemeanors 3-5 years, and felonies 5-10 years from sentence completion.

Can I expunge a felony in Kentucky?

Many felonies can be expunged in Kentucky, but eligibility depends on the specific offense and classification. Class A felonies and certain violent or sexual offenses are generally ineligible.

Will expungement remove my record from background checks?

Yes, once expunged, the record should not appear on most background checks. However, some government agencies and law enforcement may still have access for specific purposes.

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Criminal Record Expungement

KentuckyCriminal Expungement

Learn how to clear arrests and convictions from your criminal record in Kentucky.

Clean Slate State

Kentucky has automatic expungement laws. Some eligible records may be cleared without filing a petition.

At a Glance

Fee Waiver AvailableYou may qualify for free filing

Or $50 filing fee if you don't qualify

YesClean Slate StateSome records may clear automatically

Check Eligibility →

Legal Terminology in Kentucky

Expungement

expungement

Sealing

sealing

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements for criminal record expungement in Kentucky.

Generally Eligible

Dismissed charges (after July 15, 2020)

Acquittals (after July 15, 2020)

Generally Not Eligible

Permanently Ineligible

Waiting Periods

Dismissal/Acquittal60 days

Waiting periods typically start from completion of sentence, including probation.

Costs & Fee Waivers

Don't let cost be a barrier. Most people qualify for free filing.

Filing Costs

Recommended

Option 1: Fee Waiver

$0 — File for free

If you have limited income, you likely qualify to file without paying any fees.

Option 2: Pay Filing Fee

$50

If you don't qualify for a fee waiver, you'll need to pay the filing fee.

Don't let filing fees stop you. Most people who apply for fee waivers are approved.

The Process

Verify Eligibility

Confirm your conviction qualifies for expungement

Legal Resources

Kentucky Courts - Expungement

Official Kentucky Courts expungement portal with forms and filing information

Kentucky Legal Aid - Expungement Help

Free legal assistance for eligible Kentuckians

Legal Authority

KRS 431.073

Expungement of Class D Felony Records

View source →

KRS 431.076

Automatic Expungement

KRS 431.078

Expungement of Misdemeanor Records

Eligibility Timeline Calculator

Find out exactly when you can file for expungement

What was the outcome of your case?

Date DA Declined to File

📋 My Cases

Track your expungement progress across multiple cases

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Add your first case to start tracking your expungement progress

📄 Generate Your Forms

After adding your case information above, use this tool to automatically generate your personalized expungement forms:

💡 Add a case above to generate your expungement forms.

Need More Help?

Consider consulting with a legal aid organization or attorney for personalized guidance.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.