Expungement & Record Sealing Defense in Salt Lake City and Orem
A past arrest or criminal conviction should not be a permanent sentence to unemployment, housing rejections, or a damaged reputation. Whether you are seeking a new career along the Wasatch Front, applying for a professional license, or simply looking for peace of mind, clearing your criminal history is one of the most powerful legal investments you can make.
At Stowell Crayk, PLLC, we provide skilled, aggressive representation for individuals seeking expungement and record sealing across Salt Lake City, Orem, and surrounding Utah communities. We navigate the bureaucratic complexities of the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and local court systems so you can move forward with a clean slate.
What Does Expungement Mean in Utah?
Under the Utah Expungement Act, expunging a record means ordering the sealing of all records related to an arrest, investigation, detention, or conviction. Once a judge signs an expungement order and government agencies process it, the record is removed from public view.
Crucially, under Utah law, you are legally permitted to answer “no” when asked if you have been arrested or convicted of that crime on job applications, housing leases, and standard background checks.
Utah Expungement Eligibility & Waiting Periods
Before filing a petition in court, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Utah BCI. Eligibility depends on your total criminal history across all jurisdictions and whether enough statutory time has passed since your conviction or completion of probation, parole, and incarceration.
| Offense Category | Required Waiting Period |
| DUI / Impaired Driving | 10 years |
| Eligible Felonies | 7 years |
| Class A Misdemeanors | 5 years |
| Class B Misdemeanors | 4 years |
| Class C Misdemeanors & Infractions | 3 years |
| Arrests Without Conviction (Dismissals) | 30 days |
Why You Need an Experienced Defense Attorney
While Utah recently implemented the Clean Slate law to automatically clear certain minor misdemeanor records, the vast majority of serious charges, felonies, and complex criminal histories still require the traditional, petition-based legal process.
Working with Stowell Crayk ensures your petition is handled without costly delays or procedural rejections. Our legal defense team helps you by:
- Auditing Your BCI Background Check: We review your full state and FBI criminal history to identify eligible charges and address any unpaid fines or restitution that could trigger an immediate BCI denial.
- Drafting & Filing Court Petitions: We prepare airtight legal petitions and file them in the appropriate jurisdiction—whether in Salt Lake County’s Third District Court, Utah County’s Second District Court in Orem, or local municipal justice courts.
- Overcoming Prosecutor Objections: Prosecutors have the legal right to object to your petition. If a district attorney pushes back, we advocate for you in contested court hearings, presenting clear and convincing evidence that sealing your record serves the public interest.
- Finalizing Record Sealing: Once the judge signs your order, we ensure certified copies are properly served to the BCI, arresting police departments, and booking agencies, so your data is permanently removed from public databases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does expungement mean in Utah?
Under the Utah Expungement Act, expunging a record means ordering the sealing of all records related to an arrest, investigation, detention, or conviction. Once a judge signs an expungement order and government agencies process it, the record is removed from public view.
Can I say I have never been arrested after my record is expunged?
Yes. Under Utah law, you are legally permitted to answer “no” when asked if you have been arrested or convicted of that crime on job applications, housing leases, and standard background checks.
Why do I need a lawyer for expungement?
While some minor records may be cleared automatically under the Clean Slate law, most serious charges, felonies, and complex criminal histories require a traditional, petition-based process. An experienced defense attorney ensures your petition is handled without costly delays, helps you obtain the necessary Certificate of Eligibility, and advocates for you if a prosecutor objects to your petition.
Contact Us Today
Do not let an old criminal charge hold back your earning potential and personal freedom. Whether you are in Salt Lake City, Orem, or anywhere across Salt Lake and Utah counties, the attorneys at Stowell Crayk, PLLC are ready to help you reclaim your future. Contact us today to learn more about our services!