Expungement
Restart Your Life with an Expungement Lawyer
What is Expungement?
Expungement is a court-ordered process that allows individuals convicted of misdemeanors, such as drug charges, to have their records sealed, or permanently removed. When your records are expunged, the public, local law, and other bodies completing background checks will not find record of your arrest or conviction. The records will not be available to employers, academic institutions, or financial institutions. Montana will typically only expunge misdemeanors. Violent or sexual felonies or misdemeanors are only eligible if the charges have been reversed.
How Can You Receive Expungement?
In order to receive expungement, you need to have completed all legal requirements that resulted from your misdemeanor, such as paying fines and completing any court-ordered treatment. Candidates need to be law abiding citizens for five years and not commit any more offenses in Montana or any other state. Individuals may be eligible for expungement if they are applying or have applied to a military academy or the armed forces and are unable to enlist or hold certain positions because of a prior conviction.
Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help you continue your life with a clean record.
Once all previous legal requirements have been met, you and our attorneys can file a petition for the judge to review. As long as you have complied with all applicable rules and regulations, your records should be expunged. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help you continue your life with a clean record.
Clear your record—start fresh today.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Tipp Coburn Lockwood, P.C. can investigate your criminal history to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for expungement, and then obtain and provide documents that support your rehabilitation. Once we have the information we need, we can draft and file a petition with the court that outlines your information and the progress you have made as a law abiding citizen.
The judge will review your records and determine whether or not to grant expungement. In some cases, for offenses like DUI, you may need to appear in court. Fortunately, our attorneys are ready and qualified to represent you in court, providing aggressive defense. Our decades of criminal defense experience have enabled us to become very familiar with all applicable laws to help you achieve your goal.
Choose Aggressive Representation
Thousands of Montana residents have the chance to wipe their records clean, renew their drivers’ license, apply for their dream job, or finally secure a loan. Our attorneys are compassionate yet aggressive and understand how much this means to you. We want to represent you and work towards receiving expungement so you can begin a new chapter in your life. Contact our firm online today or call 406-812-7634 for a free consultation.
Tipp Coburn Lockwood, P.C.
Our attorneys have been fighting for Montanans since 1959. Over the years, we have represented more than 7,500 clients and helped them recover millions of dollars in compensation. We are affiliated with renowned legal organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers and the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, request a case review online or call us at 406-812-7634.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We represent clients facing both misdemeanors and felonies, including but not limited to:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Drug offenses (possession, distribution, trafficking)
- Sex crimes (sexual assault, rape)
- Theft, burglary, and trespassing
- Assault and criminal endangerment
- Homicide and attempted homicide
A public defender is a court-appointed attorney for those who cannot afford a private lawyer and must meet certain income requirements. However, public defenders often have large caseloads, which can impact their availability and approach. A private criminal defense attorney offers personalized attention, tailored legal strategies, and greater availability.
Hiring a private defense attorney offers:
- Customized legal strategy
- Personalized service
- Strong communication
- A willingness to take your case to trial if necessary
- Focus on minimizing or avoiding serious penalties and a criminal record
Penalties vary by charge but may include:
- Jail time (up to 1 year for misdemeanors)
- Prison time (1 year or more for felonies)
- Fines
- Probation
- Loss of rights (e.g., firearm ownership, voting)
- Mandatory sex offender registration (for certain crimes)
Yes. A skilled defense attorney can build a strong case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate plea deals, or fight for a dismissal—all of which can help prevent a conviction and keep your record clean.
Yes, we offer free initial consultations. Call us at 406-812-7634 or send us an email using our online contact form to schedule yours.
Our firm was founded in 1959 and has represented over 7,500 clients across Montana. We are affiliated with The National Trial Lawyers and the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Clients consistently highlight our:
- Professionalism and dedication
- Prompt case resolution
- Respectful and compassionate service
- Willingness to go the extra mile
Visit our testimonials section for more feedback from previous clients.
We are based in Missoula, Montana, and serve clients across the state.
To begin your defense, schedule your free consultation by calling 406-812-7634 or contacting us online.