Mississippi Expungement Laws 2026
Mississippi expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in Mississippi.
Mississippi allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Expungement", governed by Miss. Code § 99-19-71.
At a glance
| Detail | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Expungement |
| Statute | Miss. Code § 99-19-71 |
| Automatic clearing? | No — a court petition is required |
| Waiting period | Typically 5 years for eligible felonies |
| Eligible records | Certain misdemeanors and first-offense eligible felonies |
| Process | File a petition to expunge with the circuit court |
Who is eligible
Certain misdemeanors and first-offense eligible felonies.
How the process works
File a petition to expunge with the circuit court.
Source and last verified
Statute: Miss. Code § 99-19-71. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the Mississippi records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the relief is called "Expungement", governed by Miss. Code § 99-19-71.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in Mississippi?
Typically 5 years for eligible felonies.
Who can clear a record in Mississippi?
Certain misdemeanors and first-offense eligible felonies.
Does Mississippi clear records automatically?
No — in Mississippi you generally must file a petition and obtain a court order before a record is cleared.