A criminal record in Washington, DC can follow you for years, limiting your job opportunities, housing options, and peace of mind. Even if you weren’t convicted or your case was dismissed, that arrest record can still show up on background checks and affect your life in frustrating ways.
At Monument Legal, we help people clear their names and move forward. Whether you’re seeking expungement or record sealing in DC, our DC criminal defense attorneys will guide you through the process and fight for the clean slate you deserve.
Our DC expungement lawyers understand the nuances of local laws and know how to build the strongest possible case for sealing or expunging your record. We’ll tell you exactly what’s possible, and get to work immediately.
In DC, even dismissed charges or old arrests can continue to haunt you unless you take action. Fortunately, DC law allows eligible individuals to seal or expunge their criminal records — but the process isn’t automatic, and success depends on the details of your case.
At Monument Legal, we work with:
As your DC expungement lawyer, we’ll evaluate your case, gather documentation, draft and file the necessary petitions, and advocate on your behalf in court if needed. If your goal is to move forward without your record holding you back, you’re in the right place.
“Expungement” and “Sealing” are often used interchangeably to refer to the process of making your criminal record invisible to the public or and law enforcement. In the District of Columbia, the Criminal Record Sealing Act outlines who is eligible for record sealing and what type of sealing they qualify for. This process offers individuals the opportunity to move forward without the burden of a criminal conviction in Washington, DC.
You can file a motion to seal an arrest or conviction based on three primary bases:
In Washington, DC, when determining whether to seal a criminal record based on the interests of justice, the court considers several factors. While specific factors may vary depending on the circumstances of the case, some common considerations include:
In Washington DC, if you want to seal your criminal record based on claiming actual innocence, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in DC Code § 16-802. The statute requires you to show:
Here are two ways to meet the burden of proof for actual innocence:
To have your record sealed, the first step is consulting with a DC Expungement lawyer who will review your record and determine whether your case is eligible for record sealing. The record sealing statute is complicated and there are several requirements that must be met in order to proceed with filing a Motion to Seal. Determining your eligibility requires a review of your criminal record and the facts and circumstances of the arrest or conviction.
Once your lawyer has determined your eligibility, they must draft and file a motion with the court requesting that your record be sealed. The prosecutor’s office has the opportunity to determine whether they wish to oppose your motion or fight it. A well-drafted motion increases your chance that the prosecutor will not oppose it.
There are several benefits to having your criminal record sealed in Washington, DC.
Generally, the process takes several months, depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether the government opposes the motion.
Sealed records in DC should not appear on most public background checks. However, certain government agencies (e.g., law enforcement) may still access them in specific situations.
Some felonies may be eligible for sealing after a waiting period, but DC law is strict. We’ll need to evaluate your case closely.
Technically, no, but the rules are complex, and mistakes can lead to delays or rejections. An experienced expungement lawyer in DC can significantly improve your chances of success and handle the process for you.
Court filing fees are typically modest, but legal fees vary based on the complexity of the case. We offer transparent pricing and flexible consultations to help you understand your options.
At Monument Legal, we have the expertise to navigate the complexities of expungement in Washington, DC. An experienced expungement attorney can help you understand your options and navigate the legal system effectively. Contact Monument Legal today for a consultation and personalized legal assistance tailored to your case.
We have extensive experience handling expungements and will be by your side every step of the way, keeping you informed, answering your questions, and addressing your concerns. Our one goal in every case is to get our clients the best possible outcome. We care about your case, and we care about you.
Monument Legal consistently provides excellent results for their clients, including: