
March 24, 2025
Expungement/Record Sealing After Self-Defense
After being involved in a self-defense matter, specific legal processes are available to help remove or seal criminal records. Those legal processes are called expungement and record sealing. Expungement is the legal process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal records. An expungement order directs the court to treat the criminal conviction as if it had never occurred, essentially removing it from a defendant’s criminal record as well as, ideally, the public record.
Record sealing refers to state laws that allow civil or criminal records to be stored away from public access. Record sealing restricts access and conceals records from the general public and most background checks. However, sealed records may be accessed by law enforcement agencies, state attorneys, and the courts in certain circumstances. As a member of Attorneys On Retainer (“AOR”), we provide you with the legal representation needed to expunge and seal any records resulting from a self-defense incident.
What Expungement/Record Sealing Coverage Do We Offer?
The Attorneys On Retainer membership provides not only a top-tier legal defense but also essential access to post-conviction legal remedies, ensuring comprehensive support for our members at every stage of their legal journey. AOR provides members with up to $5,000 in legal representation coverage for expenses and fees related to any petition to seal a record, set aside a conviction, or expunge any conviction as permitted by relevant state law. This benefit is exclusively for self-defense-related incidents that occur after a member joins AOR. It provides peace of mind, ensuring that once the legal battle is over, steps can be taken to restore their record and build future opportunities. With this additional layer of protection, AOR members can confidently move forward knowing their rights and reputation are secure.
If you are an AOR member, you will receive representation from The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm for expungement/record-clearing after a self-defense legal matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AOR offer criminal defense, civil defense, or both? And what are the limits?
Regarding self-defense-related legal matters only, AOR includes 100% of your attorneys’ fees through trial and any additional court costs and 3rd party expenses necessary for effective representation. Victim’s rights representation, civil defense, and any necessary appeals are also included without any additional fees, costs, or expenses. AOR also offers up to $50,000 toward bail, $4,000 toward scene cleanup, $1,500 toward mental health counseling services, and $1,000 toward firearm replacement reimbursement.
Does AOR include civil or compensatory damages?
Yes. We now offer up to $100,000 in civil or compensatory damages.
Why did AOR eliminate the 35% discount on attorney's fees for non-self-defense cases?
AOR no longer offers the 35% discount on attorney’s fees for non-self-defense cases because The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm (“AFF”) now accepts only self-defense cases. The attorneys at AFF are focused solely on self-defense cases and do not accept any cases from any retained matter other than self-defense cases. The only exception is when we accept a legal advocacy case to generally advance 2A rights or some other pro-freedom interest.
What is AOR’s civil liability coverage limit?
AOR includes up to $100,000 in civil liability coverage for qualifying self-defense incidents, provided through The Attorneys For Freedom Risk Retention Group, Inc. (AFF-RRG). Additionally, AOR is actively working to increase the amount of civil liability coverage available to members. Details will be available as soon as possible.
What is AOR's new red flag/emergency order coverage?
AOR now provides all members of The AOR Program and affiliates of The Attorneys On Retainer Association with up to $15,000 in legal representation coverage against or challenging emergency orders such as injunctions or orders of protection where the member’s firearm rights were suspended. You DO NOT have to be in a self-defense incident in order to receive this coverage. Additionally, the coverage does not apply to court orders issued in family law court proceedings. AOR is proud to represent members in “red flag” cases.
What is AOR's new expungement/record sealing coverage?
AOR now provides all members and affiliates of The Attorneys On Retainer Association with up to $5,000 in legal representation coverage for fees and expenses incurred on behalf of members for any petition to clear record, set aside conviction, or expunge any conviction as permitted by relevant state law resulting from a member’s involvement in a self-defense-related matter which arose entirely after the member joined AOR.
What is AOR's new online firearms education and training component?
AOR now provides all members and affiliates of The Attorneys On Retainer Association with an online training curriculum focused on the safe and legal ownership and use of firearms and other related self-defense matters. This curriculum includes training on general firearm safety rules, safe handling and storing firearms, practical instruction on loading and firing firearms, and information about legal rights and responsibilities related to firearms and self-defense issues.
Have a Question About AOR Membership?
Our team is ready to walk you through your options. Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Questions? Contact Us
Our team is ready to walk you through your options. Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.


