Clearing Your Criminal Record in Utah

How Utah Record Clearing Works

Whether you want to get out of felony status, pass a background check, or restore your rights, the right approach depends on your record and legal eligibility. Some methods, like 402 reductions, can make certain offenses eligible for expungement, while others, like pardons, provide a different path to relief when expungement isn’t an option.

To better understand the record-clearing process and which path is right for you, visit our record-clearing information page. Below, we break down the main options in Utah.

Expungement in Utah

An expungement removes a criminal record from public view, making it as if the conviction or charge never happened. This can open doors to better jobs, housing, and other opportunities that background checks might otherwise block.

In Utah, expungement is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies. Eligibility depends on factors like the type of offense, how much time has passed, and whether all fines, fees, and restitution are paid and the other terms of the sentence are complete. Some crimes, like serious violent offenses, cannot be expunged. 

The process for expunging your record includes determining your eligibility based on Utah law, applying to the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), purchasing certificate(s) of eligibility, drafting a personal statement, petitioning the court, notifying prosecutors, handling responses, and potentially attending hearings, and obtaining orders from the court. BCI offers an outline of the expungement process here.

This process can be complicated to navigate on your own, but Rasa is here to make it easy. If you qualify, our team handles every step, making expungement fast, affordable, and stress-free.

402 Reductions in Utah

A 402 reduction, also called an offense reduction, helps lower the severity of a conviction in Utah. This process doesn’t erase a record, but it can make a big difference. Charges can drop one or two degrees. . This means a crime can change in severity  (e.g., a 2nd degree felony can become a 3rd degree felony) or in type (e.g., a third-degree felony can be dropped to a class A or class B misdemeanor).  Reducing the severity of your conviction record can help with job searches, housing applications, and other opportunities that require background checks. 

A 402 reduction can also be used to help someone become eligible for expungement. It does this by both making ineligible records eligible and by helping fit someone’s record within the numerical limits.

To qualify, you must complete your sentence, stay out of legal trouble, and have some distance from the justice system. Some convictions don’t qualify for reductions, but many do. The process involves drafting a personal statement, filing an offense reduction motion with the court, notifying the prosecutor, and, in some cases, responding to the prosecutor or attending a hearing.

Not sure if you qualify? Rasa’s eligibility tool makes it easy to find out if you’re eligible for expungement. If you're not eligible for expungement, ask our team about offense reductions. If your conviction is eligible for an offense reduction, our team handles the legal process to get it done, so you can move forward with fewer barriers.

Pardons in Utah

A pardon is official forgiveness for a past crime. In Utah, a pardon can lead to an expungement. It can restore rights and remove barriers to jobs, housing, and other opportunities. Some convictions that don’t qualify for expungement may still be eligible for a pardon.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole reviews applications and decides who receives a pardon. These individuals are appointed by Utah’s Governor. To qualify to start the pardon process, you must stay out of trouble for 5 years, complete all sentences, and show that you’ve moved forward in a positive way. The process includes first applying to BCI, obtaining a denial letter,  gathering documents, submitting an application, and sometimes attending a hearing.

Options for Utah Record Clearing

If you want to clear your record in Utah, you have several options. Some people choose to do it themselves, while others get help from legal experts. Each option has pros and cons, depending on your time, budget, and comfort with legal paperwork.

1. Rasa Legal – Fast and Affordable

Rasa makes record clearing simple and affordable. Our online eligibility tool tells you in minutes if you have a chance to qualify. If you do, we handle the legal work quickly and at a much lower cost than traditional law firms. With Rasa, you don’t have to figure it out alone—handle the process for you..

2. Traditional Law Firms – Costly

Hiring a private attorney is expensive, but some types of cases are a good fit for more traditional lawyers. Lawyers can handle cases where objections are likely, or victims are likely to come forward. Lawyers can represent you in court if a hearing is called, and build a legal strategy. But this option is expensive. Lawyers charge thousands of dollars, and the process may take longer.

3. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) – The Complicated Option

You can clear your record without a lawyer, but it takes time and effort. You must learn the laws, file paperwork correctly, and meet all deadlines. Utah courts provide instructions, but mistakes can delay or ruin your case.  Research shows that 75% of people who try to self-navigate spend some time and money trying to clear their record without success.

Determining Eligibility for Record Clearing

Not everyone qualifies to clear their record. Utah has specific rules about who can expunge a record, reduce a charge, or receive a pardon. Understanding whether you qualify is the first step in the process.

Key Factors That Affect Utah Eligibility

To find out if you are eligible for record clearing, consider the following things:

1. Type of Offense

• Many misdemeanors and some felonies qualify for expungement or reduction.
• Serious offenses, such as first-degree felonies, aggravated felonies, violent felonies or sex crimes, usually do not qualify for expungement.

2. Waiting Period

• Utah law requires a specific waiting period before applying for record clearing. The Collateral Consequence Resource Center has more specific information on Utah wait times.
• The time frame depends on the type of conviction and the type of record clearing used. For example:
  • Misdemeanors: Typically require waiting 3–5 years after sentence completion to be expunged.
  • Felonies: The waiting period can be 7–10 years, depending on seriousness, before they can be expunged.
• If you have open cases, including being on probation or parole, you will not be eligible for record clearance until the case has closed.

3. Completion of Sentence and Court Requirements

• All sentencing, including probation, must be completed before applying.
• Fines, fees, and restitution must be paid in full.

4. Number of Convictions

• Utah’s expungement laws limit how many convictions a person can have to qualify.
• If multiple convictions exist, eligibility depends on the type of crime committed and how long it’s been since the person’s involvement in the justice system.

Determining eligibility can be complex, but Rasa provides an online tool that allows individuals to check their eligibility in minutes. If eligible, Rasa offers step-by-step assistance to complete the process.