Office Address - Directions

The Gotham Building
2256 North Albina, Suite 172
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503) 705-7543

Helpful Links

Click here to view
Updates in Expungement Law

Click here to order your
Oregon State Police
background check

A simple arrest or criminal citation stays on your record unless you take action to have that record sealed. This is true even if no charges are brought against you, the charges are dismissed, or you are found "not guilty" at trial.

Criminal history checks have become much more thorough over the years. And, more landlords, employers, licensing agencies, schools, and nonprofits are conducting background checks. Most schools don't allow parents and grandparents to volunteer in the classroom or go on field trips if the person has a criminal record. Because of their potential to severely impact a person''s life, arrest and conviction records should be expunged whenever possible under the law.

Sandi Pellikaan knows the intricacies of Oregon's expungment laws and is skilled in filing to the necessary motions and affidavits to get the arrest, citation or conviction erased from your record. She will consult with you at no charge to determine whether your situation falls within Oregon's laws allowing for the arrest, citation or conviction to be sealed. If you appear to qualify, she will prepare and file the legal documents for you. She will follow up to ensure your record gets sealed.

To view Oregon expungement laws, click here and scroll down to ORS 137.225.

Why should I hire Sandi Pellikaan?

I specialize in criminal defense and expungements. Unlike many attorneys who handle these matters to pay their bills while focusing their energy on civil cases, criminal defense and expungements of criminal records are all that I do. This means that I know what I am doing, I do it efficiently and correctly, and your case will always be a priority for me.

I handle expungements in all Oregon counties. Each county has slightly different procedures and quirks, and I know how each county likes their paperwork prepared and filed. I also know, based on my years of experience handling expungements, if and when a particular county's prosecutor may object to an expungement. My knowledge and experience will save you time and money in the long run.

FAQ

How much does an expungement cost?
My fee ranges from $550–$700, depending on the county (some require more work than others) and age of the case. There is also a $250 filing fee payable to the county circuit court, and in the case of convictions, an $80 fee payable to Oregon State Police.

How long does the expungement process take?
My turn around time to get the documents prepared and to you for your signature is typically less than a week (older cases on microfiche will take longer). Once we have filed the documents, we generally receive the judge's signed order within 6 – 12 weeks. The time frame varies quite a bit depending on the county, and I can give you a better estimate when we discuss your particular case.

I live out of state. Will I have to travel to Oregon to appear in court for my expungement?
No, in most expungment cases a court appearance is not necessary. If a hearing is set, I can appear on your behalf.

My case was dismissed. Why is it still showing up on my record?
In Oregon, the arrest and dismissal of the case will show up unless you file an expungement motion and the court grants it.

When I went to court, the prosecutor did not file charges against me. Do I still need to expunge anything?
Yes, the arrest record will continue to show up until you file for an expungement.

I was cited to appear in court rather than arrested. Is there anything for me to expunge?
Yes, the citation is considered a “citation in lieu of arrest” and is treated the same as an actual physical arrest for expungement purposes. So, you would still need to file a motion to expunge the arrest.

For an expungement, does it make a difference whether my case is a felony or misdemeanor?
No, the fees and necessary paperwork are the same regardless of whether the case is classified as a misdemeanor or an felony.

Can't I just wait for the conviction or arrest to drop of my record?
No, unlike DMV records, arrests and convictions don't just "drop off" after a certain amount of time. In fact, I have represented clients with expunging records going as far back as 1961.

I'm not sure exactly what would show up on my criminal history check. How can I find out?
You may call my office or order your own criminal history check and then consult with me. If you have more than one or two cases, an OSP background check may make the most sense for you.

What is the difference between background checks through OJIN and OSP?
OJIN (Oregon Judicial Information Network) is the database that contains criminal and civil cases in Oregon State courts going back to approximately the late 1980''s–early 1990s. OSP (Oregon State Police) contains criminal arrest and conviction records from as far back as the 1920''s and, unlike OJIN, also contains information on municipal court cases. So, if you have an older case or a case that may have been in a municipal court, an OSP background check will reveal that case.

May I obtain my own OSP background check, or do I need an attorney to do that?
You may obtain your own OSP background check. In fact, it is quicker and less expensive for you to order your own OSP criminal history check. OSP charges $33.00 for a background check.

How do I obtain a copy of my OSP criminal history?
See the link near the top of this page.

Updates in Expungement Law

House Bill 2698 specifies that an arrest the court has set aside does not disqualify an applicant to set aside a subsequent arrest. What this means is that someone who has had an arrest record expunged and is then arrested on another charge within 3 years of the earlier expunged arrest does not have to wait 3 years to expunge the new arrest. HB 2698 has passed in both the House and Senate and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

House Bill 3376, if passed, would allow people convicted of some nonviolent Class B felonies to expunge their convictions. The House passed the bill on 4/25/11; it is currently being debated in the Senate.

Call for a free consultation: (503) 705-7543

Serving and defending persons facing Oregon criminal charges in Multnomah County, Washington County, Clackamas County, & Columbia County Courts and residents of the communities of Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Tigard, Oregon City, Wilsonville, West Linn, Lake Oswego & Gladstone.

This website does not provide legal advice or create an attorney client relationship with Ms. Pellikaan. Seek out an experienced Oregon lawyer for advice about your specific legal problem. This website may be considered an advertisement for services under the Oregon Code of Professional Responsibility. Remember that Oregon law, including Oregon criminal law, frequently changes. Seek out qualified Oregon criminal defense / defence attorneys and lawyers to assist you.