PAULA & MIP Expungement

Clear underage alcohol charges from your Iowa record—don't let a youthful mistake follow you forever

Check Eligibility Free
✓ Attorney representation included ✓ $450 flat fee ✓ No payment-of-fines requirement

Who This Expungement Is For

✓ PAULA Violations

Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age—the most common underage drinking charge in Iowa (Iowa Code § 123.47).

✓ MIP Violations

Minor in Possession of alcohol. Both first-time and repeat offenses can qualify for expungement after completing requirements.

✓ College Students

Don't let an underage drinking charge from your college years affect job opportunities, graduate school applications, or professional licenses.

Eligibility Requirements

✓ Must Meet These Criteria

  • Convicted of PAULA or MIP (Iowa Code § 123.47)
  • Successfully completed all court-ordered requirements (if any)
  • Completed probation (if applicable)
  • At least 2 years have passed with no new criminal convictions (excluding simple traffic violations)

💚 Great News: No Payment Requirement!

Unlike other Iowa expungements, PAULA/MIP expungements under § 123.47 do NOT require you to pay all fines and fees first. This is one of the most accessible expungement options in Iowa. Additionally, once expunged, these records are more strictly limited from law enforcement access than other expunged records.

Why This Expungement Matters

🎓 Graduate School

Many graduate programs ask about criminal history. A PAULA charge can raise red flags even though it was a minor offense years ago.

💼 Professional Licenses

Nursing, teaching, law, and other professional licensing boards often require disclosure of all convictions—even minor ones.

🏢 Background Checks

Employers increasingly run comprehensive background checks. An underage drinking conviction from years ago shouldn't define your professional future.

What's Included in Our $450 Flat Fee

✓ Document Preparation

  • Application for expungement
  • Supporting affidavit
  • Verification of completion
  • Proposed court order

✓ Legal Services

  • Attorney review & signature
  • Electronic court filing
  • Service to county attorney
  • Hearing representation (if needed)

✓ Follow-Up

  • Court order monitoring
  • Background check notification
  • Case status updates
  • Unlimited email support

💰 What's NOT Included

Court filing fee: $0 (Iowa does not charge filing fees for expungements!)
Outstanding fines: NOT required to be paid for PAULA/MIP expungements
Certified copies: $15 each (optional, if you want physical certified copies)

Expected Timeline

Day 1:
You complete quiz, sign agreement, make payment, submit intake form
Days 2-5:
We prepare your legal documents and file with court
Weeks 2-4:
County attorney reviews (usually no objection)
Weeks 4-8:
Court issues order granting expungement
Done! (30-60 days typical)
Record sealed with enhanced privacy protections

Transparent Pricing

$450
Flat Fee • No Hidden Costs

🔒 Secure payment via Stripe • Simple, straightforward pricing

Get Started Now

Common Questions

Can I expunge multiple PAULA/MIP convictions? +
Yes! Unlike the one-time misdemeanor expungement under § 901C.3, Iowa Code § 123.47 allows you to expunge PAULA/MIP convictions without a "once in a lifetime" restriction. Each conviction that meets the 2-year waiting period can potentially be expunged.
What if I still owe fines from my PAULA conviction? +
Unlike other Iowa expungements, § 123.47 does NOT require payment of fines and fees as a prerequisite to expungement. You can file for expungement even with outstanding fines (though the court may consider it as a factor).
Is this different from a deferred judgment expungement? +
Yes. If you received a deferred judgment for PAULA/MIP, that falls under Iowa Code § 907.9 and has different requirements. If you pled guilty and were convicted (no deferral), § 123.47 applies. We'll help determine which statute covers your case during the eligibility assessment.
How long do I have to wait after my conviction? +
You must wait at least 2 years from the date of conviction (or completion of sentence, whichever is later) AND have no new criminal convictions during that 2-year period (excluding simple traffic violations like speeding tickets).

Ready to Clear Your PAULA/MIP Record?

Take our free 2-minute quiz to see if you qualify. No cost, no obligation.

Check Eligibility Free
Free eligibility review Honest assessment No pressure—you decide