Free Expungement Help in Missouri
Last reviewed: May 27, 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. If you're in mid-Missouri, Mid-Missouri Legal Services covers Columbia and Jefferson City.
⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
Missouri does not have a Clean Slate automatic-sealing law. Record clearing is entirely petition-based under RSMo § 610.140. DWI convictions are explicitly excluded from eligibility.
How to get a fee waiver in Missouri
File an Affidavit of Indigency with the circuit clerk to waive the court filing fee for an expungement petition. The court filing fee is typically $250; fee waiver is available to income-qualifying petitioners.
Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Missouri
Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.
Free expungement help by city in Missouri
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.
St. Louis / St. Louis County
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
- ArchCity Defenders (reentry / expungement focus)
- St. Louis Reentry (expungement clinic events)
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri covers St. Louis City and County and provides direct expungement legal help for income-qualifying clients. ArchCity Defenders specifically focuses on the intersection of criminal records and poverty in St. Louis — they run periodic expungement clinics and are a go-to for marginalized clients. The City of St. Louis also hosts occasional expungement fairs through the St. Louis Reentry initiative.
Kansas City / Jackson County
Legal Aid of Western Missouri covers Jackson, Platte, Clay, Cass, and Bates counties and handles expungement petitions for qualifying clients. Kansas City holds periodic record-sealing and expungement clinics — contact Legal Aid of Western Missouri for upcoming clinic dates.
Columbia / Mid-Missouri
Mid-Missouri Legal Services covers Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, and Moniteau counties. The University of Missouri School of Law Criminal Law Clinic in Columbia serves low-income clients and sometimes handles expungement matters — contact them to ask about current capacity.
Missouri free expungement — 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 — which creates a different kind of record issue. 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. The waiting period may be shorter for certain low-level offenses. Only one expungement petition is permitted per lifetime for felonies.
Can I expunge a marijuana conviction in Missouri?
Yes. Amendment 3 (Article XIV § 2 of the Missouri Constitution, effective December 2022) specifically provides for expungement of marijuana possession convictions — including automatic expungement for offenses involving 3 oz or less. Larger amounts require a petition. This is a separate, faster process from the general § 610.140 expungement.
More Missouri expungement resources
- Complete Missouri expungement guide → — eligibility, process, statutes, and timelines
- How much does expungement cost? (state-by-state)
- What shows up on a background check after expungement?
- ← All states: free expungement help directory