Expungement Eligibility

Disqualifying Offenses

These convictions are currently NOT eligible for expungement in Rhode Island:

  • Crimes of violence

  • Certain offenses against children

  • Driving offenses causing death or serious injury

  • Domestic violence

Waiting Periods

Waiting periods are the legally mandated amount of time you must wait after your case is closed before you are allowed to petition to have your record expunged. This means your sentence MUST be completed, including probation. Waiting periods are uniformly assigned based on level of conviction:

  • Single misdemeanor: 5 year waiting period

  • Multiple misdemeanors: 10 year waiting period

  • Single felony: 10 year waiting period

  • Multiple felonies: 15 year waiting period (<5)

Other Requirements

In order to qualify for record expungement, you must also:

  • Have no pending criminal charges

  • Show good moral character

Expungement Eligibility Inquiry

Fill out this form and we will send you information about whether you qualify to have your record expunged or sealed

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Two advocates at the RI State House holding Clean Slate Rhode Island signs: Second chances are a win

The Rhode Island Clean Slate Act would automate the current record expungement process. Eligible individuals would no longer have to directly petition the court, hire a lawyer, or pay any fees associated with sealing one’s record.

Automating the expungement process would give eligible Rhode Islanders, who have earned their second chance better access to housing, jobs, education, and other barriers associated with having an arrest or conviction record.

To support Clean Slate RI bring second chances to Rhode Island, sign this petition!

#CleanSlateCantWait

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you offer?

The above form will be sent directly to our Clean Slate RI team who will process your information (within 72 business hours) and follow up with your results and next steps. If you would like to complete this process in-person, you can visit our walk-in clinics at 485 Plainfield to speak directly with one of our team members.

When do you offer walk-in clinics?

You can participate in a walk-in clinic at OpenDoors’ resource center (485 Plainfield) to speak to a team member directly.

Walk-In Clinic Hours

  • Mondays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Tuesdays 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

The clinic is closed during federal holidays and hours are subject to change. Call ahead to confirm availability.

How many convictions can I get expunged?

You can get up to six (6) misdemeanors and fewer than five (5) felonies expunged.

My convictions are eligible for expungement, what do I do?

The whole process usually takes a few months. The PDF you will be provided is your motion to expunge — the official form that asks the court to erase this charge from your record. We filled in your case details for you. You'll add your BCI number and your signature by hand, then file it. Here's the full path:

  1. Get your official record (BCI report). Go to the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) at the Attorney General's Office, 4 Howard Ave., Cranston, RI 02920. Bring a valid photo ID and $5.00 (check, money order, or credit card). The fee is waived if you're 62 or older or disabled — bring proof of age or SSI. Use this report to double-check your details and to write your BCI number on the petition.

  2. If your case is more than 3 years old, get a certified copy. Go to the Judicial Records Center at 5 Hill Street, Pawtucket (call 401-721-2641). A certified copy costs $3.00 per case.

  3. File your petition at the courthouse. Take it to the courthouse where the charge was brought. Bring a copy, and sign it in front of a notary or the court clerk — don't sign it ahead of time.

  4. Get your court date and tell the right offices. The court will give you a hearing date. You must notify two places: the police department that arrested you and the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. You can drop the notice off in person or send it by mail.

  5. Go to your hearing. Show up on your court date ready to explain that you meet the requirements shown in your results.

  6. After it's granted, deliver the order and keep the original. Give a copy of the court's order to the Attorney General's Office and the police department. Keep the original — you may need it later if any agency or company ever mistakenly shares the expunged charge.

  7. Confirm it worked. A month or two later, get a fresh BCI report to make sure the charge was actually removed.