Connecticut Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Connecticut?

Eligibility for expungement in Connecticut depends on several factors including the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether all sentence conditions have been completed. Generally, you may qualify if:

• You have completed your sentence, probation, and parole
• The required waiting period has passed since your conviction or discharge
• You have no new criminal convictions
• The offense type is eligible under Connecticut law

Note: Specific eligibility rules vary. Use our eligibility checker or consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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

1. Obtain your criminal record — Request your official criminal history from the Connecticut State Police or court system.
2. Confirm eligibility — Review the offense, date, and sentence completion against state eligibility criteria.
3. Complete the petition — Fill out the expungement petition form from the court where you were convicted.
4. File with the court — Submit your petition with the required filing fee (typically $100–400).
5. Serve notice — Many states require notifying the prosecutor's office and law enforcement agencies.
6. Attend a hearing (if required) — Some states require a court hearing; others process petitions administratively.
7. Receive the order — If approved, the court issues an expungement order sent to all relevant agencies.
8. Verify the record is cleared — Run a background check 90 days after approval to confirm.

Waiting Periods

Connecticut requires different waiting periods depending on the offense type. Misdemeanors typically have shorter waiting periods than felonies. Time generally runs from the date of conviction or discharge from supervision, whichever is later.

What Expungement Does (and Doesn't) Do

After a successful expungement in Connecticut, your record will generally be cleared from:

• Most employer background checks
• Rental housing background checks
• Most licensing board inquiries

However, expungement typically does not affect:

• Federal law enforcement access
• Immigration records
• Military background checks
• Some professional licensing (law, medicine, teaching)
• Sex offender registry requirements (in most cases)

Costs

Filing fees in Connecticut typically range from $100 to $400 depending on the county and offense type. Attorney fees typically add $500–2,000. Some nonprofit legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost expungement assistance.

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.