Connecticut Clean Slate Law, What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Check Your Record 2026 Guide

If you have an old criminal record in Connecticut, there is a good chance it may already be erased — and you might not even know it yet.

Connecticut’s Clean Slate Law is one of the most powerful second-chance laws in the United States. More than 150,000 people have already had their criminal records automatically wiped under this law, and the numbers keep growing every single day.

This guide explains everything in plain language — what the law does, who qualifies, what crimes are NOT covered, what happens with employers, and exactly how to check if your record has been erased.

What Is the Clean Slate Law in Connecticut?

The Clean Slate Law is a Connecticut state law that automatically erases old, low-level criminal convictions from a person’s record — without them having to go to court or file any paperwork.

The idea behind the law is simple: Connecticut citizens should not be punished beyond their sentences. People with old and minor convictions are unlikely to commit future crimes, and having a criminal record unfairly limits access to jobs, housing, and education.

Gov. Ned Lamont signed the Clean Slate Law in 2021, and it officially took effect on January 1, 2023. It is considered one of the most comprehensive record-sealing programs in the entire country.

The key word is automatic. You do not need a lawyer. You do not need to apply. If you qualify, the state is supposed to erase your record on its own.

Who Qualifies for Clean Slate in Connecticut?

To have your record erased under the Clean Slate Law, you must meet these basic requirements:

1. You must have a Connecticut state conviction. Federal convictions and out-of-state convictions are not covered.

2. You must have stayed crime-free for a certain number of years after your last conviction.

3. Your conviction must be for an eligible offense (more on that below).

Waiting Periods

The law requires the state to erase most old, low-level convictions from people’s records after seven years for eligible misdemeanors, or 10 years for eligible felony convictions.

Here is a simple breakdown:

The clock starts from the date of your most recent conviction — not the date of your original offense.

What Crimes Qualify — and What Crimes Do NOT?

This is where many people get confused. Not every conviction is eligible.

 Crimes That CAN Be Erased

• Most misdemeanor convictions
• Class D and Class E felony convictions
• Unclassified felonies with sentences of 5 years or less
• Many drug possession offenses

The law requires automatic erasure of eligible offenses that occurred on or after January 1, 2000. For convictions before January 1, 2000, you can petition the court to request erasure.

Crimes That CANNOT Be Erased

Charges for sex crimes, family violence crimes, and firearms offenses are not eligible for Clean Slate erasure.

Specifically excluded convictions include:

• Sex offenses (as defined under Connecticut law)
• Family violence crimes
• Sale, delivery, or transfer of pistols and revolvers
• Certain assault charges
• Strangulation or suffocation offenses
• Enticing a minor

If your record includes these types of convictions, Clean Slate will not erase them. You may need to explore other options like a pardon from the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles.

What About DUI Convictions?

This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is: not yet, but coming soon.

The state is working to begin automatic erasures for people convicted of driving under the influence, but DUI cases require more scrutiny to make sure the right records are erased. Officials said this would be tackled in early 2026.

If you have a DUI conviction and are waiting for erasure, keep checking your record. This process is actively being worked on.

Is the Erasure Really Automatic? Do I Need to Do Anything?

For most people with convictions after January 1, 2000, the erasure is supposed to happen automatically. You do not need to apply, hire a lawyer, or go to court.

However, there is an important catch: the state does not send you a notification when your record is erased.

Many people who stand to benefit from the law do not yet know their records were changed. The state does not currently have a way to notify people when their convictions are erased.

One Connecticut resident only found out her record had been cleared when she applied for housing and her background check came back clean — after years of rejections. That is why it is so important to check your own record proactively.

What About Convictions Before January 1, 2000?

If you have a conviction that is eligible for erasure but occurred before January 1, 2000, it will not be erased automatically. However, you can petition the court to ask for it to be erased.

You will need to complete Form JD-CR-202, which is available at portal.ct.gov/cleanslate.

How Do You Check If Your Record Has Been Erased?

Since the state does not notify you, you need to check yourself. Here is how:

Step 1: Visit the Connecticut Judicial Branch website or the official Clean Slate portal at portal.ct.gov/cleanslate

Step 2: Request a criminal history record check from the State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI). You can do this online or by mail using Form DPS-0846-C.

Step 3: Review the results. If an eligible conviction no longer appears, it has been erased.

Step 4: If you believe a conviction should have been erased but was not, you may request a hearing by completing the Hearing for Clean Slate Erasure Form and submitting a current criminal history record check dated on or after January 1, 2024.

What Does Erasure Actually Mean? What Changes?

When your record is erased under the Clean Slate Law, it is as if the conviction legally never happened. This means:

• It should not show up on standard background checks
• You are not legally required to disclose it on job applications, housing applications, or most other forms
• Employers cannot use it against you when making hiring decisions

This opens doors that a criminal record often keeps shut — better jobs, stable housing, college admissions, professional licenses, and more.

What Do Employers Need to Know?

If you are a Connecticut employer, the Clean Slate Law changes your responsibilities too.

It is now an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer to make hiring or employment decisions based on a job applicant’s erased criminal record. Connecticut’s “ban the box” law also prohibits employers from asking about prior arrests, criminal charges, or convictions on an initial employment application.

Employment application forms that include questions about an applicant’s criminal history must contain a clear notice that the applicant is not required to disclose any erased arrest, criminal charge, or conviction.

If an employer violates these rules, a violation may constitute a discriminatory practice, and an employee or prospective employee may file a complaint with the Connecticut Labor Commissioner or the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, or bring an action in Connecticut Superior Court.

How Many People Has the Law Helped So Far?

The impact has been enormous — and it is still growing.

As of March 2026, more than 150,000 people in Connecticut have had their criminal records erased under the Clean Slate Law, with officials working toward reaching 200,000.

About 100 more people become newly eligible for automatic erasures every single day.

The road to get here was not smooth. The system faced years of technical delays due to outdated computer systems and messy data. State officials called it one of the most difficult IT projects in the history of Connecticut, but the backlog has now been largely cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to get my record erased under Clean Slate? 

No. For convictions after January 1, 2000, the erasure is automatic. You do not need to hire anyone or file anything. However, for pre-2000 convictions, you will need to file a court petition, and a lawyer can help with that.

Will my erased record still show up on a background check?

 It should not appear on standard background checks once erased. If it still shows up, you should contact the State Police Bureau of Identification and request a review.

Q: Can I apply for jobs and housing as if the conviction never happened? Yes. Once erased, you are legally allowed to say you were not convicted of that offense on most applications.

What if my conviction is for a sex offense or domestic violence charge? 

Those convictions are not eligible under Clean Slate. You would need to explore other options, such as applying for a pardon through the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles.

 What if I committed crimes in another state? 

Clean Slate only applies to Connecticut state convictions. Out-of-state and federal convictions are not covered.

My conviction happened before 2000. Can it still be erased?

 Yes, but not automatically. You would need to petition the court using Form JD-CR-202. Visit portal.ct.gov/cleanslate for instructions.

Final Thoughts

Connecticut’s Clean Slate Law is a genuine game-changer for hundreds of thousands of people. If you have an old misdemeanor or low-level felony conviction and have stayed out of trouble, there is a very real chance your record has already been wiped — and you simply do not know it yet.

Do not wait for a letter that may never come. Check your record today, understand your rights, and take the next step toward the opportunities you deserve.

Need help understanding your specific situation? Speaking with a qualified Connecticut criminal defense attorney can help you navigate petitions, confirm your eligibility, and take action if your erasure has not gone through.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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