Dismissed & Acquitted Case Expungement

Clear your Iowa record from cases where charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty

✓ Attorney representation included ✓ $450 flat fee ✓ 30-60 day typical timeline

Who This Expungement Is For

✓ Dismissed Charges

If your case was dismissed before trial or during proceedings, you may qualify for expungement under Iowa Code § 901C.2.

✓ Acquittals (Not Guilty)

If you went to trial and were found not guilty, your record can be expunged—you should never have to explain an acquittal.

✓ No Contest Withdrawn

If you entered a no contest or guilty plea that was later withdrawn and charges dismissed, you may qualify.

Eligibility Requirements

✓ Must Meet All Criteria

Case ended in dismissal or acquittal (not guilty verdict)
All court costs and fees in the case paid in full
Any restitution ordered has been paid
No pending charges in any Iowa court
At least 30 days since final disposition

⚡ Important: The "Whole File" Rule

Under the 2025 Iowa Supreme Court ruling in Doe v. Iowa District Court, expungement is an "all-or-nothing" process. If your case file contains any conviction that can't be expunged (like an OWI), the entire case stays public—even dismissed counts. This makes it critical to understand exactly what's in your case file.

What's Included in Our $450 Flat Fee

✓ Document Preparation

Application for expungement
Supporting affidavit
Proposed court order
Certificate of service

✓ Legal Services

Attorney review & signature
Electronic court filing
Service to county attorney
Hearing representation (if needed)

✓ Follow-Up

Court order monitoring
Background check notification
Case status updates
Unlimited email support

💰 What's NOT Included

Court filing fee: $0 (Iowa does not charge filing fees for expungements!)
Certified copies: $15 each (optional, if you want physical certified copies)

Expected Timeline

Day 1:
You complete quiz, sign agreement, make payment, submit intake form

Days 2-5:
We prepare your legal documents and file with court

30-Day Notice Period:
County attorney reviews (30 days to object under Iowa law)

Weeks 5-8:
Court issues order granting expungement (if no objection)

Done! (30-60 days typical)
Record sealed, background check companies notified

Transparent Pricing

$450

Flat Fee • No Hidden Costs

🔒 Secure payment via Stripe • Simple, straightforward pricing

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Common Questions

Why do I need to expunge a dismissed case? +

Even though you weren't convicted, dismissed charges still show up on Iowa Courts Online and most background checks. Employers and landlords can see the arrest and charge, which can create unfair bias even though the case was dismissed. Expungement removes it from public view.

Will the case completely disappear? +

The case is sealed from public view, meaning it won't show up on Iowa Courts Online or most background checks. Courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement can still see it for official purposes, but for employment and housing purposes, you can legally answer "no" when asked if you've been charged with a crime (if the only charge was dismissed/acquitted).

What if I had multiple charges and only some were dismissed? +

This is where the "whole file" rule from the 2025 Iowa Supreme Court case matters. If you have any conviction in the same case that can't be expunged, the entire case file stays public—even the dismissed charges. We'll review your complete case file during the eligibility assessment.

Do I have to go to court? +

Usually not. Most dismissed case expungements are granted without a hearing. If a hearing is needed, our attorney appears on your behalf—you typically don't need to attend.