Statute
Ark. Code Ann. §16-90-1412
Under Ark. Code Ann. §16-90-1412 survivors of human trafficking can petition to seal their convictions for prostitution. The petitioner must demonstrate that the conviction happened as a result of their status as a victim of trafficking.
Sealing a conviction does not disturb or undo the finding of guilt. Instead, it restricts access to who can view the conviction information. If the court grants the petition, it seals the conviction as well as redacts the survivor’s name from all records and files. These documents include arrest records and probation decrees.
Survivors of trafficking may include in their petition certified records from federal or state government agencies or court proceedings that confirm that the survivor was a victim of trafficking and the crimes were committed as a result of the trafficking. Additionally, there is no time limit on when survivors of trafficking can seek this kind of relief.
Updated Sept 2021