Connecticut Expands Clean Slate Law: What It Means for You
March 2025
A major step toward second chances took effect this year in Connecticut. On January 1, 2025, the state implemented the next phase of its “Clean Slate” law—an initiative designed to automatically erase certain criminal records after a set period, giving thousands of residents a fresh start.
What Is the Clean Slate Law?
Originally passed in 2021, the Clean Slate law is part of a broader movement to reform criminal justice in Connecticut. It aims to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and education for people who have served their time and stayed out of trouble.
The law allows for automatic erasure of certain misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions after a waiting period—7 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for eligible felonies, provided the individual hasn’t been convicted of another crime during that time.
What Changed in 2025?
While the Clean Slate law was already on the books, its automated record erasure process officially launched in January 2025. That means eligible convictions are now being erased without requiring individuals to file paperwork or go through the court system.
The Connecticut Judicial Branch and Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) have begun processing tens of thousands of records for automatic erasure. This marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to criminal records—moving from a petition-based system to one that acts automatically.
Who Qualifies?
The law applies to:
Most misdemeanor convictions
Class D and E felonies (and unclassified felonies with max terms of 5 years or less)
Convictions that are at least 7 or 10 years old, depending on the charge
Individuals who have not been convicted of a new crime in the waiting period
Some offenses, including family violence and certain sex crimes, are excluded.
Why It Matters
For many people, a criminal record—no matter how old—can be a lifelong barrier. The Clean Slate law acknowledges that people can change and that past mistakes shouldn't define someone's future forever.
Employers, landlords, and schools often use background checks to screen applicants. With this change, thousands of Connecticut residents will no longer have to explain a decades-old conviction that doesn’t reflect who they are today.
What Should You Do?
If you have a record and aren’t sure whether it qualifies for erasure:
You don’t need to file anything—the process is automatic.
However, if you're uncertain or want clarity on your case, talk to an attorney. We can help you understand your rights, eligibility, and what to expect.
If you have convictions that don’t qualify for automatic erasure, you may still be able to petition for relief through other legal channels.
Final Thoughts
Connecticut’s Clean Slate law is a powerful recognition that redemption is possible—and that one chapter doesn’t have to be the whole story. If you think your record might be eligible for erasure or if you're facing legal challenges connected to your past, I’d be honored to help.
—Stacey Anderson, Criminal Defense Attorney
