How long does it take to expunge a felony?
The honest answer: 4 to 12 months of active work, on top of whatever waiting period your state requires after you finish your sentence. Below is the timeline broken into the five phases that actually move the calendar — and a state table so you can find yours.
The five phases
1. Waiting period
3–10 yearsMost states require a clean window after your sentence, probation, or parole ends before you can file. The clock usually starts the day supervision terminates, not the date of conviction.
2. Eligibility review & document prep
1–3 weeksPulling certified court records, disposition documents, and your criminal history report. Most denials happen here — wrong docket number, missing dispositions, or a statute that isn't actually eligible.
3. Petition filing
1–2 weeksThe petition is filed with the sentencing court. Filing fees range $50–$600 depending on state. The prosecutor and any victims usually get served and have 30–60 days to object.
4. Hearing (if required)
2–6 months outSome states grant by default if no one objects. Others require a hearing where you (or your attorney) show rehabilitation. Court backlog drives most of the wait here.
5. Final order & record update
30–120 daysAfter the judge signs, the order has to reach the state repository, FBI, and the background-check bureaus. Until that propagation finishes, the record can still show up on employer checks.
State-by-state snapshot
Waiting periods and processing times for the seven most-asked states. This is a starting point, not legal advice — statutes change and your specific charge may have its own rule.
| State | Waiting period | Filing → order | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1–4 yrs after probation | 4–6 months | Most felonies eligible under PC 1203.4. |
| Texas | 3–5 yrs (nondisclosure) / 5+ yrs (expunction) | 4–8 months | True expunction is narrow; nondisclosure is more common. |
| Florida | No conviction required for expunction | 8–12 months | FDLE certificate required before petition. |
| New York | 10 yrs from sentence | 6–9 months | Sealing under CPL 160.59 — max 2 convictions. |
| Illinois | 3–5 yrs after sentence | 4–7 months | Sealing available for most non-violent felonies. |
| Georgia | 4 yrs (most felonies) | 3–6 months | Record restriction under OCGA 35-3-37. |
| Ohio | 3 yrs (1st felony) / 5 yrs (multiple) | 3–5 months | Sealing under ORC 2953.32. |
Common questions
Can every felony be expunged?
No. Most states exclude violent felonies, serious sex offenses, and certain DUI or weapons convictions. Eligibility depends on the exact statute, not just the label "felony."
When does the waiting clock start?
Almost always when supervision ends — not the date of conviction. Probation, parole, and post-release all count.
Will it show on background checks the day the order is signed?
No. There's a 30–120 day propagation window while the order reaches the state repository, FBI, and the private bureaus employers actually use. Monitoring during this window is the difference between "cleared on paper" and "cleared in real life."
Check your timeline in 2 minutes
Tell us your state and charge type. We'll show you which phase applies, the wait that's left, and what to file first — free.
Educational information, not legal advice. Statutes and processing times change; verify with your jurisdiction or a licensed attorney.