Public Intoxication Expungement in Iowa

One public intoxication conviction can be expunged after 2 years with no other convictions. We handle everything for just $450.

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🕒 30-60 days typical 💯 $450 flat fee ⚖️ Attorney representation

What is Public Intoxication Expungement?

Public intoxication (Iowa Code § 123.46) is a simple misdemeanor that occurs when someone is intoxicated in a public place to the degree that they may endanger themselves or others, or annoy persons in their vicinity.

Even a single public intox conviction shows up on background checks and can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Iowa law allows this conviction to be expunged (sealed from public view) if you meet specific requirements.

Under Iowa Code § 123.46(3), if you were convicted of public intoxication, have not been convicted of any other offense (except minor traffic violations) for two years, and have paid all fines, you can petition the court to expunge the record.

Do You Qualify?

You may be eligible for public intoxication expungement if you meet these requirements:

Convicted of public intoxication only
The conviction must be under Iowa Code § 123.46 (public intoxication)
2+ years have passed since conviction
You must wait at least two years from the date of conviction
No other convictions during the 2-year period
You cannot have been convicted of any other offense (except minor traffic violations) during the two years since your public intoxication conviction
All fines have been paid
All fines, fees, and court costs must be paid in full
No pending criminal charges
You cannot have any pending criminal charges in Iowa or any other state

Not sure if you qualify?

Take Our Free 2-Minute Quiz

How the Process Works

1

You Complete Quiz

Take our free eligibility quiz (2 minutes). We'll tell you immediately if you qualify.

2

Sign Agreement

Review and electronically sign our engagement letter. Make secure payment ($450 flat fee).

3

Provide Case Info

Complete our detailed intake form with your case information (15 minutes online).

4

We Handle Everything

We prepare documents, file with court, serve county attorney, and represent you if hearing needed.

✓

Record Sealed

Court grants expungement. Record removed from public view. You can legally answer "no" when asked about convictions.

What's Included in Our $450 Flat Fee

✓ Document Preparation

  • Motion to expunge
  • Supporting brief
  • Proposed 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
Weeks 2-4:
County attorney reviews (public intox cases rarely face objection)
Weeks 4-6:
Court issues order granting expungement
Done! (30-45 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

How long do I have to wait after my conviction? +
You must wait at least 2 years from the date of your public intoxication conviction. During those 2 years, you cannot have any other convictions (except minor traffic violations like speeding tickets).
What if I have more than one public intox conviction? +
Unfortunately, Iowa law only allows expungement of a single public intoxication conviction. If you have multiple public intox convictions, you are not eligible under Iowa Code § 123.46. However, you may have other options—take our eligibility quiz or schedule a consultation.
Do traffic tickets count as "other convictions"? +
Minor traffic violations (like speeding tickets or parking violations) do NOT count as disqualifying convictions. However, serious traffic offenses (like OWI, reckless driving, or driving with suspended license) DO count and would make you ineligible.
Will this completely erase my record? +
The conviction will be 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, but for employment and housing purposes, you can legally answer "no" when asked if you've been convicted.
Can I expunge a disorderly conduct charge the same way? +
No, the public intoxication expungement statute (Iowa Code § 123.46) only applies to public intoxication convictions. Disorderly conduct would need to be expunged under Iowa Code § 901C.3 (the once-in-a-lifetime misdemeanor expungement), which has different requirements including an 8-year waiting period.
Do I have to go to court? +
Usually not. Most public intoxication expungements are granted without a hearing. If a hearing is needed, our attorney appears on your behalf—you typically don't need to attend.

Ready to Clear Your Public Intoxication Conviction?

Take our free 2-minute quiz to see if you qualify. No cost, no obligation.

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