📅 2026 Update: Changes in Criminal Records and Expungement

Since the original article was published, several important developments have occurred in the area of criminal records and expungement. New laws have been enacted that impact survivors of human trafficking and streamline the expungement process in various states. The information below highlights these significant changes, while the original article continues further down the page.

🌍 Federal Expungement for Human Trafficking Survivors

On January 23, 2026, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) became law. This act allows survivors of human trafficking to petition for the expungement of nonviolent federal convictions that are directly related to their victimization. This change aims to help survivors move forward with their lives without the burden of a criminal record.

🗓️ Colorado's Clean Slate Act

Effective July 1, 2024, Colorado's Clean Slate Act began automatically sealing certain criminal records. Misdemeanor records are sealed after seven years, while certain felony records are sealed after ten years. By mid-2025, hundreds of thousands of records had been sealed, showing significant progress in providing relief to individuals with eligible criminal histories.

🚀 Delaware's Automatic Expungement

Delaware started its automatic expungement process on August 1, 2024, focusing on low-level offenses. Initial progress was slow, with only 805 records cleared by November 2024. However, a new automated system was launched to speed up the process and help more individuals have their records cleared.

📲 Oklahoma's Expungement Legislation

In May 2026, Oklahoma passed Senate Bill 2030. This law mandates the creation of an online expungement portal by November 1, 2026. Automatic expungement will begin by November 1, 2027, with all eligible records targeted for processing by November 1, 2029.

These steps are aimed at simplifying the expungement process for residents.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🌟 TSRA allows federal expungement for human trafficking survivors.
  • 🕒 Colorado seals misdemeanor records after seven years.
  • 📅 Delaware's automatic expungement targets low-level offenses.
  • 🚀 Oklahoma establishes an online portal for expungement by late 2026.
  • 🆓 Many states offer free automatic expungement options.

💡 Tips for Navigating Criminal Records

Review your personal situation with your attorney to ensure you understand your options regarding criminal records.

📝 Confirm Your Eligibility

Before pursuing expungement, it's essential to confirm your eligibility based on your specific circumstances. Different states have varying rules regarding which offenses can be expunged.

📑 Gather Necessary Documents

Collect all required documents related to your criminal case. This may include arrest records, court documents, and any other relevant paperwork. Having everything organized can help streamline the expungement process.

💻 Utilize Online Resources

Many states now offer online portals for expungement applications. For example, Oklahoma will have an online expungement portal by November 1, 2026. Using these resources can save time and simplify the process.

⏳ Be Aware of Processing Times

Processing times for expungement can vary by state. In Colorado, for example, hundreds of thousands of records were sealed by mid-2025. Knowing expected timelines can help manage your expectations.

📞 Seek Assistance

Take advantage of free resources available in your state. Organizations like the ACLU of Delaware assist with the automatic expungement process, making it easier for individuals to navigate their options.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section lists services relevant to expungement and criminal record clearing, based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026. The scores indicate customer satisfaction but are only one part of the overall picture. Keep in mind that unhappy customers may leave more reviews, and the sample sizes can differ.

🥇 1. CILA

CILA holds a Trustpilot score of 5.0. It is known for its expungement eligibility checks and record clearing services. However, its services are limited to certain jurisdictions, so availability may vary based on location.

🥈 2. RecordGone

RecordGone has a Trustpilot score of 4.9. This service specializes in national expungement services and record clearing. Reviewers appreciate its effectiveness, but processing times can vary depending on the state, which may be a consideration for potential clients.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

Many states offer free options for expungement assistance. Delaware and Illinois, for example, provide automatic expungement services at no cost. Engaging with these resources can be an effective way to navigate the expungement process without incurring expenses.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 📊 Trustpilot scores and customer reviews.
  • ⚖️ Types of records eligible for expungement.
  • ⏰ Average processing times by state.
  • 💰 Any associated fees for services.
  • 📍 Availability in your jurisdiction.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What types of offenses can be expunged?

The types of offenses eligible for expungement vary by state. Generally, nonviolent misdemeanors and certain low-level felonies are more likely to qualify.

🔍 How does the Clean Slate Act work in Colorado?

Under Colorado's Clean Slate Act, certain misdemeanor records are sealed after seven years, while specific felonies are sealed after ten years. The process is automatic and aims to help many individuals.

📜 Can federal convictions be expunged?

Federal convictions are generally difficult to expunge, with one narrow exception for first-time simple drug possession under the Controlled Substances Act. Other federal offenses do not typically qualify for expungement.

🗂️ How can I access automatic expungement in Delaware?

Delaware's automatic expungement process began on August 1, 2024, and targets low-level offenses. Individuals do not need to apply or pay fees, as the process is automatic.

🧾 What should I do if my expungement is denied?

If your expungement application is denied, you may have the option to reapply after a certain period. It's essential to review the reasons for denial and seek further guidance if needed.

📅 When will Oklahoma's automatic expungement start?

Oklahoma's automatic expungement will begin on November 1, 2027, following the establishment of an online expungement portal by November 1, 2026.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Expungement

Recent court rulings have influenced the landscape of criminal records and expungement processes. These decisions affect how individuals can clear their records and what laws apply to them.

Readers can browse more rulings on the news page to find recent developments in this area.

End of October 2026 Update





What is a
Criminal Record?



A criminal record is a legal document which
provides information about someone’s history of criminal activity or contact
with law enforcement agencies and the broader legal system. A criminal record
contains an assortment of information. Oftentimes these forms of information
vary depending on the age of the underlying individual and the country.



Criminal
Records are utilized to conduct background checks, which are formal
investigations of an individual’s past in regards to any illegal actions
committed. Criminal records, therefore, are the foundation of a background
check which is commonly used by employers and Government bodies to reveal a
prospective individual’s criminal past.



In its most
basic sense, criminal records will contain a list of crimes committed by the subject
individual. More detailed criminal records will include the specifics
associated with the individual’s arrests as well as the attached outcomes.

A Guide to Criminal Records


Criminal
records also list the basic information, such as the height, weight, and
ethnicity of the subject individual. This information is used to create a
description of the individual. This description is attached to an address which
enables law enforcement agencies to locate assailants in an expedited fashion.



Criminal
records are a part of the public domain, meaning they are stored in a
municipality’s database and can be reviewed by any member of the public. This,
however, is not the case with juvenile records, which are sealed and only
accessible under specialized circumstances.



An
individual can view someone’s criminal record by filing a records request with
the applicable local municipality. In addition to the request, the observer
will have to pay a small fee.