Record Expungement Attorneys
In Arkansas | Ludwig Law Firm in Little Rock
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Record Expungement Made Simple
Why Record Expungement Matters in Arkansas
A criminal record can impact:
Employment and professional licensing
Military enlistment and security clearances
Housing and rental applications
College admissions and financial aid
Public benefits eligibility
Personal relationships and reputation
When your record is sealed, it becomes invisible to the public, including most employers, landlords, and background checks. You gain the legal right to answer “No” when asked whether you’ve been arrested or convicted.
A sealed record does not disappear — but legally, it becomes treated as if it never happened for most civilian purposes.
Expungement vs. Sealing: What’s the Difference?
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but Arkansas law primarily recognizes record sealing.
Expungement / Sealing in Arkansas means:
Your record is closed off from the public
It does not appear on standard background checks
You may legally deny the conviction on applications
Law enforcement retains a confidential copy for limited purposes
The goal is simple: to give you a clean slate and a fair chance.
Are You Eligible for an Expungement?
Eligibility depends on:
The type of offense
How long it has been since the conviction
Whether all fines, terms, and conditions have been satisfied
Whether any disqualifying offenses are on your record
Offenses that are typically NOT eligible for sealing (without a Governor’s pardon) include:
Sexual offenses involving victims under 18
Class Y felonies
Certain Class A or B felonies
Violent felonies
Manslaughter
Felonies with a maximum possible sentence of 10+ years
If your case falls into one of these categories, we can help explore a pardon, though pardons are rare and require extensive preparation.
Record Expungement Lawyers in Little Rock and Across Arkansas
A criminal record can follow you long after a case is over. It can limit job offers, block housing applications, hurt scholarship opportunities, restrict licensing, and create barriers that feel impossible to overcome. Fortunately, Arkansas law allows many people to seal or expunge past convictions — giving them the chance to rebuild without their worst moments defining who they are today.
We provide non-judgmental, confidential support to anyone ready to move forward. With deep experience in Arkansas’s expungement and pardon process, our firm helps clients clear their record, restore opportunities, and reclaim the future they’ve worked for.
Our record expungement lawyers serve Little Rock, Conway, Pine Bluff, and across Arkansas. With over four decades of trial experience, we help individuals preserve their future. We fight for your best days ahead.
Ready To Clear Your Name?
Let's See If You Qualify
How the Arkansas Expungement Process Works
We guide clients through each stage of the process, which includes:
1. Full Criminal Record Review
We examine your entire history — not just individual charges — to determine exactly what can be sealed under current Arkansas law.
2. Determine Eligibility & Required Waiting Periods
Arkansas sealing laws are complex and frequently updated. Many offenses have strict waiting periods before you may petition. We evaluate which path is available to you.
3. Filing a Petition to Seal
If you qualify, we prepare and file your petition with the circuit court.
4. Prosecutor Review
The prosecuting attorney has a set period to object to the petition.
If they do not object: the judge typically signs the order to seal.
If they object: a hearing is scheduled, where we argue why sealing should be granted.
5. Court Hearing (If Required)
We present mitigation, evidence of rehabilitation, and the legal basis for sealing your record.
6. Order to Seal
Once granted, the clerk updates your record and the sealed entry becomes inaccessible to the public.
Why Work With an Expungement Lawyer?
Sealing a record is not a simple form—it is a legal process governed by:
Strict eligibility rules
Changing statutes
Variable county procedures
Objection deadlines
Hearing requirements
Complex waiting periods
Your ability to seal a case can depend on tiny details, including how a charge was originally filed, the sentence received, and how the judgment was written.
We help clients avoid:
Filing a petition too early
Filing in the wrong jurisdiction
Using outdated law
Triggering unnecessary objections
Missing paperwork that delays relief
When your future is on the line, precision matters.
Pardons in Arkansas
If your offense is not eligible for sealing, a Governor’s pardon may still offer relief. Pardons are rare, but they can:
Restore firearm rights
Reinstate certain civil privileges
Reduce consequences for licensing or employment
Pardon cases typically require:
A detailed application
Proof of rehabilitation
Personal statements and reference letters
Possible appearance before the Arkansas Parole Board
We help prepare comprehensive, compelling applications that give clients the strongest chance possible.
What Happens After Your Record Is Sealed?
Once your record is sealed:
Employers cannot see it
Landlords cannot see it
Background checks cannot access it
You can legally deny the conviction
You regain opportunities previously closed to you
It opens doors. Plain and simple.
Why Clients Choose Our Firm for Expungement
Meticulous review of criminal histories before filing
Up-to-date knowledge of Arkansas sealing and pardon laws
Local experience in Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, Lonoke, Jefferson, and surrounding counties
Confidential process from start to finish
Honest timelines and realistic expectations
Detailed preparation for hearings and prosecutor review
We help clients rebuild careers, rejoin the workforce, secure better housing, and move forward with dignity.
Don’t Let a Record Control Your Life. Take the First Step Today.
You deserve the chance to start fresh.
Let us help you determine whether your record qualifies for sealing or whether a pardon may be possible.
Call us today or contact our office online to schedule a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Viewing this page or contacting Ludwig Law Firm through it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different. For guidance tailored to your situation, please contact Ludwig Law Firm at 501-838-4043 or visit ludwiglawfirm.com.
Ludwig: Law Made Simple
If you want to see different ways we can help you, take a look at our blog, Law Made Simple! Here, we break down ways to protect your rights, highlight recent clients wins, and provide commentary on the impact of current events on the legal landscape.
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