Expungement in District of Columbia
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
DC allows expungement of arrests, convictions, and guilty pleas after waiting periods that vary by offense severity.
How District of Columbia treats Expungement
DC's expungement law permits erasure of records for misdemeanors after one year and felonies after three years from conviction or sentencing. Arrests that do not result in conviction may be expunged immediately. DC Code § 16-803 governs the process, allowing petitioners to request that records be sealed and destroyed, effectively removing them from public access and permitting individuals to answer "no" when asked about the arrest or conviction.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia.