Restoring Your Rights and Clearing Your Criminal Record in Wyoming

For many people, past mistakes can continue to affect their lives long after the court case is over. In Wyoming, two critical legal processes — expungement and restoration of rights — can offer a second chance. Here’s a plain-language guide to what they mean and how they work.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal way to seal certain criminal records. Once an expungement is granted, your record is hidden from public view. That means most employers, landlords, and members of the public can no longer see records about the incident. Law enforcement and courts may still access the documents for limited purposes, but for most employment activities, it’s as if the charge/conviction never happened.

Types of expungement:

• No conviction: If your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or charges were never filed, you can ask the court to seal the arrest or investigation records.

• Misdemeanors: After completing your sentence and waiting the required time (usually five years, sometimes less), you may apply. Successful expungement can also help with restoring firearm rights.

• Felonies: Expungement is available in limited cases — typically after ten years, if the offense wasn’t violent and you haven’t committed other serious crimes. It may restore rights such as voting or gun ownership.

• Juvenile cases: These are the most powerful expungements — instead of sealing, the records are destroyed entirely once eligibility rules are met.

  
  

Why Expungement Matters

A record, even for minor or dismissed charges, can stay with you for years. Expungement hides the records from the public and can reopen closed doors. It’s more than just clearing paperwork — it’s about restoring dignity and opening opportunities.

Restoration of Rights in Wyoming

Wyoming law also provides a way for people with felony convictions to regain their civil rights, including:

• The right to vote

• The right to sit on a jury

• The right to hold public office

• In many cases, the right to own or possess a firearm in Wyoming

How it works:

• You must complete your sentence, including parole or probation.

• At least five years must pass with no new felony convictions.

• The Department of Corrections issues a certificate of restoration confirming your rights are restored.

Recent changes in 2023 and 2025 expanded who qualifies and clarified what happens if someone is convicted again after rights have been restored.

Special Considerations

• Out-of-state convictions: If your felony happened outside Wyoming, the state process may not apply. However, the Governor retains constitutional power to restore rights in these cases for Wyoming Residents. This process requires you to request an application for consideration directly from the Governor through the Attorney General's Office.

• Firearm rights: Federal law and other states may not always recognize Wyoming’s expungement or restoration. It’s important to check the rules where you live or plan to move.

  
  

Moving Forward

Expungement and restoration of rights are potent tools for rebuilding a life after involvement with the justice system. They remove barriers, restore opportunities, and help people fully rejoin their communities.

If you think you may qualify, consider speaking with a lawyer who understands Wyoming’s laws. A small step today could open big doors tomorrow.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Reading this blog or contacting the author through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently, and the application of law can vary depending on individual circumstances. For advice about your specific situation, please consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.