ARKANSAS
How to Clear Your Criminal Record
in Arkansas
in Arkansas
A free, plain English guide to record sealing under Arkansas law — who qualifies, how to file, and what happens after.
LEGAL TERM
Record Sealing
FILING FEE
$0
GOVERNING LAW
§ 16-90-1401
What You Need to Know First
In Arkansas, clearing your record is called record sealing — not expungement. They mean the same thing in practice. When your record is sealed, it is removed from public view and you can legally say the offense never occurred.
Arkansas law governing this process is found at Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq., known as the Comprehensive Criminal History Sealing Act. Sealed records are still accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies — but they do not appear on most employer or landlord background checks.
What Can — and Can't — Be Sealed
ELIGIBLE FOR SEALING
- Most misdemeanors — immediately after sentence
- Non-violent Class C & D felonies — immediately after sentence
- Class A & B drug felonies — immediately after sentence
- Violent Class C & D felonies — after 5-year waiting period
- Arrests with no conviction — dismissed, acquitted, nolle prossed
- First offender probation completions
NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SEALING
- Class Y felonies
- Class A felonies
- Class B felonies (except drug felonies)
- Manslaughter
- Any felony sex offense
- Felonies involving violence with 10+ year maximum
To be eligible you must have fully completed your sentence — including payment of all fines, court costs, and restitution. You cannot have any pending charges at the time of filing.
Waiting Periods at a Glance
Most misdemeanors
Immediately
Non-violent Class C & D felonies
Immediately
Class A & B drug felonies
Immediately
Violent Class C & D felonies
5 years
Arrests — no conviction
Immediately
Waiting periods begin after full completion of your sentence, including probation, parole, and payment of all fines and costs.
How to File — Step by Step
1
Request Your Criminal History Record
Before filing, request a copy of your criminal history from the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC). This confirms exactly what is on your record and gives you the arrest tracking number you need for your petition. Download the Authorization for Review of Criminal History form at dps.arkansas.gov, or visit the ACIC Criminal History page for more information. For a formal background check, the Arkansas State Police offers one at $22 per search.
2
Download the Correct Petition Form
There are different forms depending on your offense type. Download the correct petition using the links in the Official Forms section below. There is no filing fee. Use the felony form for felony convictions, the misdemeanor form for misdemeanor convictions, and the first offender form if your case was handled under Act 346 of 1975.
3
Gather Your Supporting Documents
Most prosecutors require proof you completed your sentence. Get proof of fine payment from the sheriff's department and proof of probation completion from your probation office. Make three copies of everything before you file.
4
File Your Petition at the Correct Court
File your completed petition with the circuit or district court in the county where the offense occurred. Find your Circuit Court Clerk or District Court location on the Arkansas Judiciary website. There is no filing fee.
5
Serve the Prosecutor
Within three days of filing, serve a copy of your petition on the prosecuting attorney in that county. The court clerk can tell you exactly how to do this. Keep proof of service for your records.
6
Wait for a Response
The prosecutor has 30 days to object to a misdemeanor petition and 90 days to object to a felony petition. If there is no objection, the court may grant your petition without a hearing.
7
After the Order Is Granted
The court sends the sealing order to all state repositories — including ACIC and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Your record is removed from public access. ACIC has 30 days by law to update their records once they receive the order. Keep a copy of your order permanently.
Official Forms
All forms are free. Use the form that matches your offense type. If you are unsure which form applies, contact your county court clerk or Legal Aid of Arkansas.
Petition to Seal — Felony
For eligible felony convictions under the Comprehensive Criminal History Sealing Act
Download Felony Petition →
Petition to Seal — Misdemeanor
For eligible misdemeanor convictions (updated August 2023)
Download Misdemeanor Petition →
First Offender Petition
For first offenders under Act 346 of 1975 (ACA § 16-93-301 through 303)
Download First Offender Petition →
Authorization for Review of Criminal History
Request your own record from ACIC before filing — fillable PDF
Download Authorization Form →
Helpful Resources
Clearing your record is one step. These resources can help with the next ones — finding work, stable housing, and support as you move forward.
FREE LEGAL HELP
Legal Aid of Arkansas
Free step-by-step sealing instructions and legal help for low-income Arkansans — serves 31 counties in northern and eastern AR
arlawhelp.org →
FREE LEGAL HELP
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
Free civil legal assistance including record sealing clinics — serves 44 counties in central, southern, and western AR
arkansaslegal.org →
HOUSING, FOOD & BENEFITS
findhelp.org
Search thousands of free and reduced-cost programs for housing, food, work, and more in your area
findhelp.org →
JOB SEARCH HELP
American Job Centers
Free job search assistance, resume help, and training programs — including resources for people with records
careeronestop.org →
COURT LOCATIONS & RECORDS
Arkansas Judiciary
Find your circuit or district court clerk by county, and look up your Arkansas court records
arcourts.gov →
YOUR CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD
Arkansas Crime Information Center
Request a copy of your own criminal history record from ACIC before filing your petition
dps.arkansas.gov/acic →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take in Arkansas?
It varies by county and court caseload. If the prosecutor does not object, the process generally takes 60 to 90 days from the date you file. After the order is granted, ACIC has 30 days by law to update their records.
Do I need an attorney?
You are not required to hire an attorney. The forms are standardized and there is no filing fee. However, if your case involves a felony or you expect the prosecutor to object, working with an attorney can help. Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services offer free assistance for those who qualify.
Will my record show on a background check after sealing?
For most private employers and landlords, no. Sealed records do not appear on standard background checks. Law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies can still access sealed records. Some third-party background check databases may take time to update — if a sealed record appears you have the right to dispute it.
Can I legally say I was never convicted?
Yes. Under Ark. Code § 16-90-1417, once your record is sealed the conduct is treated as a matter of law as if it never occurred. You can legally answer "no" when asked on most job applications whether you have a criminal record.
Does sealing restore my gun rights?
Not automatically. Firearm rights after a felony conviction are governed by a separate law under § 5-73-103. Sealing alone does not restore firearm rights for most felony convictions.
What if I can't afford to pay my fines — can I still file?
Generally no — completion of sentence in Arkansas includes payment of all fines, court costs, and restitution. If you have outstanding obligations, you will need to resolve those before filing. Contact Legal Aid of Arkansas or the Center for Arkansas Legal Services if you need help navigating this.
Which form do I use — felony, misdemeanor, or first offender?
Use the felony petition for eligible felony convictions. Use the misdemeanor petition for misdemeanor convictions. Use the first offender petition if your case was handled under Act 346 of 1975 (ACA § 16-93-301 through 303) — this is the form for people who completed a first offender program and had their case dismissed. If you are unsure which form applies to your case, contact your county court clerk or Legal Aid of Arkansas.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Arkansas law changes — always verify current requirements with your county court clerk or a licensed Arkansas attorney before filing.