How Do I Expunge My Record in Utah? Steps, Forms, Timelines, Mistakes to Avoid
A plain-English guide to eligibility, BCI certificates, petitions, hearings, and life after expungement
Bottom line up front: this guide gives a clear Utah-focused answer first, then walks you through the exact steps, forms, timelines, and common mistakes so you can take action with confidence.
Why expungement matters: Expungement in Utah seals a criminal record so it no longer appears on most background checks. It can improve job, housing, and education options. Recent reforms like Clean Slate help more people qualify, but the process still has specific steps you must follow carefully.
Eligibility at a Glance
Not every offense can be expunged. Utah excludes certain violent felonies, sex offenses, and repeat patterns. Waiting periods vary by severity.
General Rules
Utah BCI publishes eligibility criteria. Disqualifiers include specific violent and sex-related offenses and certain repeat convictions.
Waiting Periods
Typical waits: infractions about 3 years, Class A misdemeanors about 5 years, some felonies about 7 years from case closure.
Clean Slate
Certain older misdemeanors and infractions may be cleared automatically. You may still need a formal expungement for other records.
Best First Step
Confirm eligibility directly with BCI. If eligible, move on to the Certificate of Eligibility.
Forms, Fees, and Your BCI Certificate
Before you can ask a judge to expunge, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from Utah BCI in Taylorsville.
Timing matters. Start BCI early so your certificate is ready when you prepare the court petition. Keep copies of everything.
Petition, Hearing, and Agency Updates
File the Petition
What Happens at Hearing
Distribute the Order
Life After Expungement
Step-by-Step: Your Utah Expungement
Check Eligibility
Review BCI rules and waiting periods. Confirm your case type can be expunged.
Request BCI Certificate
Submit fingerprints and fees to Utah BCI. Wait for the Certificate of Eligibility.
File Petition in Court
Attach your certificate, pay filing fees or request a waiver, and serve required parties.
Attend Hearing if Required
Be ready to address objections. Emphasize rehabilitation and compliance.
Distribute the Order
Send certified copies to each agency so records get updated correctly.
Need Help Applying This to Your Situation?
Expungement is technical and deadline-driven. If your history is complex or spans multiple cases, a Utah expungement attorney can keep things on track.
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Key Takeaways
Start with eligibility. Clean Slate may help, but many cases still need a formal expungement.
Get the BCI Certificate before you file. Courts generally will not proceed without it.
After grant, you must distribute the order so agencies update records. Keep certified copies.
This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, get counsel before you file.
Next Step
If you are ready to move forward, begin with eligibility and your BCI request. A short consult can prevent costly delays.
Book an Expungement ConsultWe cover eligibility, BCI timing, court forms, hearing prep, and how to distribute the order after grant.