Free · Plain English · No lawyer required to start

Your record
doesn't have to
follow you.

Find out if you can clear it — free, step by step, in plain English. No lawyer required to start.
Running an expungement program? See how we handle the eligibility questions so your staff doesn't have to →

Free · No signup · Not legal advice · Always consult a lawyer for your specific case

18M+

Americans eligible for record clearing

States with automatic sealing laws

6.5%

Finish without guidance — we fix that

Cost to use this guide

Eligibility Check

Check If You May Qualify

Answer 4 simple questions. We'll give you a general idea of whether record clearing may be an option for you.

What state were you convicted in?

Type of offense

Have you completed your sentence? (prison, probation, parole)

Do you have any new criminal charges since then?

✅ Based on your answers, you may qualify for record clearing or sealing in your state. We've loaded your state's rules below — scroll down to see your options and next steps.

📧 Save your results & get next steps by email:

We never spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Your info is never sold.

⚠️ Your situation may be more complex. You may still have options — we've loaded your state's rules below. We strongly recommend connecting with a legal aid organization who can review your specific case for free.

⚖️ Find Free Legal Aid → 💼 Explore Path To Work →

Even if your record can't be cleared right now, you may qualify for jobs with fair-chance employers through Path To Work.

Step-by-Step Process

How Record Clearing Works

Four steps. Plain English. You don't have to figure this out alone.

📄

Step 1 · Get Your Record

Request your criminal history from your state's court or law enforcement agency. Many states offer this free or low-cost online. This is your starting point.

🔍

Step 2 · Check Eligibility Rules

Every state has different rules about waiting periods, offense types, and sentence completion. Use the state guide below to understand your specific options.

📝

Step 3 · File or Wait

Some states automatically seal records — you do nothing. Others require you to file a petition with the court. A legal aid org can help you file correctly for free.

✅

Step 4 · Follow Up

After filing, check in with the court on your case status. Once cleared, request an updated record to confirm the change — and keep a copy for yourself.

Get Help

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Free legal help is available in every state. These organizations help people navigate record clearing at no cost.

⚖️

Legal Aid

Free legal services for people who can't afford a lawyer. They can review your record, tell you what's eligible, and help you file your petition correctly.

Find Legal Aid in Your State →

🔓

Reentry Programs

Local reentry organizations often have staff who specialize in record clearing. They can connect you to lawyers, help with paperwork, and support your full reentry journey.

Find Reentry Programs →

🏛️

Court Self-Help

Most courthouses have a self-help center where staff can give you forms, explain the process, and point you to free resources — without giving legal advice.

Find Court Self-Help Centers →

Work Next Step

Record Cleared. Now Let's Get You Hired.

🎉

This is what you worked for.

Your record no longer has to define you. Path To Work connects returning citizens with second-chance employers who are actively hiring — no degree required, no judgment.

Start Your Career Path — Free →

Clearing your record opens doors. Here's how to walk through them.

⚡

Start Your Career Path — Path To Work

Path To Work is built for people exactly like you. Get a free career assessment, a 30-day action plan, a skills-based resume, and connections to second-chance employers who are actively hiring.

Start Free Career Assessment →

📄

Build Your Resume

You don't need a perfect work history to apply. Our resume builder converts life experience — military service, caregiving, gig work, any skills — into a professional profile employers respect.

Build My Resume →

🤝

Find Second-Chance Employers

Major employers like Target, Walmart, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase, and hundreds of local businesses have formal second-chance hiring programs. We connect you directly.

See Employers Hiring Now →

📚

Build Skills While You Wait

The record clearing process can take weeks or months. Use that time to build real skills, complete task-based training, and earn credentials that employers can verify.

Start Skill Building →

For Organizations

Refer a Client

Case managers, reentry coordinators, and workforce staff — send us a referral and we'll make sure your client gets connected to the right next steps.

📊 Partner Dashboard — Track Your Referrals → Use your org link: pathtocleanslate.org/?ref=YOURORG

Your Name Your Organization Partnership Type Your Email Client's First Name (or leave blank for privacy) Client's Phone Number (for follow-up tracking) Client's State Notes (offense type, situation, what they need)

✅ Referral received — thank you. We'll follow up within 1 business day.

💰 Fee Waiver for Members

If your organization is sponsoring your members' filing costs, or if your client needs a fee waiver, request one here — no cost to the member.

Interested in a formal partnership agreement? Email hello@pathtocleanslate.org or call (408) 658-9222

Common Questions

Answers in Plain English

How long does the process take?

It depends on your state and whether the process is automatic or requires a petition. Automatic sealing can happen within weeks to months after you become eligible — no action needed. If you need to file a petition, the court process typically takes 2 to 6 months. Getting your record, gathering documents, and finding help can add a few weeks on the front end. The sooner you start, the sooner it's done.

Does this completely erase my record?

Not always, and it depends on your state and offense type. "Sealing" means the record is hidden from most public background checks — employers, landlords, and the public can no longer see it. "Expungement" may fully erase it in some states. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still have access even after sealing. A legal aid attorney can explain exactly what clearing means in your state.

What if I'm denied?

A denial isn't always the end. You may be able to appeal the decision, wait until more time has passed, or apply for a different type of relief (like a Certificate of Rehabilitation or a Governor's pardon). Talk to a legal aid attorney about your options. Many people are initially denied but succeed on a second attempt with proper legal help.

Do I need a lawyer?

Not always — some states have simple self-help processes for straightforward cases. But having legal help significantly improves your chances of success, especially for felonies or complex cases. Legal aid organizations provide free help in every state. We strongly recommend connecting with one before filing anything.

Will clearing my record help me get a job?

Yes — for most jobs. Most employers run standard background checks that won't show sealed or expunged records. However, some industries (law enforcement, healthcare, working with children, certain government jobs) may still have access or require disclosure. Clearing your record opens significantly more doors — and Path To Work can connect you directly to employers with second-chance hiring programs even while you're going through the process.

What if I was arrested but not convicted?

Arrest records — charges that were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a not guilty verdict — are often easier to clear than convictions. Many states seal or expunge these automatically or with a simple request. This is worth pursuing even if you weren't convicted, because arrest records still show up on background checks and can be a barrier to jobs and housing.

Is this free?

This guide is completely free. Legal aid organizations also provide free help in every state. There may be court filing fees in some states, but many courts waive these fees for people who can't afford them — ask when you contact a legal aid org or the court's self-help center.

For Organizations & Funders

What does partnering actually save your team?

Adjust the sliders for your org's size and see the real numbers — staff hours, intake costs, and cases you can take back.

Your Numbers

Clients per month

80clients

% with a criminal record

65%

Caseworker rate ($/hr)

$35/hr

Monthly Impact

Caseworker Hours Freed

31 hrs

per month redirected to higher-value work

Annual Value at Zero Cost

$13,104

equivalent staff time recaptured each year

Want all variables and full assumptions? Open the detailed version:

Open Full ROI Calculator →

Path To Clean Slate is free guidance — not legal advice.

Your record doesn't have to follow you.