How Long do Felony or Misdemeanor Charges Last?
Both felonies and misdemeanors will stay on your criminal record forever if you do not petition the court to have them sealed or expunged. Only if you were found not guilty or your case was “Nolle prosequi,” are you eligible to file to have your records expunged. Juvenile records are automatically destroyed when they turn 29 if they have no further criminal history. If you were guilty of a crime, then you can apply to have your records sealed which means they won’t be destroyed but hidden from view in background checks.