A Motion to Set Aside—also called “expungement”—begins a court process that seals certain criminal arrest or conviction records.

If the court grants a Motion to Set Aside, the record is sealed for Oregon state agencies. For some legal purposes, the arrest or conviction is treated as if it did not happen.

Having a record sealed can help reduce barriers to employment, housing, education, professional licensing, and bonding.

How the Process Works

Expungement is governed by Oregon law (ORS 137.225). The steps are straightforward, but the process can take several months to complete.

You are not required to hire an attorney to file a Motion to Set Aside. However, Court staff and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office staff are not allowed to give legal advice. This includes advice about eligibility or help selecting and completing forms.

If you are not eligible, if your motion does not meet the legal requirements, or if the paperwork is completed incorrectly, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office may object, and the Court may deny the request.

Getting Legal Help

If you would like help understanding the law or selecting and completing the forms, you may wish to consult an attorney.

• Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 503-684-3763 (reduced-fee consultations)
• Metropolitan Public Defender: 503-225-9100 (ask about the Community Law Division)
• CLEAR Clinic: https://clear-clinic.org/ (hosts drop-in clinics for criminal record expungements and court fines and fee waiver assistance)

Forms and Instructions

Please review the instructions carefully before filing. The following forms are used to file a Motion to Set Aside:

• Start Here: Instructions
• Set Aside a Conviction: Motion and Declaration
• Set Aside an Arrest Record: Motion and Declaration
• OSP Criminal History Request Form (REQUIRED for all Motions to Set Aside)