Know Your Expungement Eligibility
Turning your life around after a felony conviction can be challenging, especially when a criminal record stands in the way of work opportunities, housing options, and even your right to hunt or possess firearms. But for many, Tennessee offers a powerful second chance: expungement. Not all felonies qualify, but if yours does, this process can clear your record, opening doors you might’ve thought were shut for good. Here’s a rundown of what felonies can be expunged in Tennessee and how Moore Law can help you reclaim your future.
Is Expungement for You?
Expungement erases your felony record from public view, restoring the life you had before your conviction. It allows you to move forward without the stigma of a criminal record hanging over you, and it can make all the difference in getting a new job, renting a home, or even restoring your civil rights, including gun rights. This is a complex process, though, and having an experienced attorney by your side ensures you’ll meet all requirements and present the strongest case for your expungement.
At Moore Law , we specialize in guiding people just like you through every step of this process, from determining your eligibility to presenting a winning case before the judge. When you’re ready to clear your record, we’re here to make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Who Qualifies for Felony Expungement in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, not every felony conviction can be erased, but many non-violent felonies and specific drug-related felonies are eligible. What felonies can be expunged inTennessee? Here are the basic requirements:
- Eligible Offenses Only: Generally, only non-violent felonies can be expunged. Tennessee law excludes crimes like violent felonies, sexual offenses, and felonies involving minors from expungement.
- Limited Convictions: Usually, expungement is available if you have two or fewer eligible convictions.
- Good Behavior Requirement: The court will want to see that you’ve led a positive, law-abiding life since your conviction. At Moore Law , we assist in gathering character affidavits from reputable people in your life to help prove this.
- Time Since Completion of Sentence: For most Class C and D felonies, you’ll need to have completed your sentence, including any probation, at least 10 years prior. For Class E felonies, a five-year period is generally required.
Our team at Moore Law can assess your case and quickly tell you if you’re eligible. Then, we’ll handle all the paperwork, help gather supporting documentation, and represent you in court to maximize your chances.
What Types of Felonies are Eligible for Expungement?
The following are some examples of felonies that can be cleared in Tennessee:
- Class C Felonies like theft, forgery, identity theft, and vandalism (non-violent).
- Class D Felonies such as burglary (non-violent), theft of services, and specific fraud offenses.
- Class E Felonies including simple possession (third offense), accessory after the fact, and various low-level forgery charges.
If you’re unsure whether your felony qualifies, contact Moore Law today. Our legal team will review your case in detail to confirm your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
The Moore Law Expungement Process
Expunging a felony is not as simple as filing a form—it’s a detailed process that requires careful preparation, organization, and strong presentation in court. At Moore Law, our approach is all about “leaving no doubt.” We take the time to make sure everything is in place to help the judge confidently grant your expungement.
Here’s how we handle the expungement process for our clients:
- Eligibility Check: We’ll confirm that your felony is eligible and check for any additional requirements.We won’t let you hire us until we determine you are eligible.
- Gather Documentation: You’ll need certified copies of your conviction records. Moore Law helps you collect these to avoid delays.
- Personal Statement: We guide you on how to write a personal statement that tells your story of change. The judge will want to see genuine remorse and proof of how you’ve turned your life around.
- File the Petition and Represent You in Court: Once everything is in place, we file the petition, handle the legal formalities, and stand in for you during your court appearance.
Expungement can be life-changing, and at Moore Law , we’re committed to helping you get it right the first time.
Benefits of Working with Moore Law for Your Expungement
Our firm has helped countless individuals erase past convictions and start fresh. When you work with us, you get:
- Experience You Can Trust: We’ve handled all types of expungement cases, from Class E felonies to more complex Class C and D felony expungements.
- Personalized Guidance: We’ll be with you every step of the way, making sure you understand the process and feel comfortable.
- Quick, Efficient Handling: Time is of the essence in expungement cases. We help you gather necessary documentation and affidavits efficiently so that there are no unnecessary delays.
- A Dedicated Team for Your Fresh Start: Our mission is to see you succeed in reclaiming your life. We fight for your rights with everything we’ve got.
No Hidden Fees: Our transparent fee approach ensures you know 100% of the cost right from the start.
Take the First Step Toward a Clean Record
If you’re ready to put your past behind you and learn more about expunging your felony record, reach out to Moore Law today. We’re here to help you get started with a free consultation, where we’ll review your case, confirm your eligibility, and discuss the steps needed to get your record cleared.
Call Moore Law or chat with us here on the site to determine your eligibility and schedule your consultation. Don’t let your past define your future—take control of your record and open new doors with our experienced team by your side.
The following Class C felonies, committed on or after November 1, 1989, are ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNCTION:
1. Section 39-14-103 – Theft of property;
2. Section 39–14-104 – Theft of services;
3. Section 39-14-114 – Forgery;
4. Section 39-14-115 – Criminal simulation;
5. Section 39-14-118 – Illegal possession or fraudulent use of a credit card or debit card;
6. Section 39-14-121 – Worthless checks;
7. Section 39-14-130 – Destruction of valuable papers;
8. Section 39-14-133 – Fraudulent or false insurance claims;
9. Section 39-14-137 – Fraudulent qualifying for set-aside programs;
10. Section 39-14-138 – Theft of trade secrets;
11 . Section 39-14-139 – Sale of recorded live performances without consent;
12. Section 39-14-149 – Communication theft;
13. Section 39-14-150( c) – Identity theft trafficking; 3 HB888
14. Section 39-14-152 – Use of a counterfeit mark or logo;
15. Section 39-14-154- Home improvement fraud;
16. Section 39-14-408 – Vandalism;
17. Section 39-14-602(b)(5) – Violation of Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act;
18. Section 39-14-603 – Unsolicited bulk electronic mail;
19. Section 39-14-804 – Theft of animal from or damage to an animal facility;
20. Section 39-17-417(c) – Manufacture, deliver, sale, or possession of Schedule II drug, including cocaine or methamphetamine in an amount less than point five (0.5) grams (fine not greater than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000));
21 . Section 39-17-417 ( e) – Manufacture, deliver, sale, or possession of flunitrazepam (fine not
greater than one hundred thousand dollars ($100 ,000));
22. Section 39-17-417(9)(3) – Manufacture, deliver, sale, or possession of Schedule VI controlled substance (fine not greater than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000));
23. Section 39-17-454(c) – Manufacture, delivery, dispense, or sale or possession with the intent to manufacture, deliver, dispense, or sale of a controlled substance analogue (second or
subsequent violation) ; and
24. Section 39-17-607(b) – Influencing or attempting to influence lottery
The following Class D felonies, committed on or after November 1, 1989, are ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNCTION:
1. Section 39-14-103 – Theft of property;
2. Section 39-14-104 – Theft of services;
3. Section 39-14-112 – Extortion;
4. Section 39-14·114 – Forgery;
5. Section 39-14-115 – Criminal simulation;
6. Section 39-14-118 – Illegal possession or fraudulent use of credit card or debit card ;
7. Section 39-14-121 – Worthless checks;
8. Section 39-14-130 – Destruction of valuable papers;
9. Section 39-14-133 – False or fraudulent insurance claims;
10. Section 39-14-137 – Fraudulent qualifying for set-aside programs;
11. Section 39-14-138 – Theft of trade secrets;
12. Section 39-14-139 – Sale of recorded live performances without consent;
13. Section 39-14-147 – Fraudulent transfer of motor vehicle valued at twenty thousand dollars
($20,000) or more;
14. Section 39-14-149 – Communication theft;
15. Section 39-14-150(b) – Identity theft;
16. Section 39-14-152 – Use of a counterfeit mark or logo;
17. Section 39-14-154 – Home improvement fraud;
18. Section 39-14-402 – Burglary – other than habitation or automobile;
19. Section 39-14-408 – Vandalism;
20. Section 39-14-602(a)-(c) – Violation of Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act;
21 . Section 39-14-603 – Unsolicited bulk electronic mail· ,
22. Section 39-16-502(a)(1) or (a)(2) – False report to law enforcement not involving bomb, fire, or emergency; 2 H B888
23. Section 39-17-417(d) – Manufacture, deliver, sale, or possession of Schedule Ill drug (fine not greater than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000));
24. Section 39-17-417(e) – Manufacture, deliver, sale, or possession of Schedule IV drug (fine not greater than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000));
25. Section 39-17-417 (g)(2) – Manufacture, deliver, sale, or possession of certain Schedule VI drugs (fine not greater than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000));
26. Section 39-17-430 – Prescribing or selling steroid for unlawful purpose;
27. Section 39-17-433 – Promoting manufacture of methamphetamine;
28. Section 39-17-438 – Produce, manufacture, del ivery, sale, or possession of hallucinogenic plant salvia divinorum or the synthetic cannabinoids (first violation);
29. Section 39-17-454(c) – Manufacture, deliver, dispense, sell, or possess with intent to
manufacture, deliver, dispense, or sell a controlled substance analogue (first violation);
30. Section 39-17-607(a) – Making counterfeit or altering lottery ticket (fine not greater than fifty
thousand dollars ($50,000));
31 . Section 39-17-608 – Making material false statement on lottery application or record;
32. Section 39-17-654(c) – Unauthorized person conducting charitable gaming event; and
33. Section 53-11-402( a)(3) – Drug fraud;
The following Class E felonies, committed on or after November 1, 1989, are ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNCTION:
1. Section 39-11-411 –Accessory after the fact;
2. Section 39-13-306–Custodial interference where person not voluntarily returned by defendant;
3. Section 39-13-604(c)(2)–Knowing dissemination of illegally recorded cellular communication;
4. Section 39-14-105(a)(2)–Theft;
5. Section 39-14-114(c)–Forgery;
6. Section 39-14-115–Criminal simulation;
7. Section 39-14-116(c)–Hindering secured creditors;
8. Section 39-14-117(b)–Fraud in insolvency;
9. Section 39-14-118–Fraudulent use of credit card or debit card;
10. Section 39-14-121 –Worthless checks;
11 . Section 39-14-130–Destruction of valuable papers;
12. Section 39-14-131–Destruction or concealment of will ;
13. Section 39-14-133–Fraudulent or false insurance claim;
14. Section 39-14-137(b)–Fraudulent qualifying for set aside programs;
15. Section 39-14-138–Theft of trade secrets;
16. Section 39-14-139–Sale of recorded live performances without consent;
17. Section 39-14-143–Unauthorized solicitation for police, judicial, or safety associations;
18. Section 39-14-14 7(f)–Fraudulent transfer of motor vehicle with value of less than $20,000;
19. Section 39-14-149–Communication theft (fine only);
20. Section 39-14-154–Home improvement fraud;
21 . Section 39-14-402–Burglary of an auto;
22. Section 39-14-408–Vandalism;
23. Section 39-14-411–Utility service interruption or property damage;
24. Section 39-14-505–Aggravated criminal littering (2nd and 3rd offenses involving certain weight or volume);
25. Section 39-14-602–Violation of Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act;
26. Section 39-14-603–Unsolicited bulk electronic mail;
27. Section 39-16-201–Taking telecommunication device into penal institution;
28. Section 39-16-302–lmpersonation of licensed professional;
29. Section 39-16-603–Evading arrest in motor vehicle where no risk to bystanders;
30. Section 39-16-609(e)–Failure to appear (felony);
31 . Section 39-17-106–Gifts of adulterated candy or food;
32. Section 39-17-417(f)–Manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of Schedule V drug (fine not greater than $5,000);
33. Section 39-17-417(g)(1)–Manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of not less than one-half
ounce (½oz.) and not more than ten pounds (10 lbs.) of Schedule VI drug marijuana (fine not
greater than $2,500);
34. Section 39-17-417(h)–Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of Schedule VII drug (fine not greater than $1 ,000);
35. Section 39-17-418(e)–Simple possession or casual exchange (3rd offense);
36. Section 39-17-422(c)–Selling glue for unlawful purpose;
37. Section 39-17-423(c)–Counterfeit controlled substance;
38. Section 39-17-425(b)(1), (2), (3) –Unlawful drug paraphernalia uses and activities;
39. Section 39-14-152 – Use of a counterfeit mark or logo;
40. Section 39-14-903 – Money laundering offenses.
