In many cases, you can expunge 2 felony crimes. However, the answer depends on several factors, including the type of felonies involved, your criminal history, and how much time has passed since you completed your sentence. Having multiple felony convictions on your record can create obstacles for years after your sentence has been completed. Employment opportunities, housing applications, professional licenses, educational opportunities, and even volunteer activities can be affected by a felony record. Fortunately, Oklahoma law provides expungement opportunities for many individuals, including some people with multiple felony convictions.
Can Two Felonies Be Expunged in Oklahoma?
In many situations, yes.
Oklahoma’s expungement laws have expanded significantly in recent years, allowing more individuals to qualify for record sealing than ever before. The fact that you have two felony convictions does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining an expungement.
Eligibility often depends upon:
- Whether the felonies were classified as violent or nonviolent;
- Whether all sentences have been completed;
- Whether all fines, fees, and restitution have been paid;
- Whether sufficient waiting periods have passed;
- Whether you have additional convictions beyond the two felonies.
Because eligibility requirements can be complicated, every case should be reviewed individually.
Nonviolent Felonies Often Have the Best Expungement Opportunities
Many nonviolent felony convictions may qualify for a Section 18 expungement under Oklahoma law.
Common examples of nonviolent felony offenses may include:
- Certain drug offenses;
- Property crimes;
- Financial crimes;
- Forgery-related offenses;
- Some theft-related crimes.
In many cases, individuals who have completed their sentences and remained crime-free for the required period may qualify to have those records sealed from public view.
The specific facts of your criminal history will determine whether the law applies to your situation.
Violent Felonies Are More Complicated
Violent felony convictions generally face additional restrictions.
Some violent felony convictions may require a pardon before becoming eligible for expungement. Other offenses may not qualify at all under current Oklahoma law.
This is one reason why it is important to obtain a complete review of your criminal history before filing an expungement petition.
Many people assume they are ineligible when they are not, while others incorrectly believe they qualify immediately.
Completing Your Sentence Is Usually Required
Before seeking an expungement, you generally must complete every part of your sentence.
This often includes:
- Incarceration;
- Probation;
- Parole;
- Payment of fines;
- Payment of court costs;
- Payment of restitution.
The waiting period usually begins after the final portion of the sentence has been completed.
If any part of the sentence remains outstanding, the court may deny the request.
The Waiting Period Matters
Oklahoma law imposes waiting periods for many felony expungements.
The amount of time required depends upon:
- The type of offense;
- Whether the offense was violent or nonviolent;
- Whether additional convictions exist;
- Whether a pardon has been obtained.
Many applicants become eligible only after several years have passed following completion of their sentence.
Determining the correct waiting period is one of the most important parts of evaluating eligibility.
What Happens During an Expungement?
An Oklahoma expungement is generally a court proceeding in which eligible records are sealed from public access.
The process often involves:
- Obtaining criminal history records;
- Reviewing eligibility;
- Preparing a petition;
- Filing the petition with the court;
- Serving required agencies;
- Attending a hearing;
- Obtaining a court order.
The court will typically balance the individual’s privacy interests against the public’s interest in maintaining access to the records.
If the judge grants the petition, qualifying records may be sealed from public view.
What Does an Expungement Accomplish?
A successful expungement can provide significant benefits.
In many cases, an expungement:
- Seals court records;
- Seals OSBI records;
- Removes the matter from most public background searches;
- Improves employment opportunities;
- Improves housing opportunities;
- Helps individuals move forward after completing their sentences.
While certain government agencies may still have access to sealed records, expungement can substantially reduce the impact of a criminal record on daily life.
Tulsa Expungement Attorneys
Expungement eligibility can become complicated when multiple felony convictions are involved. Determining whether it’s possible to expunge 2 felony crimes often requires a careful review of court records, criminal history reports, sentencing documents, waiting periods, and statutory requirements. If you have two felony convictions and are wondering whether your record can be cleared, speaking with an experienced Oklahoma expungement attorney may be the first step toward obtaining a fresh start. Get a Free consultation from a Tulsa County Lawyers Group expungement attorney by calling 918.379.4864. Or you can ask an online question by following this link.
