Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Expungement
Here are answers to the most common questions about clearing your Oregon criminal record, including who qualifies, what it costs, and what to expect.
How long does the Oregon expungement process take?
It depends on your county and the type of record. After you file, the DA has time to review and possibly object. Some counties finish in a few weeks; others take several months.
Do I need a lawyer to file for expungement in Oregon?
No — many people file on their own. If your case is complicated or the DA objects, talking to a lawyer can help. If you want a service that handles the paperwork and mailing for you, Oregon Expungement Center can do that for $249.
How much does expungement cost in Oregon?
If you do it yourself, most people spend about $60–100 total — that covers the OSP background check ($33), fingerprinting ($15–40), and postage. Court filing fees are $0 for most set-aside filings. Oregon Expungement Center charges $249 and handles everything except fingerprinting.
Can I expunge a felony in Oregon?
Some felonies are eligible, depending on the offense class and whether it’s specifically excluded under ORS 137.225(6). Class C felonies are often eligible. Some Class B felonies may qualify too, but Class B person felonies generally can’t be expunged. Check our eligibility guide for details.
Can I expunge a DUII conviction in Oregon?
No. DUII is classified as a traffic offense under Oregon law and is not eligible for set-aside, whether it was charged as a misdemeanor or felony. If you have questions about your specific record, a licensed attorney can help.
How long do I have to wait after my conviction to file for expungement?
It depends on the class of offense: 1 year for minor misdemeanors and violations, 3 years for Class A misdemeanors, 5 years for Class C felonies, and 7 years for Class B felonies. The clock starts when you finish your sentence (including probation and paying all fines). See our eligibility guide for a plain-English breakdown.
Will expungement show up on background checks?
After a set-aside, your conviction usually won’t appear on standard background checks. But there are exceptions — some government agencies, licensing boards, and law enforcement can still see it. Check the specific rules that apply to your situation.
Can I expunge multiple convictions?
Often, yes. If the convictions are from the same case, they can usually be included in one petition. If they’re from different cases or counties, you’ll likely need separate filings for each one.
What happens if the District Attorney objects to my expungement?
If the DA objects, the court will usually schedule a hearing. You may need to provide more information or documentation. The judge makes the final decision based on the law and the facts of your case.
Can I expunge an arrest that didn’t result in a conviction?
In many cases, yes. Arrests that didn’t lead to charges, charges that were dismissed, and acquittals can often be cleared — but the process and rules are different from conviction set-asides.
Will expungement restore my gun rights?
It depends. Some firearm restrictions continue even after a state set-aside, especially under federal law. If gun rights matter to you, talk to a lawyer who handles firearms law. Shawn Kollie at Oregon Gun Law (oregongunlaw.com) is excellent at helping restore gun rights.
Can I expunge a sex crime or conviction requiring sex offender registration?
Most sex offenses requiring registration are not eligible for set-aside. Some other sex offenses and crimes involving minors may also be excluded. Check ORS 137.225(6) for the full list of exclusions, or see our eligibility guide.
Do I need to attend a court hearing?
Usually not. Most set-asides are granted without a hearing if the DA doesn’t object. If there is an objection or the court needs more information, they’ll schedule a hearing and notify you by mail.
How do I get my fingerprints taken for the OSP background check?
You can go to a private fingerprint vendor (like a UPS store) or some local law enforcement agencies. Expect to pay $15–40. You’ll need your fingerprints on an FD-258 card. Follow OSP’s current instructions for your request type.
Can I check the status of my expungement petition?
Yes. You can call the court clerk’s office with your case number, or some counties have online case lookup tools. How much detail they can give you varies by county.
What if I made a mistake on my forms?
Contact the court clerk’s office — depending on the error, you may be able to submit a correction or you may need to refile. If you’re not sure what to do, a licensed attorney can advise you.
Can I expunge federal convictions in Oregon state court?
No. Oregon courts can only expunge Oregon state convictions. For federal convictions, you’d need to go through the federal court system, which has its own rules and process.
Will the court notify me when my expungement is granted?
Yes — courts usually mail a signed copy of the order to the address on your filing. Timing varies by county. Keep this order in a safe place for your records.
Does Oregon Expungement Center’s screening guarantee apply to everyone?
Oregon Expungement Center publishes its guarantee and refund terms on its website. For current details on what’s covered, visit OregonExpungement.com.
Still Have Questions?
This page covers the basics, but every situation is different. If you need legal advice, talk to a licensed attorney. If you want help with the paperwork and filing, visit Oregon Expungement Center.
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