Clean Slate Laws: State by State

What Are Clean Slate Laws?

Clean slate laws refer to regulations that allow individuals with certain criminal records to have their records sealed or expunged after meeting specific conditions. These laws aim to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities by providing eligible individuals with a fresh start. Clean slate laws vary by state and jurisdiction, with eligibility often depending on factors such as the type of offense, time elapsed since conviction, and completion of sentencing requirements.

By sealing or expunging records, these laws limit the impact of older or resolved criminal history information on decisions made by employers, landlords, and others conducting background checks.

It’s important to note that clean slate laws, like all laws, are subject to change over time. The information below is a courtesy resource created in February 2025 and may include details that are inaccurate or outdated. For the most up-to-date information on clean slate laws in your area, always check with your city, county, and state authorities. If you have any questions about the laws in your state, feel free to contact us!