Record Sealing: A Golden Opportunity
A criminal record can follow you long after a case is closed, affecting employment, housing, and future opportunities. In some cases, Arkansas law allows you to seal your record, limiting who can access it and giving you a chance to move forward. But not every case qualifies, and the process requires careful attention to timing and eligibility. At Ludwig Law Firm, we ensure every record sealing case is handled correctly from the beginning.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Before you can seek to have your record sealed, you must complete all terms of your sentence, including probation and payment of fines or costs. Even then, certain offenses require waiting periods before you can apply. Some misdemeanor offenses may become eligible after five years, while others—such as DWI convictions—require longer waiting periods. Understanding where your case falls is critical, because filing too early or incorrectly can delay the process. For a full guide on these requirements, see our guide: What it Takes to Clear Your Criminal Record in Arkansas.
Which Records Cannot Be Sealed
Not all records can be sealed. Certain serious offenses—including many violent felonies and offenses involving minors—are not eligible under Arkansas law. In those situations, the only potential path forward may be a pardon through the Governor’s office, which is a separate and more complex process. In addition, sealing a record does not automatically restore firearm rights in felony cases, except in limited circumstances such as cases handled under Arkansas’s First Offender Act.
Why Ludwig Record Sealing Attorney Simply Wins
Record sealing attorney Kale Ludwig and trial lawyer Harry Warden have experience evaluating eligibility, preparing petitions, and guiding clients through both record sealing and related relief options. Together, they focus on understanding the details of your case, avoiding procedural missteps, and pursuing the outcome that best protects your future.