What Are My Options to Expunge My Criminal Record in Utah?
Start a free AI-assisted chat and connect with an experienced Utah attorney, with no obligation.
Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed January 1, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
I would like to know the ways I can expunge my records.
It’s been so long- not sure what they are.
Attorney Answer
Expungement is possible for many old Utah cases, and since you're not sure what's on your record, the first step is simply finding out. Under the Utah Expungement Act (Utah Code Title 77, Chapter 40a), expunging a case seals it from most public view, so it generally won't show up on the background checks employers and landlords run.
Because it's been a long time and you don't remember the details, start by requesting your own criminal history from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). This report shows every arrest and case tied to your name, and you'll need it before anyone, including a lawyer, can tell you what's actually eligible.
Eligibility depends heavily on the type of offense and how much time has passed since the case closed. Lower-level offenses generally become eligible sooner than serious ones, and some very serious felonies and certain offenses, like some violent or sexual offenses, are never eligible no matter how much time passes. Utah also runs an automatic "clean slate" process that clears many eligible misdemeanor and non-conviction cases without you having to file anything. The program has moved in stops and starts, so it's worth checking whether some or all of your record may already be cleared.
For anything not automatically cleared, you'll need a Certificate of Eligibility from BCI, then a petition filed with the court in the county where each case was handled. There are filing fees, though fee waivers exist for people who qualify financially.
What you can do
1. Request your full criminal history report from BCI online. This is the fastest way to see exactly what you're dealing with. 2. Ask the court or BCI whether any of your cases have already been cleared automatically before you file anything. 3. For everything else, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility through BCI once you know the case details. 4. Consider a consultation with a Utah expungement attorney, especially if your record includes a felony or several cases, since the rules change a lot by offense type.
This is general legal information, not legal advice, and a Utah criminal defense or expungement lawyer can review your actual record and advise you on your specific eligibility and timeline.
*Attorney review is supported by AI-assisted drafting and legal research algorithms. Use of this Chat does not create an attorney-client relationship.
By using this service you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.
Courts & Legal Aid in Utah
- File or look up a case through the Utah State Courts, which serves the state.
- Get free civil legal help from Utah Legal Services.
- Use the LSC — Find Legal Aid to find a local legal-aid office by ZIP code.
- Use the LawHelp.org to browse free legal information and self-help resources.
- Use the ABA Lawyer Referral Directory to get matched with a local attorney through your state bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out what's on my Utah criminal record?
You can request your personal criminal history report directly from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), either online or by mail. This report shows the arrests and cases tied to your name so you know exactly what you're working with.
What is Utah's 'clean slate' expungement process?
It's an automatic system that clears many eligible misdemeanor convictions and non-conviction cases, like dismissals and acquittals, from public record without requiring you to file a petition. Not every case qualifies, so it's still worth checking your record even if you think clean slate might apply.
What crimes can never be expunged in Utah?
Certain serious offenses, including many violent felonies and specific sex offenses, are permanently ineligible for expungement no matter how much time passes. A BCI eligibility check or an attorney can tell you definitively whether a specific charge on your record qualifies.
