Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Iowa
Which felony convictions can be expunged or sealed in Iowa, the waiting period, and how to file.
Short answer: The expungement provisions reviewed do not allow expunging felony convictions. A felony charge that ended in acquittal or dismissal can be expunged under the non-conviction rule, and a felony that received a deferred judgment is expunged after successful discharge from probation and… Iowa Code §§ 901C.2, 901C.3, 907.9(4)(b)
| Felony convictions | The expungement provisions reviewed do not allow expunging felony convictions. A felony charge that ended in acquittal or dismissal can be expunged under the non-conviction rule, and a felony that received a deferred judgment is expunged after successful discharge from probation and payment of financial obligations. No official statement was found confirming there is no other felony expungement route. |
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| How to apply | For acquittals and dismissals, the defendant or prosecutor applies to the court in the criminal case (or the court acts on its own), and parties get a chance to object. For a misdemeanor conviction, the defendant files an application in the county where the conviction occurred and must prove each requirement. The Iowa Supreme Court may set procedural rules for these applications. |
| What clearing a record does | An expunged record is confidential and exempt from public access. For acquittals, dismissals and deferred judgments, the clerk still provides it without a court order to the defendant and to agencies with access to the deferred judgment docket; an expunged misdemeanor conviction is available only by court order, and the conviction is removed from the Department of Public Safety's criminal history files. Immigration authorities may treat expunged convictions differently. |
Where to get help in Iowa
More Iowa expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Iowa Criminal Record
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Iowa
- How to File for Expungement in Iowa
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Iowa
- All Iowa expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
Can a felony be expunged in Iowa?
The expungement provisions reviewed do not allow expunging felony convictions. A felony charge that ended in acquittal or dismissal can be expunged under the non-conviction rule, and a felony that received a deferred judgment is expunged after successful discharge from probation and payment of financial obligations.
How do you file for expungement in Iowa?
For acquittals and dismissals, the defendant or prosecutor applies to the court in the criminal case (or the court acts on its own), and parties get a chance to object. For a misdemeanor conviction, the defendant files an application in the county where the conviction occurred and must prove each requirement. The Iowa Supreme Court may set procedural rules for these applications.
What happens after a record is expunged or sealed in Iowa?
An expunged record is confidential and exempt from public access. For acquittals, dismissals and deferred judgments, the clerk still provides it without a court order to the defendant and to agencies with access to the deferred judgment docket; an expunged misdemeanor conviction is available only by court order, and the conviction is removed from the Department of Public Safety's criminal history files. Immigration authorities may treat expunged convictions differently.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.