Expungement Eligibility in Wisconsin: What Cases Qualify and How to Apply

August 25, 2026 | Criminal Convictions

A criminal record can follow you for years after a case is closed, showing up on background checks for jobs, housing, and professional licenses. If you were convicted of a crime in Wisconsin, you may be wondering how to clear your record in Wisconsin and whether expungement is an option. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of offense, your age at the time of the crime, and whether the judge ordered expungement at sentencing. The criminal defense attorneys at Hogan Eickhoff help clients throughout Wisconsin understand their options and pursue expungement when eligible. What Is Expungement Under Wisconsin Law Expungement is a legal process that allows certain criminal records to be sealed from public view once the terms of a sentence are successfully completed. Under Wis. Stat. § 973.015, a court may order that the record of a conviction be expunged upon successful completion of the sentence, … Continued

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Who Can Access My Arrest and Criminal Records?

January 6, 2022 | Criminal Record

When you are applying for a job or up for a background check, one of your bigger worries is that people will find your criminal records. Such a discovery could make them take back a job offer or keep them from giving you a place to live. Even after your sentence is completed, you may be living with the effects of a conviction for the rest of your life. In fact, anyone with the knowledge (or who is obligated) can access much of your criminal record (including potential partners and friends) and leaves you vulnerable to the other effects of criminal charges. Mistakes that you make can follow you in life for a long time.

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Discharge from Probation Didn’t Count as Successful Completion of Sentence for Expungement Purposes

October 22, 2021 | Court Hearings

Although momentum seems to be on the side of criminal justice reform and allowing for broader abilities to expunge criminal records, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals did not exactly see it this way in a recent case. The court would not allow expungement of a defendant’s criminal record when he was discharged from probation. In order to be fully eligible for possible expungement, defendants need to complete their sentence in full, no matter the circumstances. To ensure your best chances of expunging your criminal record, make sure to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

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