The Mozingo Law Firm, LLC

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The Mozingo Law Firm, LLC

Dedicated To Protecting Your Rights

Using Expungement To Give You A Fresh Start

Getting a fresh start after having one or more criminal charges on your record. At The Mozingo Law Firm, LLC, you can turn to me for effective, experienced counsel to expunge your eligible offenses and move on with your life.

My name is RW Mozingo II. I founded my law firm to provide outstanding defense services to clients in Olathe and the Johnson County area. With more than two decades of experience plus a career as a former prosecutor, I understand Kansas and Missouri’s expungement laws and how to put them to your benefit.

Expunging Your Record: What To Know

Expungement is when the state erases certain offenses from your criminal record. Law enforcement officers, judges and other court officials can still see your record, but employers, creditors and other members of the public cannot.

Most criminal offenses are eligible for expungement under Kansas law. The exceptions include serious violent or sexual crimes. Some of the more commonly expunged crimes include:

The best part about expunging your record is that you can move on from your past. With a clean or lightened record, you do not have to worry about losing opportunities in education, housing or your career.

What Is The 2025 Missouri Expungement Update?

Missouri recently updated its expungement laws, reducing the waiting periods for felonies and misdemeanors. Some of the updates include:

  • Felony expungement petitions may now be filed 3 years after completion of the sentence, probation, parole and payment of all fines and restitution, where previously it took 7 years.
  • Misdemeanor expungement petitions may now be filed 1 year after sentence completion, where it took 3 years.
  • Individuals may now expunge up to 2 felony convictions in their lifetime.
  • Individuals may expunge up to 3 misdemeanor convictions or municipal ordinance violations.
  • Infractions may be expunged with no numerical limit.
  • Arrests that did not result in charges or where charges were dismissed may be eligible for expungement after 18 months from the arrest date.
  • Courts may no longer deny expungement solely based on victim testimony as judges must weigh rehabilitation, time passed and public interest when deciding petitions.

It is important to understand the new timelines to help ensure that you can act as soon as you are eligible and avoid unnecessary delays. Filing too early can result in rejection, while waiting too long may prolong unnecessary restrictions on your record.

How Do You File For Expungement In Missouri?

Filing for expungement in Missouri follows a structured, step-by-step process. Knowing each step increases your chance of success:

  • Filing the petition: Submit a formal expungement petition to the court in the county where the conviction occurred.
  • Serving the prosecutor: Provide a copy of your petition to the prosecuting attorney, who may review and respond.
  • The 30-day objection window: The prosecutor has 30 days to file objections or raise concerns about your petition.
  • Court hearing: If there are objections, the court schedules a hearing to review your case and decide on expungement.

A Missouri expungement attorney can help ensure your paperwork is accurate and filed on time. I can help prevent errors that could delay or derail your petition.

What Rights Are Restored After Expungement?

Expungement in Missouri restores several civil rights, including the right to vote and certain professional opportunities.

However, restoration of firearms rights is more complex. While some state laws may allow firearm eligibility after expungement, Kansas and Federal law maintain strict limitations even after records are cleared.

Because rights restoration can be nuanced, consulting a Missouri criminal defense attorney helps ensure you understand which rights are fully restored and which require additional legal steps.

Serving Clients In Both Kansas And Missouri

Keep in mind that Kansas and Missouri have different legal systems. Though my office is in Kansas, I am licensed to practice in both states. I work with many clients who live in one state but have a conviction in the other state or both states. Even if your offense occurred in Missouri, I can help you explore expunging your record.

Learn More About Getting A Fresh Start

Expungement can change your life by granting you a new lease on life. Do you qualify? Speak with me in a free initial consultation to learn more. To reach me, call 913-732-4903, or send me an email.