Connecticut Expungement Laws 2026
Connecticut expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in Connecticut.
Connecticut allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Erasure of Criminal Records", governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142a.
Automatic record clearing in Connecticut
Yes — Connecticut clears or seals many eligible records automatically, without a separate petition. Connecticut erases many eligible criminal records and does so automatically for qualifying dispositions under its erasure law.
At a glance
| Detail | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Erasure of Criminal Records |
| Statute | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142a |
| Automatic clearing? | Yes — many eligible records clear automatically |
| Waiting period | Automatic for qualifying dispositions; 3 years for some |
| Eligible records | Acquittals, dismissals, and many convictions after a wait |
| Process | Automatic erasure for qualifying records; petition otherwise |
Who is eligible
Acquittals, dismissals, and many convictions after a wait.
How the process works
Automatic erasure for qualifying records; petition otherwise.
Source and last verified
Statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142a. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the Connecticut records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the relief is called "Erasure of Criminal Records", governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-142a.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in Connecticut?
Automatic for qualifying dispositions; 3 years for some.
Who can clear a record in Connecticut?
Acquittals, dismissals, and many convictions after a wait.
Does Connecticut clear records automatically?
Yes — under Connecticut law, many eligible records are sealed or cleared automatically without a petition. Connecticut erases many eligible criminal records and does so automatically for qualifying dispositions under its erasure law.