No Court Fee Expungements available in Utah Courts

For a limited time, no court fee expungements are available in Utah Courts for those arrested or who have a criminal or traffic court case have a record of that arrest/case that is accessible to the public. Expunging an arrest or court record removes the information from the public record and seals it, and the individual involved can legally tell people it did not happen.

To expunge a case, an individual must receive certification from Utah’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), petition the court, pay a fee and receive a court order before the case is sealed to public access.

There could be several reasons why someone might consider paying to expunge their record. Here are a few common motivations:

1. Employment Opportunities: A criminal record can create barriers to finding employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and having a criminal record can make it difficult to secure certain jobs or professional licenses. By expunging the record, individuals may improve their chances of finding employment or advancing in their careers.
2. Housing Applications: Similar to employment, landlords and property management companies often conduct background checks on prospective tenants. A criminal record can make it challenging to secure rental housing. Expunging the record may increase the chances of being approved for housing applications.
3. Education and Financial Aid: Certain educational institutions and financial aid programs consider an applicant’s criminal record during the admissions or awarding process. Expunging the record could improve eligibility for educational opportunities and access to financial aid.
4. Personal Reputation and Privacy: Expunging a criminal record can help individuals regain a sense of privacy and protect their reputation. It allows them to put past mistakes behind them and move forward without the stigma associated with a criminal record.

It’s important to note that the process and eligibility requirements for expungement can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense. Consulting with a legal professional would be advisable to understand the specific laws and procedures related to expungement in a particular jurisdiction.

Starting May 4th, 2022 and only until June 30th, 2023 the court’s filing fee of $135 in local Justice Courts ($150 to file in the State’s District Courts) will be waived to expunge a court/ criminal record. Individuals will still need to pay a fee with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation to receive certification.

If you are interested in expunging your case, helpful resources include the Utah’s State Court’s website at www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/case-categories/criminal-justice/expunge and Salt Lake County’s Expungement Tool Kit at https://slco.org/cji/expungement-guide/.

To view your Utah court cases online go to https://www.utcourts.gov/mycase/ to set up a free account with the Utah State Courts to see all the cases you have on the public record. If you have cases in the Sandy Justice Court you would like to expunge call 801-568-7160.