skip to content
Call Now: 515-444-5221
Call Us 515-444-5221
  • Practice Areas+
    • Criminal Defense+
      • Assault+
      • Domestic Violence+
      • Drug Crimes+
      • OWIs+
      • Gun Crimes+
      • Theft+
      • White Collar Crimes+
      • Cyber Crimes+
    • Estate Planning+
      • Power of Attorney+
      • Trusts+
      • Wills+
    • Business Law+
      • Biennial Reports+
      • Operating Agreements+
  • About+
    • Daniel Herting+
    • Keith Herting+
    • Andrew Tullar+
    • Cameo Cott+
  • Reviews+
  • Blog+
  • Contact+
Logo for Herting Law PLLC in Des Moines, IA
Contact Us: 515-444-5221
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
      • Assault
      • Domestic Violence
      • Drug Crimes
      • OWIs
      • Gun Crimes
      • Theft
      • White Collar Crimes
      • Cyber Crimes
    • Estate Planning
      • Power of Attorney
      • Trusts
      • Wills
    • Business Law
      • Biennial Reports
      • Operating Agreements
  • About
    • Daniel Herting
    • Keith Herting
    • Andrew Tullar
    • Cameo Cott
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact
woman working with her laptop

What are the long-term consequences of a criminal record?

If you have been convicted of a crime, you may be wondering what long-term consequences come with having a criminal record. Continue reading to discover the potential consequences of having a record and the opportunity to expunge or seal a criminal record in the state of Iowa. If you have any questions regarding your criminal record, do not hesitate to reach out to our firm. We are here to help.

What Are the Potential Consequences of a Record?

A criminal record can possibly have an impact on any of the following:

  • Child custody arrangements: It is possible for your former spouse and the court to use your criminal record to prove you are an unfit parent or even a danger to your child.
  • Getting/keeping a job: The types of jobs available to those with a criminal record is limited as they require applicants to check “yes” on a job application for being convicted of a crime. Employees who are convicted of a crime can also be fired from their current job as a result of these charges.
  • Future criminal penalties: If you have committed a crime more than once, it is possible to face worse penalties for each new crime.
  • Immigration status: Individuals with a criminal record may be deported or prevented from becoming future citizens.

Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Iowa

Unfortunately, the options for expunging or sealing a criminal record in Iowa are limited. However, many non-conviction records can be expunged. Your record may qualify for expungement if you satisfy any of the following factors:

  • The conviction was for an eligible alcohol-related offense
    • After two years, and if your record has been clean for these two years, you may petition to have the related record expunged. This rule does not apply to driving under the influence.
  • You completed probation and obtained deferred judgment at the time of your conviction
    • If all charges against you were dropped or you were found not guilty of the offense, your record may be eligible for expungement if you have paid your court costs and fees and you have waited to apply for 180 days from the date of your acquittal or the dismissal of your case.

You also have the option to request that your record be corrected if your Iowa criminal record contains errors.

Contact Our Firm

Herting Law, PLLC, is an Iowa-based law firm designed to help with all of your legal needs. If you need a Des Moines criminal defense lawyer, our firm has significant experience in all criminal matters, including OWIs, drug charges, gun crimes, theft, assault, and more. If you need an estate planning lawyer, our firm can guide you through it all, including drafting wills, trusts, and the administration of your estate. We have years of experience with immigration, business, contract, and family law matters. Whatever the situation, Herting Law, PLLC has you covered.

gavel 3577060_960_720
Practice Areas
  • Criminal Defense
    • Assault
    • Domestic Violence
    • Drug Crimes
    • OWIs
    • Gun Crimes
    • Theft
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Cyber Crimes
  • Estate Planning
    • Power of Attorney
    • Trusts
    • Wills
  • Business Law
    • Biennial Reports
    • Operating Agreements

We are ready to hear from you

Contact Us Today

Name(Required)

Herting Law, PLLC
1000 73rd St, Ste 5
West Des Moines, IA 50265

515-444-5221

Cleantalk Pixel
Website Designed & Managed by Accel Marketing Solutions

© 2025 Herting Law, PLLC. All rights reserved. Attorney advertising.

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy