Expunction of arrests and dismissed or not-guilty cases (Miss. Code § 99-19-71(4); § 99-15-59) in Mississippi: which records can be cleared
Each way to clear a record in Mississippi, what it covers, the exclusions and the effect.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
In Mississippi it is called expunction (expungement): an expunction order removes the case from all public records and restores you, in the eyes of the law, to the status you had before the arrest. Some misdemeanor and felony convictions may be cleared.
- Main remedy
- Expunction of arrests and dismissed or not-guilty cases (Miss. Code § 99-19-71(4); § 99-15-59)
- What it covers
- Arrests where you were released and the case was dismissed, the charges were dropped, there was no disposition, or you were found not guilty; misdemeanor arrests or citations not formally charged within 12 months.
- Ways to clear a record
- 6
Ways to clear a record in Mississippi
Expunction (expungement) — An expunction order removes the case from all public records and restores you, in the eyes of the law, to the status you had before the arrest. The Mississippi Criminal Information Center and the district attorney keep a nonpublic copy for limited purposes.
Mississippi has 6 ways to clear a record. Each covers different records and has its own waiting period.
Expunction of arrests and dismissed or not-guilty cases (Miss. Code § 99-19-71(4); § 99-15-59)
Arrests where you were released and the case was dismissed, the charges were dropped, there was no disposition, or you were found not guilty; misdemeanor arrests or citations not formally charged within 12 months.
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Dismissed, dropped, no disposition, or not guilty | No waiting period You may petition at any time after the case ends; the court must grant it. | The dismissal or verdict |
Misdemeanor arrest or citation never formally charged | 1 year If you were not formally charged within 12 months of the arrest, you may apply to the court to expunge it (or after the charge is dismissed). | The arrest |
Law: Miss. Code Ann. §§ 99-19-71(4), 99-15-59
Source: Official text
Expunction after nonadjudication (Miss. Code § 99-15-26)
Cases where the circuit, county, justice or municipal court withheld acceptance of a guilty plea (nonadjudication) and dismissed the case after you completed the conditions. Crimes against the person, crimes of violence and some other offenses cannot get nonadjudication.
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Nonadjudication completed and case dismissed | No waiting period After you complete the conditions and the case is dismissed, you may petition the court to expunge the record. | Dismissal |
Law: Miss. Code Ann. § 99-15-26(4), (5)
Source: Official text
Expunction of a misdemeanor conviction — first offender (Miss. Code § 99-19-71(1))
A misdemeanor conviction that is not a traffic violation, if you are a first offender.
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Misdemeanor conviction (first offender) | See the rule The statute sets no waiting period; you may petition the court where you were convicted. | Conviction |
- Not eligible
- Traffic violations; convictions of public officials related to their official duties.
- Limits
- Only if you are a first offender.
Law: Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71(1), (5)
Source: Official text
Expunction of misdemeanors by a justice or municipal court (Miss. Code §§ 9-11-15(3), 21-23-7(6))
Any or all misdemeanor convictions entered in that justice court or municipal court.
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Misdemeanor conviction in justice or municipal court | 2 years The judge may expunge your misdemeanors from that court if you show rehabilitation and 2 years of good conduct since your last conviction in any court. | Your last conviction in any court |
- Limits
- The judge decides; it is not a right. The order does not reach confidential law-enforcement records or your driving record.
Law: Miss. Code Ann. §§ 9-11-15(3), 21-23-7(6)
Source: Official text
Expunction of one felony conviction (Miss. Code § 99-19-71(2))
One felony conviction (all convictions from the same set of facts count as one), after you have paid all fines and court costs.
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Eligible felony | 3 years Since July 1, 2026, you may petition 3 years after you complete every term and condition of your sentence (it was 5 years before). | Successful completion of all terms and conditions of the sentence |
- Not eligible
- Crimes of violence; first-degree arson; drug trafficking; third or later DUI; felon in possession of a firearm; failure to register as a sex offender; voyeurism; witness intimidation; abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable person; embezzlement; felony procuring or promoting prostitution; convictions of public officials related to their official duties.
- Limits
- Only one felony expunction in your lifetime.
Law: Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71(2), as amended by 2026 H.B. 1546 (effective July 1, 2026); § 97-3-2; § 41-29-139; §§ 97-11-25, 97-23-19
Source: Official text
Expunction for human-trafficking victims (Miss. Code § 97-3-54.6)
Misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions or delinquency adjudications for conduct during the time you were being trafficked.
| Kind of case | Waiting period | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
Offense committed while being trafficked | No waiting period You may file a motion at any time; the court must find by a preponderance of the evidence that the offense happened while you were trafficked. | Anytime |
- Not eligible
- Crimes of violence under § 97-3-2.
Law: Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-54.6, as amended by 2026 H.B. 1546
Source: Official text
After your record is cleared
After expunction you are restored to the status you had before the arrest and cannot be charged with perjury or false statement for not mentioning the arrest, indictment or conviction — except in later proceedings checking whether you are a first offender. However, employers may still ask whether you have had an expunction order, and if you are called for jury duty you must tell the judge privately when asked.
Law: Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71(3)
Juvenile records in Mississippi
The youth court may seal records once you turn 20, if it dismisses the case, or if it sets aside an adjudication; it may also seal records at any time on its own motion or on your application.
Law: Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-263
Pardons in Mississippi
- Who decides
- The Governor
- How
- Apply to the Governor. Under the state constitution, a felony pardon may be granted only after the application has been published for 30 days in a newspaper in the county where the crime was committed. The Parole Board may investigate clemency applications for the Governor.
Law: Miss. Const. art. 5, § 124
In nearby states
Steps to clear a record in Mississippi
See what is on your record
Your record lists each case; you need it to see which remedy fits.
Check the waiting period
Each kind of case has its own waiting period. Waiting periods.
Start the case
The court decides each request. How to file.
Ask for free help
Ask for free help: Mississippi Center for Justice — Expungement (clinics; intake may be paused) and Mississippi Legal Services (LawHelp network).
Free help in Mississippi
Questions about clearing a record in Mississippi
What does Mississippi call expungement?
Expunction (expungement). An expunction order removes the case from all public records and restores you, in the eyes of the law, to the status you had before the arrest. The Mississippi Criminal Information Center and the district attorney keep a nonpublic copy for limited purposes.
Can I clear a conviction in Mississippi?
Expunction of arrests and dismissed or not-guilty cases: Arrests where you were released and the case was dismissed, the charges were dropped, there was no disposition, or you were found not guilty; misdemeanor arrests or citations not formally charged within 12 months. Expunction after nonadjudication: Cases where the circuit, county, justice or municipal court withheld acceptance of a guilty plea (nonadjudication) and dismissed the case after you completed the conditions. Crimes against the person, crimes of violence and some other offenses cannot get nonadjudication. Expunction of a misdemeanor conviction — first offender: A misdemeanor conviction that is not a traffic violation, if you are a first offender. Expunction of misdemeanors by a justice or municipal court: Any or all misdemeanor convictions entered in that justice court or municipal court. Expunction of one felony conviction: One felony conviction (all convictions from the same set of facts count as one), after you have paid all fines and court costs. Expunction for human-trafficking victims: Misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions or delinquency adjudications for conduct during the time you were being trafficked.
Are juvenile records sealed in Mississippi?
The youth court may seal records once you turn 20, if it dismisses the case, or if it sets aside an adjudication; it may also seal records at any time on its own motion or on your application.
What changes after a record is cleared in Mississippi?
After expunction you are restored to the status you had before the arrest and cannot be charged with perjury or false statement for not mentioning the arrest, indictment or conviction — except in later proceedings checking whether you are a first offender. However, employers may still ask whether you have had an expunction order, and if you are called for jury duty you must tell the judge privately when asked.