Average hourly rate
150 — 400per hour
Average rate observed across the United States, service fees included
Expungement fees in the United States: 150–400 per hour. Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail. Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison. Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines. Rates verified across 1,300,000+ licensed attorneys.
Source: US Attorneys — Verified bar records
Common service details
| Service | Estimated fee | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail | By consultation | Free consultation |
| Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison | By consultation | Free consultation |
| Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines | By consultation | Free consultation |
| Expungement charges with prior convictions — enhanced sentencing exposure | By consultation | Free consultation |
| Expungement charges involving minors — elevated charges and penalties | By consultation | Free consultation |
| First offense expungement — diversion programs may be available | By consultation | Free consultation |
| Expungement charges with probation violation — potential revocation hearing | By consultation | Free consultation |
| Expungement charges requiring plea negotiation — reduced charges possible | By consultation | Free consultation |
| Estimated fees may vary based on case complexity, state, and attorney. | ||
How much does a expungement cost in the United States?
The average hourly rate for a expungement in the United States ranges from 150 to 400 per hour. This rate varies by region, case complexity, and the attorney's experience level. In major metro areas like New York and Los Angeles, expect rates 20 to 25% above the national average.
How to choose your expungement?
To choose the right expungement, verify their bar number with the state bar association, request proof of malpractice insurance, and compare at least 3 detailed fee agreements. Look for attorneys with relevant certifications (Board Certified in Criminal Law (NBTA)) and check client reviews online.
What are the average fees for a expungement?
Fees for a expungement depend on the type of service. Common services include: misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail, felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison. The base hourly rate is 150 to 400 per hour, excluding court fees and filing costs.
Detailed rates by service and city
Discover precise rates for each type of service in major cities across the United States.
Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail
Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail in New York →Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail in Los Angeles →Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail in Chicago →Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail in Houston →Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail in Phoenix →Misdemeanor expungement charges — potential penalties include fines and up to 1 year in jail in Philadelphia →
Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison
Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison in New York →Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison in Los Angeles →Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison in Chicago →Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison in Houston →Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison in Phoenix →Felony expungement charges — potential penalties include 1-20+ years in prison in Philadelphia →
Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines
Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines in New York →Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines in Los Angeles →Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines in Chicago →Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines in Houston →Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines in Phoenix →Federal expungement charges — subject to federal sentencing guidelines in Philadelphia →
Expungement charges with prior convictions — enhanced sentencing exposure
Expungement charges with prior convictions — enhanced sentencing exposure in New York →Expungement charges with prior convictions — enhanced sentencing exposure in Los Angeles →Expungement charges with prior convictions — enhanced sentencing exposure in Chicago →Expungement charges with prior convictions — enhanced sentencing exposure in Houston →Expungement charges with prior convictions — enhanced sentencing exposure in Phoenix →Expungement charges with prior convictions — enhanced sentencing exposure in Philadelphia →
Expungement charges involving minors — elevated charges and penalties
Expungement charges involving minors — elevated charges and penalties in New York →Expungement charges involving minors — elevated charges and penalties in Los Angeles →Expungement charges involving minors — elevated charges and penalties in Chicago →Expungement charges involving minors — elevated charges and penalties in Houston →Expungement charges involving minors — elevated charges and penalties in Phoenix →Expungement charges involving minors — elevated charges and penalties in Philadelphia →
First offense expungement — diversion programs may be available
First offense expungement — diversion programs may be available in New York →First offense expungement — diversion programs may be available in Los Angeles →First offense expungement — diversion programs may be available in Chicago →First offense expungement — diversion programs may be available in Houston →First offense expungement — diversion programs may be available in Phoenix →First offense expungement — diversion programs may be available in Philadelphia →
Expungement charges with probation violation — potential revocation hearing
Expungement charges with probation violation — potential revocation hearing in New York →Expungement charges with probation violation — potential revocation hearing in Los Angeles →Expungement charges with probation violation — potential revocation hearing in Chicago →Expungement charges with probation violation — potential revocation hearing in Houston →Expungement charges with probation violation — potential revocation hearing in Phoenix →Expungement charges with probation violation — potential revocation hearing in Philadelphia →
Expungement charges requiring plea negotiation — reduced charges possible
Expungement charges requiring plea negotiation — reduced charges possible in New York →Expungement charges requiring plea negotiation — reduced charges possible in Los Angeles →Expungement charges requiring plea negotiation — reduced charges possible in Chicago →Expungement charges requiring plea negotiation — reduced charges possible in Houston →Expungement charges requiring plea negotiation — reduced charges possible in Phoenix →Expungement charges requiring plea negotiation — reduced charges possible in Philadelphia →
Fee variations by region
Expungement rates vary by region. Here is an adjusted estimate.
Northeast
New York, Boston, DC
188 — 500 per hour
+25% vs averageWest Coast
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle
180 — 480 per hour
+20% vs averageSoutheast
Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte
143 — 380 per hour
-5% vs averageMidwest
Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis
135 — 360 per hour
-10% vs averageSouthwest
Dallas, Houston, Phoenix
150 — 400 per hour
National averageMountain
Denver, Salt Lake City
143 — 380 per hour
-5% vs averagePacific NW
Portland, Seattle
158 — 420 per hour
+5% vs averageSouth Central
Nashville, New Orleans
135 — 360 per hour
-10% vs averageTips for choosing a expungement
Look for a expungement attorney with experience in the specific court handling your case
Verify they have handled cases with charges similar to yours
Ask about their trial experience versus plea negotiation success rate
Check if they are former prosecutors who understand both sides of expungement cases
Ensure they respond quickly to calls, especially if you are in custody
Confirm they will personally handle your case, not delegate to a junior associate
Ask about potential defenses and realistic outcomes for your specific situation
Verify their standing with the state bar and check for any disciplinary history
Certifications and qualifications
Verify that your expungement holds the certifications relevant to your case.
Board Certified in Criminal Law (NBTA)
Certified Criminal Trial Specialist
Member of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
State Bar Criminal Law Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions — Expungement
How much does a expungement attorney cost?
The cost of a expungement attorney varies based on case complexity, attorney experience, geographic location, and billing method. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $400 per hour. Some attorneys offer flat fee arrangements ranging from $1,000-$5,000 for straightforward matters. Major metropolitan areas command higher rates than rural areas. Attorney experience significantly impacts pricing, with seasoned specialists charging more than general practitioners. Always get a detailed written fee agreement before hiring an attorney, and ask about all potential costs including filing fees, expert witnesses, and other expenses that may arise during your case.
How do I find the best expungement attorney near me?
Finding the best expungement attorney requires research across multiple sources. Start by checking your state bar association directory which verifies licensure and shows disciplinary history. Ask for referrals from friends, family, or other attorneys who may know qualified expungement specialists. Online legal directories like Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo, and Super Lawyers provide ratings and reviews. Look for board certification in the relevant specialty area, which indicates advanced competence. Schedule consultations with two or three attorneys to compare their approach, experience, and communication style. During consultations ask about their specific experience with cases like yours, their success rate, who will actually handle your case, and their availability. Check online reviews but weigh them carefully as individual experiences vary. The best attorney for you combines relevant expertise with communication and responsiveness that matches your needs.
What should I expect during my first consultation with a expungement attorney?
During your first consultation with a expungement attorney, you should expect a thorough discussion of your legal situation. Bring all relevant documents including contracts, correspondence, court papers, police reports, medical records, or financial records depending on your case. The attorney will ask detailed questions about the facts, timeline, and parties involved. They should explain the legal framework applicable to your situation, potential strategies, likely outcomes, and realistic timelines. Ask about their experience with similar cases, who will handle your case day-to-day, their communication practices, and their fee structure. A good attorney will be honest about the strengths and weaknesses of your case rather than making unrealistic promises. The consultation typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Many expungement attorneys offer free initial consultations.
How long does a expungement case typically take to resolve?
The timeline for resolving a expungement case depends on multiple factors including case complexity, the number of parties involved, court schedules, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial. 1-12 months for misdemeanors; 6-24 months for felonies; complex federal cases may take 1-3 years Key factors that can extend the timeline include disputed facts or legal issues, the need for extensive discovery or expert analysis, court backlogs in busy jurisdictions, appeals, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. Your attorney should provide a realistic timeline estimate based on the specific facts of your case and keep you informed about progress and any changes. While it may be tempting to push for a quick resolution, rushing can sometimes result in a worse outcome. Trust your attorney guidance on when to be patient and when to push for resolution.
What questions should I ask before hiring a expungement attorney?
Before hiring a expungement attorney, ask these essential questions: How many years have you practiced expungement law specifically? How many cases similar to mine have you handled, and what were the outcomes? Will you personally handle my case or delegate it to associates or paralegals? What is your fee structure, and what total costs should I anticipate? How will you keep me informed about case progress, and how quickly do you respond to client communications? What is your assessment of my case strengths and weaknesses? What is the likely timeline for resolution? Are you board certified or have any specialty certifications? What is your trial experience if my case cannot be settled? Can you provide references from past clients with similar cases? The answers to these questions will help you evaluate both competence and compatibility, which are equally important in choosing the right attorney for your situation.
What are the most common mistakes people make in expungement cases?
The most common mistakes in expungement cases include waiting too long to consult an attorney, which can result in missing critical deadlines or losing important evidence. Many people try to handle matters themselves initially and only seek legal help after making statements or taking actions that hurt their case. Talking to the opposing party or their representatives without legal counsel present is another frequent error. Failing to document everything including keeping copies of all communications, records, and evidence can weaken your position. Some people choose an attorney based solely on cost rather than relevant experience and specialization. Not being completely honest with your attorney prevents them from developing the best strategy and preparing for potential problems. Finally, having unrealistic expectations about outcomes or timelines can lead to frustration and poor decision-making. The earlier you involve a qualified expungement attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Can I handle a expungement matter without an attorney?
While you have the legal right to represent yourself in most expungement matters, doing so carries significant risks. The legal system is complex, and expungement cases involve specialized rules, procedures, deadlines, and strategic considerations that attorneys spend years learning. Self-represented parties are held to the same standards as attorneys and receive no special accommodations from courts. Common risks include missing filing deadlines that bar your claims permanently, making statements that damage your case, failing to preserve important evidence, not understanding your full legal rights, and accepting unfavorable terms because you do not know what a fair outcome looks like. While attorney fees represent a significant investment, the cost of mistakes from self-representation often far exceeds legal fees. For minor or straightforward matters, some people successfully handle things themselves, but for anything involving significant rights, money, or liberty, professional representation is strongly recommended.
Need an emergency expungement?
If you have been arrested or are being investigated for expungement, exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer police questions, consent to searches, or sign any documents without legal counsel present. Contact a expungement defense attorney as soon as possible, ideally before any questioning takes place. If you cannot afford an attorney, request a public defender at your arraignment.
Emergency expungement — 24/7Get a precise quote for your case
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Fee methodology
The fees displayed are indicative ranges based on averages observed across the United States. They vary by region, case complexity, and urgency. Only a personalized consultation provides a binding quote. USAttorneys is an independent directory.