Oklahoma Expungement Attorney
Even when a criminal case was dismissed, the arrest and court record can still appear on a background check. That record can create unnecessary questions when you apply for jobs, housing, or professional licenses, long after the case itself is over.
Oklahoma law allows certain criminal records to be sealed through expungement. Whether you qualify depends on what happened in your case, the type of charge, how the case was resolved, your criminal history, and, in some cases, how much time has passed.
At A Smart Defense, attorney Alexa Smart can review your record, determine whether you qualify for an expungement, and handle the process from filing through completion.
A FRESH START
What Is an Expungement in Oklahoma?
An expungement allows qualifying criminal records to be sealed from public access. This can include court and arrest records associated with the case.
An expungement does not physically destroy the records. Instead, qualifying records are sealed so they are no longer publicly accessible in the ordinary manner.
For many people, obtaining an expungement is the final step in moving forward after a criminal case.
DO YOU QUALIFY?
Who Qualifies for an Expungement in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma expungement law provides numerous categories of eligibility.
Depending on the circumstances, a person may qualify when:
Eligibility is highly dependent on the person's individual criminal history. Waiting periods and other requirements may also apply.
An Oklahoma expungement attorney can review your complete record and determine whether you qualify.
FINISHING WHAT YOU STARTED
Expungement After a Deferred Sentence
Successfully completing a deferred sentence does not necessarily mean that every record associated with the criminal case disappears.
Oklahoma law provides a process for expunging the plea following the successful completion of certain deferred sentences. A person may also qualify to have the records associated with the arrest and criminal case sealed through an expungement.
An attorney can review the record and determine what additional steps may be necessary to more fully clear the case from public view.
STEP BY STEP
How to Get Your Record Expunged in Oklahoma
The process generally involves:
Multiple qualifying offenses located in the same county may, under certain circumstances, be addressed in a single petition.
If an old arrest, dismissed case, deferred sentence, misdemeanor, or felony is still appearing on your record, you may have options under Oklahoma expungement law.
A Smart Defense can review your criminal history, determine whether you qualify, and guide you through the process of seeking an expungement.
Contact A Smart Defense to speak directly with Alexa about your case.
BEYOND THE BACKGROUND CHECK
Why Expungement Matters
Even when a criminal case was dismissed, the arrest and court record may still appear during a background check.
That record can create unnecessary questions when applying for jobs, housing, professional licenses, or other opportunities.
An expungement can provide a meaningful opportunity to move forward without an old criminal case remaining readily available to the public.
DEFENSE STRATEGIES
Expungement Cost in Oklahoma
The total cost of an expungement can vary depending on the case, county, number of records involved, and agencies that must process the expungement.
In addition to attorney fees, there may be filing, processing, or agency fees associated with completing the expungement.
A Smart Defense can review your circumstances and explain the anticipated process and costs before moving forward.
WORKING WITH ALEXA SMART
Your Attorney, Not a Case Manager
When you hire A Smart Defense, you hire your attorney — not a case manager, not a junior associate, and not someone you have never met. Alexa Smart handles the legal work on every case herself: reviewing the evidence, building the strategy, and making the calls that matter, from the initial consultation through resolution.
Criminal charges are personal. Your defense should be too.
EXPUNGEMENT
Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement
Can I expunge a dismissed case in Oklahoma?
Possibly. Oklahoma law provides several circumstances in which dismissed criminal charges may qualify for expungement. Eligibility can depend on why the case was dismissed, how it was resolved, your criminal history, and whether any applicable waiting period has passed.
Can I expunge a deferred sentence in Oklahoma?
Many successfully completed deferred sentences may eventually qualify for expungement. The requirements and applicable waiting period depend on the charge and your criminal history.
Can a felony be expunged in Oklahoma?
Certain felony records can qualify for expungement under Oklahoma law. Eligibility depends on factors including the type and number of felony convictions, criminal history, and the amount of time that has passed since completion of the sentence.
Do I need a pardon before I can get an expungement?
Not necessarily. A pardon is one basis for expungement under Oklahoma law, but many people qualify for expungement without first receiving a pardon.
Does an expungement completely erase my criminal record?
An expungement generally seals qualifying records from public access rather than physically destroying every record associated with the case.
How long does an Oklahoma expungement take?
The timeline depends on the court, agencies involved, whether anyone objects, and the circumstances of the case. After an expungement order is entered, the agencies maintaining the records must also process the order and seal the qualifying records.
Serving Oklahoma City & Beyond
A Smart Defense helps clients with expungement across Oklahoma, from the Oklahoma City metro area and beyond including Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, and the surrounding communities of central Oklahoma.