MO HB1553

Allows persons convicted of nonviolent crimes, any misdemeanor, or nonviolent drug violations to petition a court for expungement of arrest, plea, trial, and conviction records.

Requires applicant to wait at least four years after completing imprisonment, probation, or parole before filing petition for expungement.

Applicant must have high school diploma or GED, plus either an associate's degree or two consecutive years of employment with same employer, and must complete 700 hours of community service.

Applicant must not have been convicted of or placed on probation for any misdemeanor or felony during the four-year waiting period (moving traffic violations excluded).

Upon granting expungement, records become confidential and person may legally deny the arrest, conviction, or expungement ever occurred; limits expungement to one petition per individual.