Free Expungement Help in Missouri

Reviewed: May 28, 2026

Missouri's expungement law (RSMo § 610.140) was substantially expanded in 2018, but it still excludes DWI convictions — even a first-offense misdemeanor DWI cannot be expunged. If you have a DWI, talk to an attorney about whether a Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) offers any relief. For everything else, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri in St. Louis and Legal Aid of Western Missouri in Kansas City are the two strongest free-help providers in the state.

At a glance

✓ Missouri DWI convictions CANNOT be expunged — explicitly excluded from RSMo § 610.140
✓ Waiting periods: 3 years (misdemeanors), 7 years (felonies) from discharge
✓ Marijuana possession ≤ 3oz: automatic expungement under Amendment 3 — check your MSHP record
✓ Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (lsem.org) — St. Louis; Legal Aid of Western Missouri (lawmo.org) — KC
✓ File Affidavit of Indigency with circuit clerk to waive the ~$250 court filing fee

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

Missouri expungement eligibility

Missouri's expungement statute (RSMo § 610.140) covers most criminal convictions — including most misdemeanors and felonies — after a waiting period of 3 years (misdemeanors) or 7 years (felonies) from discharge. DWI convictions are specifically excluded, even for first-offense misdemeanors. Violent crimes and sex offenses are also excluded. Only one felony expungement is permitted per lifetime. If your conviction qualifies, the process is petition-based, filed at the circuit court of the county of conviction.

Missouri marijuana expungement — separate pathway

Amendment 3 (Article XIV, § 2 of the Missouri Constitution, effective December 2022) provides for expungement of marijuana possession convictions — including automatic expungement for offenses involving 3 oz or less. For larger amounts or distribution charges, a petition is required. Check your Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) record to confirm whether automatic expungement has already occurred for eligible marijuana charges.

Free legal aid in Missouri

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (lsem.org) covers St. Louis City and County and provides direct expungement legal help for income-qualifying clients. ArchCity Defenders (archcitydefenders.org) specifically focuses on the intersection of criminal records and poverty in St. Louis and runs periodic expungement clinics. Legal Aid of Western Missouri (lawmo.org) covers Kansas City and surrounding counties. Mid-Missouri Legal Services (midmolegalservices.org) covers Columbia and Jefferson City. The University of Missouri School of Law Criminal Law Clinic in Columbia also handles expungement matters.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Missouri DWI be expunged?

No. DWI convictions (and misdemeanor alcohol-related driving offenses) are specifically excluded from expungement under RSMo § 610.140. A Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) on a first DWI means the conviction was never formally entered — an attorney can evaluate whether SIS applies to your case.

How long do I have to wait before petitioning for expungement in Missouri?

Generally 3 years from discharge (end of all supervision) for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies. Only one expungement petition is permitted per lifetime for felonies.

Can I expunge a marijuana conviction in Missouri?

Yes. Amendment 3 (effective December 2022) provides for automatic expungement of marijuana possession convictions involving 3 oz or less and petition-based expungement for larger amounts. Check your Missouri State Highway Patrol record to verify whether automatic expungement has already occurred.

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