Criminal Defense
Wisconsin Expungement and Record Sealing Lawyers
A Past Record Shouldn't Define Your Future. It May Be Possible to Get Your Record Expunged or Sealed.
A Past Record Shouldn't Define Your Future. It May Be Possible to Get Your Record Expunged or Sealed.
A past conviction or arrest can follow you for years, surfacing in background checks and standing between you and a job, a home, or a professional license. Wisconsin’s expungement law is narrower than many people expect, but for those who qualify, it can offer a genuine fresh start — and understanding the rules is the first step.
At Strang Bradley, we evaluate records and pursue expungement for clients across Wisconsin. We will tell you honestly whether you qualify and, if you do, pursue the relief that lets you move forward. If you are not eligible for expungement, other options may be available.
How Expungement Works in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s expungement statute is restrictive. For most cases, expungement must be ordered by the judge at the time of sentencing, the person must have been under the age of 25 when the offense was committed, and the offense must be one for which the maximum penalty is six years or less. Certain serious and violent offenses are excluded entirely. Because the rules are technical and have been the subject of legislative change, it is important to have your specific record reviewed rather than rely on general assumptions.
Why a Clean Record Matters
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Clearing a record can remove barriers in many areas of life:
- Employment — many employers run background checks
- Housing — landlords frequently screen for criminal history
- Professional and occupational licensing
- Education and financial aid
How We Can Help
- Reviewing your complete record to determine eligibility
- Pursuing expungement when it was ordered at sentencing and the conditions are met
- Advising on related options, including pardons, when expungement is unavailable
- Correcting and addressing inaccurate or outdated record information
What to Know Before You Start
- Eligibility for expungement is technical.
- Expungement in Wisconsin generally seals the court record rather than destroying all trace of the case.
- If you were 25 or older at the time of the offense, expungement is usually unavailable, and a pardon may be the better path.
- Have a lawyer review your record to identify the best available relief.
Why Choose Strang Bradley for Your Expungement
Wisconsin’s expungement rules are narrow. Our attorneys cut through the confusion, tell you honestly where you stand, and pursue the relief that fits your situation — whether that is expungement, a pardon, or correcting an inaccurate record. We help people close the door on the past and move forward.
Our Team
Strang Bradley’s Criminal Defense Lawyers
Answers
Expungement and Record Sealing FAQs
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Who qualifies for expungement in Wisconsin?
Generally, expungement must be granted by the judge at sentencing, the person must have been under 25 when the offense occurred, and the offense must carry a maximum penalty of six years or less, with serious and violent offenses excluded.
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Can I expunge an old conviction now?
In most cases, expungement had to be ordered at the time of sentencing, so it usually cannot be added later. If that path is closed, a governor's pardon may be an option, and we can advise you on it.
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Does expungement erase my record completely?
Not entirely. In Wisconsin, expungement generally seals the court record rather than destroying every trace of the case. We will explain exactly what it will and will not do for your situation.
Do you need an expungement or court record sealing? Talk to us first.
Consultations are confidential. The sooner we are involved, the more we can do to protect your rights and your future.