Iowa: Adult Convictions (IA-C-3)

Records relating to a misdemeanor conviction can be expunged by the court after eight years, provided the person: (1) has not previously requested expungement under this section; (2) has no pending criminal charges; (3) has received no more than two deferred judgments; (4) and has paid all restitution, court costs, fees, and other financial obligations ordered by the court. Iowa Code § 901C.3.

Record Detail(s)

Misdemeanor

Previous Conviction Disqualifying

No

Mandatory / Discretionary

Mandatory

Hearing

No statutory language

Clearance Process

Petition-based

Remedy

Expunge

Ineligible Category or Citation

See Iowa Code § 901C.3(2).

Procedure General

The petition must be filed in the county where the conviction occurred. For the specific procedure, see Iowa Code § 901C.3.

Fees

All restitution, court costs, fees, and other financial obligations ordered by the court must be paid. Iowa Code § 901C.3(1)(d).

Effect

The expunged record is a confidential court record exempt from public access, and the record of conviction is removed from the criminal history data files maintained by the department of public safety. Iowa Code § 901C.3(4),(5).

Waiting Periods

The petition can be filed eight years after conviction if all legal financial obligations are paid.

Back to Iowa