Connecticut

Adult criminal records for cases in which you were conviction are eligible for destruction or vacating.  

• In Connecticut, you need to seek a pardon to get your record erased. If you are granted an absolute pardon, your record will be erased by the court.

 

• If you were convicted of an offense that is decriminalized, the record can be destroyed by the court. You have to file a petition in court to start the process, and the judge has to grant your petition if you meet the criteria.

 

• If you were convicted of prostitution because you were a victim of human trafficking, the record can be vacated by the court. You have to file a petition in court to start the process and it is up to the judge whether or not to grant your petition.

Adult criminal records for certain deferred adjudication programs may be eligible for automatic erasure once you complete your program.

Adult criminal records for arrests for which you were never convicted are eligible to be returned. In most situations, the record will be returned to you automatically.  

• If you were arrested but found not guilty or your case was dismissed, the record is returned by the State Police Bureau of Identification if you have no prior convictions. The police, court, and state attorney records will be erased.

 

• If your case ended with a nolle prosequi, the record is returned by the State Police Bureau of Identification if you have no prior convictions. The police, court, and state attorney records should be erased automatically and you can file a petition to start the process.

Below is a general overview of when juvenile records can be erased in Connecticut. Please note that the Clean Slate Clearinghouse does not provide legal advice. Read the legal policies and statutes for detailed statutory information.   Juvenile Record Clearance Policies Overview Most juvenile records can be erased.  

• Non-serious juvenile charges can be erased after you turn 18 and at least two years have passed since your discharge. You have to submit a request to the court to start the process, and the judge is required to grant your request if you meet the criteria.

 

• Serious juvenile charges can be erased after you turn 18 and at least four years have passed since your discharge. You have to submit a request to the court to start the process, and the judge is required to grant your request if you meet the criteria.

 

• If you can show the court you have a good reason to have your record erased, you can submit a request to the court to erase your record before the two- or four-year waiting period is over. It is up to the judge whether or not to grant your request.

 

• Certain records can be erased at any time if you were a victim of human trafficking. You have to submit a request to the court to start the process, and it is up to the judge whether or not to grant your request.

  If you have certain convictions or adjudications on your record, you may not be eligible to have your record erased.   Find a Lawyer If you think you might be eligible to have your record erased, find a lawyer who may be able to help you. Some lawyers might help you for free, although you may still need to pay a fee to file the paperwork in court.   Court Forms and Resources If you cannot find a lawyer to help you, you may be able to file a petition on your own using these court forms and resources.