Overland Park Expungement Lawyers

Helping Wipe Your Slate Clean   

Expunging a prior arrest or conviction is an invaluable option in the criminal justice system. Many employers utilize background information in the hiring process. Landlords may deny a potential tenant from renting or leasing due to a prior conviction. Colleges will review your background prior to acceptance. Anyone seeking a fresh start should explore the possibility of expungement.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that allows individuals in Kansas to seal or erase certain criminal records from public view. This can be a valuable tool for those seeking a fresh start and improved access to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Types of Records That Can Be Expunged in Kansas:

In Kansas, the following types of records may be eligible for expungement:

1. Arrest Records: These records can be expunged under specific circumstances, such as mistaken identity, lack of probable cause, not guilty verdicts, or if it’s in the best interests of justice.

2. Criminal Convictions: Certain criminal convictions may be eligible for expungement, provided that the required waiting period has passed, and the individual has not been convicted of a felony within the past 2 years. The waiting periods may vary based on the severity of the offense.

3. Juvenile Adjudications: Many juvenile adjudications can be expunged if the individual has reached a certain age or a specific time has passed since the sentence was completed, there are no pending criminal cases, and the circumstances warrant expungement.

Eligibility Criteria for Expungement:

Understanding eligibility criteria is crucial when considering expungement. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Waiting Periods: For criminal convictions, waiting periods vary based on the nature and severity of the offense. Some convictions may require a 3-year waiting period, while others may require 5 years.

• Prior Convictions: Individuals must not have been convicted of a felony within the past 2 years to be eligible for expungement.

• Severity of Offense: Some crimes, such as capital murder or rape, are not eligible for expungement.

• Juvenile Adjudications: Eligibility for expunging juvenile adjudications depends on the individual’s age, the completion of the sentence, the absence of pending cases, and the circumstances. 

For Arrest Records:

An arrest record can be expunged if:

1. It was due to mistaken identity.
2. A court found no probable cause for the arrest.
3. You were found not guilty in court.
4. Expungement is in the best interests of justice, and charges were dismissed or no charges are expected.

Is There A Time Limit For Expungements in Kansas?

There is no specific time limit for expunging arrest records.

For Criminal Convictions:

Criminal convictions can be expunged if certain conditions are met:

• • A required amount of time has passed (typically 3 to 5 years, depending on the offense).
  • You have not been convicted of a felony in the past 2 years.

Some convictions may be expunged after 3 years, which includes minor offenses, traffic violations, and select felonies. Others may be eligible after 5 years, such as certain motor vehicle offenses.

To determine eligibility, refer to a severity-of-crimes chart, which specifies waiting periods.

What Convictions Can Not Be Expunged In Kansas?

Criminal Convictions That Cannot Be Expunged in Kansas Include:

• Capital murder
• First or second-degree murder
• Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
• Rape
• Aggravated sexual battery
• Sexual battery of an underage victim
• Indecent liberties with a child
• Criminal sodomy
• Indecent solicitation of a child
• Sexual exploitation of a child
• Aggravated incest
• Endangering a child
• Abuse of a child

Regarding Voting Rights in Kansas:

• You can vote once you have been discharged from supervision, typically at the end of probation or parole.
• Only individuals convicted of a state or federal felony lose their voting rights.
• You must re-register to vote when eligible, and no proof of discharge from supervision is required.

For Juvenile Adjudications:

Juvenile adjudications can be expunged if certain conditions are met:

• The juvenile has reached age 23, or two years have passed since the sentence was completed.
• There are no pending criminal cases since completing the sentence.
• Circumstances and behavior warrant expungement.

Juvenile Adjudications That Cannot Be Expunged in Kansas Include:

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Rape
• Indecent liberties
• Criminal sodomy
• Indecent solicitation
• Sexual exploitation
• Aggravated incest
• Endangering a child
• Abuse of a child

To expunge a juvenile offense, use an interactive interview for court filing. It can be filed at any age when two years have passed since final discharge, or at age 23, even without final discharge. The expungement of an adult conviction may allow you to expunge the juvenile conviction, with a $100 docket fee.

Improving The Situation For Both Adults And Juveniles

Our attorneys have extensive experience in criminal law and assisting people in expunging previous convictions and arrests. We have filed motions in numerous cities and counties in Kansas successfully expunging criminal arrests, convictions, charges and diversions.

We have successfully expunged juvenile adjudications. We understand the importance of giving a juvenile every opportunity to be successful and expunging an adjudication can benefit when applying for that first job or applying to college.

Steps For The Expungement Process in Kansas

The expungement process in Kansas can be complex and involves several steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the expungement process in Kansas:

1. Determine Eligibility:

• The first step in the expungement process is to determine whether you are eligible for expungement. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the type of offense, the nature of the conviction, and the waiting period.

2. Consult with an Attorney:

• It is highly recommended to consult with an experienced expungement attorney in Kansas. An attorney can assess your eligibility, guide you through the process, and help you prepare the necessary documents.

3. Obtain Your Criminal Record:

• You should obtain a copy of your criminal record from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) or the local law enforcement agency. This record will help you identify the specific records you want to expunge.

4. Complete Required Waiting Period:

• Ensure that you have completed the required waiting period for the type of record you wish to expunge. The waiting period varies based on the nature of the offense and whether you have subsequent convictions.

5. Prepare the Expungement Petition:

• Work with your attorney to prepare a formal expungement petition. This document should include your personal information, details of the charges or convictions you want to expunge, and the reasons for seeking expungement.

6. File the Petition:

• File the expungement petition with the appropriate court in the county where the conviction or arrest occurred. Pay any required filing fees.

7. Serve Notice to Relevant Parties:

• Depending on the circumstances, you may need to serve notice of the expungement petition to relevant parties, such as the prosecutor’s office or law enforcement agencies. Your attorney will guide you through this process.

8. Attend a Court Hearing:

• In some cases, you may be required to attend a court hearing. Your attorney will represent you and present your case to the judge. The judge will consider the evidence and make a decision.

9. Court Decision:

• The judge will review your expungement petition and any evidence presented at the hearing. They will then decide whether to grant or deny the expungement request.

10. Notification of Expungement: – If the judge grants your expungement petition, you will receive an order of expungement. This order will specify which records are to be sealed or expunged.

11. Notification to Relevant Agencies: – Your attorney will ensure that the relevant agencies, such as the KBI and local law enforcement, receive a copy of the expungement order and are informed to seal or remove the specified records from public view.

12. Monitoring the Process: – After the expungement order is granted, it’s essential to monitor the process to ensure that all relevant agencies comply with the order and seal or remove the records as required.

13. Enjoy the Benefits: – Once the records are expunged, you can enjoy the benefits of a clean record, including improved employment and housing opportunities.

Begin Your New Future

In Kansas, many convictions or diversions for crimes such as theft, possession of marijuana and battery are eligible for expungement three years after the satisfaction of the sentence imposed by the court. While not all crimes are eligible for expungement, other crimes do become eligible after five year or seven years. 

Don’t let your past define your future. It is never too early to begin thinking about your options. Let our experienced attorneys help you.

Contact The Expungement Lawyers at Henderson Legal Defense

Henderson Legal Defense approaches each case with compassion and a commitment to helping individuals move forward positively. We understand the challenges associated with a criminal record and aim to provide support throughout the process.

Clearing one’s record and starting anew can be a life-changing process, and Henderson Legal Defense, LLC, is dedicated to helping clients achieve this goal. Their expertise, legal knowledge, and personalized approach make them a valuable resource for individuals seeking to leave their past behind and embrace a brighter future.

For more information, schedule an initial consultation at Henderson Legal Defense, LLC Attorneys at Law, in Olathe or Lawrence by filling out our online intake form or calling (913) 782-4030 today.

Our lawyers are licensed to practice in Missouri and Kansas.

Expungement FAQs