How Much Does it Cost to Get a Felony Expunged?
When facing a felony conviction, many individuals are left wondering what their options are for rebuilding their lives and avoiding the long-term consequences of a criminal record. One popular option is expungement, which allows for the sealing or erasure of criminal records. But what does it cost to get a felony expunged?
The Costs of Felony Expungement
The cost of felony expungement varies greatly depending on the state and jurisdiction. Some states may charge a flat fee for the expungement process, while others may have a sliding scale fee based on income. In addition to the legal fees, there may be other costs associated with expungement, such as court fees and filing fees.
Expungement Costs by State
Here is a breakdown of the expungement costs by state:
| State | Flat Fee | Sliding Scale Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $300-$500 | N/A |
| Alaska | $500 | N/A |
| Arizona | $250-$500 | N/A |
| Arkansas | $300 | N/A |
| California | $695 | N/A |
| Colorado | $150-$300 | N/A |
| Connecticut | $450 | N/A |
| Delaware | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Florida | $150-$300 | N/A |
| Georgia | $350 | N/A |
| Hawaii | $300-$500 | N/A |
| Idaho | $300 | N/A |
| Illinois | $450 | N/A |
| Indiana | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Iowa | $200 | N/A |
| Kansas | $250-$300 | N/A |
| Kentucky | $300-$500 | N/A |
| Louisiana | $500 | N/A |
| Maine | $300-$500 | N/A |
| Maryland | $250 | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $250 | N/A |
| Michigan | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Minnesota | $150-$300 | N/A |
| Mississippi | $300-$500 | N/A |
| Missouri | $300 | N/A |
| Montana | $250 | N/A |
| Nebraska | $250 | N/A |
| Nevada | $200-$300 | N/A |
| New Hampshire | $200-$300 | N/A |
| New Jersey | $300-$500 | N/A |
| New Mexico | $300 | N/A |
| New York | $150-$300 | N/A |
| North Carolina | $200-$300 | N/A |
| North Dakota | $150 | N/A |
| Ohio | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Oregon | $200 | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | $150-$300 | N/A |
| Rhode Island | $150-$300 | N/A |
| South Carolina | $200-$300 | N/A |
| South Dakota | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Tennessee | $250-$500 | N/A |
| Texas | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Utah | $150-$300 | N/A |
| Vermont | $150-$300 | N/A |
| Virginia | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Washington | $200-$300 | N/A |
| West Virginia | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $200-$300 | N/A |
| Wyoming | $150 | N/A |
What’s Included in the Fee?
The fees mentioned above typically include the services of an attorney to assist with the expungement process. Some attorneys may charge additional fees for their services, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Filing Fees and Court Fees
In addition to the attorney fees, there may be other costs associated with expungement, including:
- Filing fees: These fees are paid to the court to cover the costs of processing the expungement petition.
- Court fees: These fees may be charged for things like court reporter services, copies of documents, and other administrative costs.
Financial Assistance Options
For those who cannot afford the cost of expungement, there may be financial assistance options available. Some organizations offer grants or scholarships to help individuals cover the cost of expungement, while others may provide reduced-rate or pro bono services.
Conclusion
The cost of felony expungement can vary greatly depending on the state and jurisdiction. While some states may charge a flat fee, others may have a sliding scale fee based on income. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with expungement, such as court fees and filing fees. By understanding the costs involved, individuals can better plan and budget for the expungement process.
Important Factors to Consider
Before proceeding with expungement, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Eligibility: Not all convictions are eligible for expungement. Check with the court to determine if your conviction is eligible.
- Timeliness: In some cases, there may be a time limit for filing an expungement petition. Check with the court to determine the deadline.
- Criminal Record: Expungement may not completely erase a criminal record. In some cases, the record may still be accessible to law enforcement or other authorized individuals.
- Employment and Education: Expungement may not necessarily affect employment or education opportunities. Some institutions or employers may still require disclosure of criminal records.
- Punishment: Expungement is not a guarantee of getting out of punishment. Individuals may still face punishment for their crimes, even after expungement.
By considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about the expungement process and plan for a successful outcome.
