Record Sealing & Expungement in Arkansas
Legal Services
Let’s be blunt: a criminal past can keep hanging around like a stubborn stain—job applications rejected, housing denied, background checks digging it up years later. At Morledge Law Firm in Little Rock, we focus on the relief side—helping clients clear or seal their records so the past doesn’t keep controlling their future in Arkansas.
Why Clear or Seal Your Record?
Your record isn’t just history—it’s a barrier. Landlords, employers, licensing boards, insurers— many see “conviction” and stop listening. Sealing (sometimes called expungement though Arkansas law uses “sealing”) means your record is tucked away from the public (though still available in certain circumstances). You get to say “No conviction” when asked in many cases. A fresh start.
What Arkansas Law Lets You Seal
Here are some of the kinds of records you can petition to seal in Arkansas:
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Arrests that did not lead to charges, if no prosecution filed within a year.
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Cases that were dismissed, nolle prosed, or acquittals.
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Certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, under the right conditions.
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First-time offenders under specific statutes (when no prison time in Department of Corrections, etc.).
But there are limitations. Some serious felonies, violent crimes, sexual offenses or offenses with prison sentences may not be eligible.
What You Should Expect When We Handle Your Case
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We’ll review your full criminal history (even “minor” charges matter) to assess eligibility.
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We’ll get key documents: judgment & commitment, sentencing orders, probation files, docket sheets—without these we can’t move confidently.
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We’ll advise you on timing: some charges require waiting periods, others you may file right away.
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We’ll prepare and file the petition, handle service to agencies, monitor for objections, and handle any hearing that comes.
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Once approved, we’ll track the certification process with the clerk’s office and ACIC to ensure records are properly sealed.
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Post-sealing we guide you on what you can say (“Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”) and what steps you may take to rebuild (job searches, licensing boards, education).
Defense That Fits Real Life in Arkansas
People have jobs to keep, kids to raise, and licenses to protect. A smart defense combines courtroom pressure with practical options—treatment when needed, tight compliance so the case doesn’t snowball, and long-term record protection when the law allows. We practice in Little Rock and regularly defend drug cases across Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, Garland, Lonoke, Jefferson, and other Arkansas counties.
How the Sealing Process Works
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Complete all court-mandated terms (fines, restitution, probation, etc.) and confirm eligibility.
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File a uniform petition to seal in the circuit or district court where you were convicted or arrested.
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Serve copies to prosecutor & arresting agency within the required timeframe.
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The prosecutor has a window to file objection:
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For misdemeanors: 30 days to oppose.
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For eligible felonies: similar process, but may involve hearing.
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If the court grants the petition, an Order to Seal is issued and certified to relevant agencies (court clerk, prosecutor, arresting agency, Arkansas Crime Information Center).
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The public record access is restricted: sealed records are held confidentially; you may legally say the conviction did not occur in many contexts.
FAQs
Can I tell people I’ve never been convicted once my record is sealed?
Yes — under Arkansas law a person whose record is sealed “may state that the person … was not convicted” of the offense. But always check with us for your particular situation (licensing boards may have special rules).
How long do I have to wait to file?
Varies. For example: Arrests with no charges often can be sealed after 1 year. Some misdemeanors may have shorter waits; some felonies require a 5-year delay or may be ineligible.
Does sealing restore my gun rights, voting rights, professional licenses?
Sealing a record helps—but it doesn’t automatically restore all rights (especially firearms or professional licensure). Wrap-around issues may apply. For example: For felons, voting rights are restored automatically after sentence completion, but gun rights may need additional steps.
Does “expungement” mean the same as “sealing”?
In Arkansas: not exactly. Popular talk uses “expungement,” but the statute uses “sealing.” Even when sealed, the record isn’t always destroyed, but it is tucked away from public view.
