Expungement in Wisconsin
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Wisconsin allows expungement of dismissed charges and certain convictions; some offenses require a waiting period before petitioning.
How Wisconsin treats Expungement
Wisconsin permits expungement of charges that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were found not guilty. For certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, you may petition for expungement after meeting a waiting period (commonly 5 years for misdemeanors, longer for felonies). The court has discretion to grant expungement based on factors including rehabilitation and the nature of the offense. Expunged records are sealed and treated as if the arrest or conviction never occurred.
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 Wisconsin.