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Expungements

Experienced Expungement Lawyer in Southern Oregon

Matt is an experienced expungement lawyer representing clients throughout Southern Oregon who are interested in removing certain types of criminal arrests, charges, and convictions from their records.

Matt understands that misdemeanors and felony convictions can stand in the way of your success, including your ability to seek employment, apply for a lease or loan, qualify for subsidized housing, or retain or renew a professional license, and we want to help put these challenges behind you.

Certain criminal convictions can also impact a person’s ability to own or possess firearms.  Matt can help you restore your firearms rights.

Additionally, even if a crime is not subject to expungement, Matt is familiar with Oregon’s Senate Bill 819, and he can assist you with submitting an application to the district attorney to have your criminal conviction modified after you have successfully served your sentence.

Our Services

  • Providing counsel
  • Filing motions with court 
  • Preparing and submitting the requisite documents to the district attorney
  • Attending all court appearances

Resources

Five Frequently Asked Questions

What types of charges can be expunged from my criminal record in Oregon?

If you were arrested and charged with a crime but the charges were dismissed or you were acquitted, you can petition the court to set aside your record.  If you have a conviction on your record, you may be eligible for expungement. Not every type of conviction is eligible for expungement in Oregon. However, some of the most common types of cases that are eligible may include:

  • Class C felony convictions for possession of most drugs, including Schedule I Substances.
  • Other misdemeanors and Class B or Class C felonies may be reversed, including theft and burglary charges.
  • Some domestic violence and assault crimes, depending on the degree of assault and the number of domestic violence convictions on your record.
The following is a general list of convictions that are not eligible for expungement:
  • DUII and traffic offense convictions.
  • Class A felonies that are not marijuana related.
  • Most sex crimes.
  • Most drug delivery and manufacturing charges
  • Class A and B felony robberies.
  • Child and elder abuse and assault.

If you are not eligible for expungement, alternative options may be available to clear up your criminal history; an experienced attorney like Matt should be able to help you analyzed your record to see if these options are available.

How much time must pass before I can seek expungement of a crime in Oregon?

Qualifying to have your charges set aside requires:

  • You have not been arrested for anything other than a traffic violation in the last three years.
  • You have not been convicted of a crime, other than a traffic offense, within the last ten years.
  • You have not had a conviction set aside within the last ten years.
  • There are no current criminal proceedings against you.
  • You have not had a DUI charge dismissed after completing a diversion program.
Why would an Oregon resident seek an expungement?
All Oregon residents must know that they do not have to be convicted of a crime for their arrest or charges — even when dismissed — to appear on their record during a criminal background check. That means, when they are looking for a job, apartment, or volunteering opportunities, a detailed background check will reveal their arrests, charges, and convictions. This can lead to significant obstacles in their personal, professional, and social lives going forward. Matt can help you understand your eligibility to wipe your record clean so you can have a fresh start.
How does the expungement process work in Oregon?

The Oregon expungement process begins with partnering with an experienced attorney who can guide you through your eligibility, and the necessary paperwork to ensure the request is properly compiled, processed, and completed. All documents require a legal fingerprint card and will go through an Oregon State Police background check, district attorney review, and signature approvals. If your request for expungement is approved, the official signed order — and a cleared record — typically follows in three to four months.

Are there alternatives to expungement that are available in Oregon to clear my criminal record?

Yes.  The Oregon legislature passed Senate Bill 819 that grants authority to the district attorneys’ offices to modify criminal charges or dismiss them entirely in the interest of justice after a sentence has been served.  When expungement is not available, Matt will explore whether an 819 application to the district attorney is a viable option to clearing your record. 

Matthew Rowan Law
219 S. Holly St.
Medford, OR 97501