A criminal record can block employment, housing, professional licenses, and educational opportunities. If you are eligible, Whiting & Bruner can help you petition to seal your criminal record from public view through Oklahoma's expungement process — often in just a matter of weeks.
See how Whiting & Bruner can help you clear your criminal record and move forward with your life.
An expungement is the legal process of sealing your criminal record from public view. After a successful expungement in Oklahoma, the records are removed from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) database, court records are sealed, and the arrest and charges will not appear on standard background checks.
Oklahoma's expungement statute (22 O.S. § 18) has been expanded significantly in recent years, making more Oklahomans eligible than ever before. Whether your case was dismissed, you were acquitted at trial, you completed a deferred sentence, or you have served your time for certain eligible offenses, you may qualify to have your record sealed.
Important: Violent felonies and sex offenses requiring registration are generally NOT eligible for expungement. However, many other felonies and most misdemeanors can be expunged. If you are unsure whether your charge qualifies, contact my office for a free eligibility analysis.
A criminal record can follow you for life — affecting job applications, apartment rentals, professional licensing, loan approvals, and more. Expungement gives you the fresh start you deserve. I offer affordable expungement services and guide my clients through every step of the process.
The first step is obtaining and analyzing your criminal history record from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). I review your complete record to determine which charges qualify for expungement under current Oklahoma law.
You can request your own OSBI background report at chirp.osbi.ok.gov, or I can request and review the report on your behalf for a $15 fee. This initial analysis is the foundation for the entire expungement process.
After I determine your eligibility, we will meet — either in-person at my Oklahoma City office or by phone/video conference, whichever you prefer — to discuss the details of the expungement process, the timeline, costs, and what to expect.
During this meeting, we will execute a representation agreement so I can begin working on your case immediately.
I prepare and file all necessary legal documents, including the Petition for Expungement, with the appropriate Oklahoma district court. The petition is also served on the District Attorney and OSBI as required by law.
After the required waiting period (typically 30 days for the DA to respond), the court reviews the petition. In many cases, expungements are granted without a hearing. Once granted, OSBI seals your record from public view.
The entire process — from eligibility analysis to a sealed record — can often be completed in a matter of weeks, giving you a fresh start as quickly as possible.
Oklahoma's expungement laws are among the most expansive in the country. You may be eligible for expungement if:
Not eligible: Violent felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and certain other serious crimes are generally not eligible for expungement. If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact my office — I will review your record at no charge and let you know your options.
In most cases, the process can be completed in 4 to 8 weeks from the time I file the petition. Some cases may take longer if a hearing is required or if the District Attorney objects.
Once an expungement is granted, the records are sealed from public view and should not appear on standard background checks. However, certain government agencies and law enforcement may still have access to sealed records in limited circumstances.
I offer affordable, competitive pricing for expungement services. The cost includes court filing fees and my attorney fees. Contact my office for a free eligibility analysis and a clear quote with no hidden fees.
If your DUI case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you completed a deferred sentence, you may be eligible. DUI convictions (non-deferred) have more limited eligibility and may require a waiting period.
Certain nonviolent felonies are eligible for expungement after you have completed your sentence and the required waiting period. Violent felonies and sex offenses are generally not eligible.
While you can petition for expungement on your own, having an attorney ensures the paperwork is filed correctly, increases the likelihood of approval, and speeds up the process. I handle everything from the OSBI record review to the final court order.