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How Much Does Expungement Cost? (2026 Guide)

Attorney: $500–$2K. Filing: $100–$400.

Updated Mar 2026Legal$500–$2K
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Expungement Costs

TypeCostTimelineNotes
Misdemeanor (single charge)$400–$1,5002-6 monthsHighest approval rate
Multiple misdemeanors$800–$3,0003-8 monthsEach charge adds complexity
Felony expungement$1,000–$4,0004-12 monthsNot available in all states
Juvenile record$200–$1,0002-4 monthsOften easier to seal
How Costs Compare
17%
33%
42%
8%
Misdemeanor (single charg 17%
Multiple misdemeanors 33%
Felony expungement 42%
Juvenile record 8%

Pro Tips

Check your eligibility BEFORE hiring a lawyer — Many states have free online eligibility tools. Don't pay an attorney $500+ just to find out you don't qualify
Legal aid organizations offer free expungement help — Many cities have free expungement clinics. Check your local legal aid society — they handle hundreds of these cases
Filing fees are waivable if you can't afford them — Most courts grant fee waivers for low-income applicants. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver application
Clean Record Laws are expanding eligibility — Many states have passed "Clean Slate" laws automatically expunging certain records. Check if your state has this — you may already be eligible without filing
Expungement doesn't erase everything — Some background check companies retain old data even after expungement. You may need to follow up with the major background check companies to ensure records are updated
The ROI of expungement is massive — Studies show expungement increases earnings by 25% on average. If your record costs you $10K+/year in lost income, a $1,000-$3,000 expungement fee pays for itself in months

What You Need to Know

Expungement removes a criminal record from public databases, making it invisible to most background checks. After expungement, you can legally answer "no" to most questions about criminal history on job and housing applications. Eligibility varies dramatically by state — some states expunge misdemeanors easily, others have strict waiting periods and exclusions. The process typically takes 2-12 months and costs $400-$4,000 including attorney fees and court filing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does expungement cost?▼
$400-$4,000 total. Court filing: $100-$400. Attorney: $400-$3,000. DIY (filing fee only): $100-$400. Legal aid clinics: often free.
How long does expungement take?▼
2-12 months depending on state, charge type, and court backlog. Misdemeanors: 2-6 months. Felonies: 4-12 months. Some states process faster than others.
Can felonies be expunged?▼
In many states, yes — certain non-violent felonies can be expunged after a waiting period (typically 5-10 years). Violent felonies and sex offenses are generally not eligible. Check your state's specific law.
Do I need a lawyer for expungement?▼
Not always — misdemeanor expungement in simple cases can be self-filed. For felonies, multiple charges, or if you need a hearing, an attorney significantly improves your chances of approval.
What shows up after expungement?▼
For most purposes, the record disappears from background checks. However, law enforcement and certain government agencies may still see it. Some states seal records (limited access) rather than fully expunge (destroy).
Will expungement help me get a job?▼
Yes — most employers run background checks, and an expunged record won't appear. Studies show expunged individuals earn 22-25% more on average than those with visible records.
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📊 Data Sources
Pricing from provider surveys, RealSelf, and industry reports. Updated March 2026.