A criminal record can affect jobs, housing, and education long after a case ends. New Mexico law now provides broader options to clear past convictions, even when more than one case appears on your record. If each case meets legal requirements, expungement may still be available.
What expungement means under New Mexico law
Expungement removes eligible arrests and convictions from public view and requires government agencies to restrict access to those records. After the court grants expungement, most background checks will not show the cleared cases, and you may lawfully state that the expunged matters did not occur in most situations allowed by law.
When multiple convictions may still qualify
New Mexico law allows you to seek expungement for multiple convictions as long as each case qualifies on its own. Courts review offense type, case outcome, and required waiting periods, which vary depending on whether the conviction involved a misdemeanor or felony. Completing all sentencing terms and avoiding new charges during the waiting period can support approval.
Offenses that cannot be expunged
Certain convictions remain ineligible for expungement under New Mexico law, including serious violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes involving great bodily harm. These barred offenses must stay on your record, but they do not automatically prevent expungement of other qualifying convictions.
How the expungement process works
You must file a petition in the court where the cases occurred and list each case you want expunged with accurate details. Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies may object, and the court may hold a hearing to evaluate public safety and fairness. If approved, agencies must remove the expunged cases from public-facing records.
Each conviction carries its own waiting period, so filing too early can result in denial. Accurate case numbers, dates, and dispositions help prevent delays during court review. When handled carefully, expungement can reduce the impact of past convictions and allow you to move forward.