How long you wait to clear a record in Alabama
When you can ask to clear a record in Alabama.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
In Alabama you wait a set time before you can ask. The time depends on the case.
- Main remedy
- Expungement of non-conviction records (Ala. Code 15-27-1(a), 15-27-2(a))
- Waiting periods
- Dismissed with prejudice, no-billed, not guilty, or nolle prossed (any charge): You can file once more than 90 days have passed, counted from the dismissal, no-bill, acquittal or nolle pros
Indictment quashed: You can file once the time limit for refiling has run out, or the prosecutor confirms the charge will not be refiled, counted from the quash order
Charge dismissed after a drug court, diversion or other deferred prosecution program: 1 year, counted from successful completion of the program
Your earliest date in Alabama
Pick your kind of case and the date the waiting period runs from. We add the waiting period from the law; nothing else.
Waiting periods: Expungement of non-conviction records (Ala. Code 15-27-1(a), 15-27-2(a))
Misdemeanor, violation, traffic, municipal and felony charges that were dismissed, no-billed, nolle prossed, quashed, ended in acquittal, or dismissed after a drug court, diversion or other deferred prosecution program. Also charges committed while you were a victim of human trafficking.
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Dismissed with prejudice, no-billed, not guilty, or nolle prossed (any charge) | See the rule You can file once more than 90 days have passed. | The dismissal, no-bill, acquittal or nolle pros |
Indictment quashed | See the rule You can file once the time limit for refiling has run out, or the prosecutor confirms the charge will not be refiled. | The quash order |
Charge dismissed after a drug court, diversion or other deferred prosecution program | 1 year You can file one year after you complete the program. | Successful completion of the program |
Misdemeanor or violation dismissed without prejudice | 1 year You can file if more than one year has passed, the charge was not refiled, and you had no other conviction (except minor traffic) in the last 2 years. | The dismissal |
Felony dismissed without prejudice | 5 years You can file if more than five years have passed, the charge was not refiled, and you had no other conviction (except minor traffic) in the last 5 years. | The dismissal |
- Limits
- The law sets no fixed number: after your first expungement, the judge decides how many more cases may be expunged. The petition form CR-65 asks whether earlier expungements were granted, and you must list them in your sworn statement (15-27-3(a)).
Law: Ala. Code §§ 15-27-1(a), 15-27-2(a), 15-27-3 to 15-27-5
Source: Official text
Waiting periods: Expungement of misdemeanor, violation, traffic and municipal convictions (Ala. Code 15-27-1(b))
Misdemeanor, violation, traffic violation and municipal ordinance convictions, and youthful offender adjudications for those charges (since 2024)
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Misdemeanor, violation, traffic or municipal conviction | 3 years You can file three years after the date of conviction, once probation or parole is complete and all fines, costs and restitution are paid. | Date of conviction |
- Not eligible
- Violent offenses; sex offenses (15-20A-5); crimes involving moral turpitude, except some former felonies reclassified as misdemeanors in 2015 if you had no arrest for 15 years; serious traffic offenses; certain commercial driver offenses if you were driving a commercial vehicle or held a CDL
- Limits
- The law sets no fixed number: after your first expungement, the judge decides how many more cases may be expunged. The petition form CR-65 asks whether earlier expungements were granted, and you must list them in your sworn statement (15-27-3(a)).
Law: Ala. Code § 15-27-1(b)
Source: Official text
Waiting periods: Expungement of a pardoned felony conviction (Ala. Code 15-27-2(c))
Felony convictions for which you received a pardon with restoration of civil and political rights
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Pardoned felony conviction | See the rule You can file 180 days after your certificate of pardon was issued, once all your civil and political rights have been restored. | Date the certificate of pardon was issued |
- Not eligible
- Violent offenses (except some offenses committed while a trafficking victim); sex offenses; crimes involving moral turpitude (with the 2015 reclassification exception); serious traffic offenses; certain commercial driver offenses
- Limits
- The law sets no fixed number: after your first expungement, the judge decides how many more cases may be expunged. The petition form CR-65 asks whether earlier expungements were granted, and you must list them in your sworn statement (15-27-3(a)).
Law: Ala. Code § 15-27-2(c)
Source: Official text
In nearby states
- Mississippi: Dismissed, dropped, no disposition, or not guilty: No waiting period, counted from the dismissal or verdict
- Georgia: Dismissed, nolle prossed or acquitted after charges: No waiting period, counted from final disposition
- Tennessee: Dismissed, nolle prosequi, no true bill, or not guilty: No waiting period, counted from dismissal or verdict
Steps after the wait in Alabama
Find your dates
Your court papers show when the case ended and when your sentence was done.
Read the full rule
Exclusions and new offenses can matter more than the wait.
File when you are ready
Once enough time has passed, see how to file. How to file.
Talk to legal aid
Free help: Legal Services Alabama.
Where to get free help in Alabama
Questions about waiting periods in Alabama
Can I clear a conviction in Alabama?
Expungement of non-conviction records: Misdemeanor, violation, traffic, municipal and felony charges that were dismissed, no-billed, nolle prossed, quashed, ended in acquittal, or dismissed after a drug court, diversion or other deferred prosecution program. Also charges committed while you were a victim of human trafficking. Expungement of misdemeanor, violation, traffic and municipal convictions: Misdemeanor, violation, traffic violation and municipal ordinance convictions, and youthful offender adjudications for those charges (since 2024). Expungement of a pardoned felony conviction: Felony convictions for which you received a pardon with restoration of civil and political rights.
When can I ask to clear my record in Alabama?
Dismissed with prejudice, no-billed, not guilty, or nolle prossed (any charge): You can file once more than 90 days have passed, counted from the dismissal, no-bill, acquittal or nolle pros; Indictment quashed: You can file once the time limit for refiling has run out, or the prosecutor confirms the charge will not be refiled, counted from the quash order; Charge dismissed after a drug court, diversion or other deferred prosecution program: 1 year, counted from successful completion of the program; Misdemeanor or violation dismissed without prejudice: 1 year, counted from the dismissal.