How to get a felony expunged in Tennessee

Maybe you’ve done things in your past you’re not so proud of now. You’re a changed human. So, does this mean you can get your criminal record erased in this great state of Tennessee? 

It depends. 

As a criminal defense attorney who proudly represents the criminally accused in Knoxville and beyond, I’ve seen my fair share of people who attempt to get their slate wiped clean. 

In this article, I’ll review: 

• Whether you are eligible to getting your felony expunged in Tennessee, and 

• If you are… the 3 exact steps on how to do just that. 

What is expungement?

Expungement is a process in which your criminal record is erased from public record. This means your record is considered entirely erased as far as the law is concerned. 

Why get your record expunged in Tennessee? 

If you have a criminal record in TN, you can’t: 

• Vote

• Carry firearms

• Apply to certain college or graduate programs 

• Get certain jobs 

• Live certain places 

• Or even improve your credit rating 

Are You Eligible for Expungement in Tennessee?

You can only get your criminal record expunged in Tennessee if you meet the following criteria: 

1. You have only 1 or 2 criminal convictions 

2. You had charges against you dismissed 

3. You completed your sentence 5 years ago or more. 

4. You have completed all court obligations 

   • including coughing up all the costs, fines, and fees associated with court – case must be paid off 

   • You were like an angel to your parole officer 

5. You committed your crime after November 1, 1989 

6. You never committed the following offenses: 

• Assault

• Domestic assault

• Aggravated assault

• Aggravated burglary

• Stalking

• Unlawful sexual contact

• Child abuse

• Child neglect and endangerment

• Rape

• Murder

• Robbery

• Driving under the influence (DUI)

1. Offenses that ARE eligible for expungement in Tennessee include:

   • Boating under the influence

   • Public intoxication 

   • Possession of drugs

   • Theft and shoplifting

   • Vandalism  

   • Possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia

   • Driving while impaired 

   • Disorderly conduct   

Sound like you? 

How to get your criminal record expunged in Tennessee 

It feels good to get the slate wiped clean. Here is the step-by-step process to getting your criminal record expunged: 

1. Pay all court costs, if your conviction said “dismissed with costs”. 

2. Gather the information about the case (including the docket #) 

   1. Obtain a record of your case from the court clerk. 

3. File a request with the court where your case originated

   1. This requires you filling out specific forms to make this request. 

Let Us Help You Get Your Criminal Record Expunged in Tennessee 

My team and I are highly experienced and will work hard for you when it comes to getting your criminal record expunged. You’ve been through enough. 

Let us assist you in erasing your public record. Reach out to us today to get the process started instead of doing it alone.