Getting a Copy of Your Montana Criminal Record
Which Montana agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: Montana allows a one-time court expungement of misdemeanor records. Expungement means permanently destroying, deleting or erasing the record from the state's criminal history system. Felonies cannot be expunged. MCA §§ 46-18-1103, 46-18-1104, 46-18-204, 16-12-113, 41-5-216, 46-23-301
| What relief the state offers | Montana allows a one-time court expungement of misdemeanor records. Expungement means permanently destroying, deleting or erasing the record from the state's criminal history system. Felonies cannot be expunged. However, a felony sentence that was deferred is dismissed when the deferral ends successfully, and the records become confidential. Montana also allows expungement or resentencing of marijuana convictions under the 2020 marijuana law, automatic sealing of most youth court records at age 18, and executive clemency (including pardons) from the Governor. |
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Where to get help in Montana
More Montana expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Montana
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Montana
- How to File for Expungement in Montana
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Montana
- All Montana expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Montana?
Montana allows a one-time court expungement of misdemeanor records. Expungement means permanently destroying, deleting or erasing the record from the state's criminal history system. Felonies cannot be expunged. However, a felony sentence that was deferred is dismissed when the deferral ends successfully, and the records become confidential. Montana also allows expungement or resentencing of marijuana convictions under the 2020 marijuana law, automatic sealing of most youth court records at age 18, and executive clemency (including pardons) from the Governor.
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.