You Thought It Was Behind You—Now It’s Threatening Your Military Career

You did the work. You stayed out of trouble. You petitioned the court and had your record expunged. Maybe it was a youthful mistake or a charge that didn’t reflect who you are today. You were told the record was sealed—gone, even. But now, at the final stages of your enlistment or commissioning, your recruiter tells you that you still need a Moral Conduct Waiver.

Wait, what?

If you’re frustrated, confused, and unsure what to do next, you’re not alone. Every week, we talk to people who believed their expungement “cleared their record”—only to find out the military still considers it in their moral qualification assessment.

The good news? You’re not stuck. Expungement can help, but only if you understand how the military interprets it—and know how to strategically present your case.

That’s where the National Security Law Firm (NSLF) comes in.

We help clients nationwide turn expunged records into winning waiver applications, and we’re ready to help you do the same.

Does the Military Care About Expunged Records? Unfortunately, Yes.

The military doesn’t follow the same rules as civilian employers or courts when it comes to expunged, sealed, or dismissed cases. Even if a judge cleared your record, the Department of Defense (DoD) still requires full disclosure.

Here’s what matters:

  • According to DoD Instruction 1304.26, applicants must disclose all charges, regardless of the outcome or whether the record has been expunged, sealed, or set aside.
  • DD Form 1966, the military’s standard enlistment form, requires you to list all offenses and includes a warning that failure to do so can be considered fraudulent enlistment.

So yes—even expunged offenses can disqualify you from enlistment unless you receive a Moral Conduct Waiver.

But here’s the critical point: expungement can still be a powerful part of your waiver strategy—if used the right way.

How Expungement Can Help Your Waiver Case

While expungement does not erase the offense in the eyes of the military, it does provide valuable evidence of:

✅ Rehabilitation – You cared enough to seek legal relief and take responsibility.
 ✅ Low risk of reoffending – Courts only grant expungement to those who’ve stayed out of trouble.
 ✅ Strong legal footing – You have legal documentation showing that the justice system considers the case resolved in your favor.

At NSLF, we regularly use expungement documents to bolster waiver packets by framing them as proof of your character growth and readiness to serve.

In short: expungement won’t make the waiver requirement disappear—but it absolutely can strengthen your application when paired with smart legal strategy.

What the Waiver Process Looks Like If You Have an Expunged Record

1. Disclosure First, Always

Even expunged offenses must be fully disclosed to avoid issues with integrity or fraudulent enlistment.

2. Get Your Records

We help you track down expungement orders, original court records, and arrest documents. The military wants the full picture, even if the record was sealed.

3. Build a Strong Case

We draft a legal memo explaining the circumstances of the offense, why it was expunged, and why you’re now a strong candidate for military service.

4. Gather Evidence of Rehabilitation

This may include:

  • Expungement orders
  • Court findings
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Education/employment history
  • Clean record since the incident

5. Submit the Waiver Packet

The full waiver request is sent to your branch’s moral waiver authority for review. Approval depends on the quality of the submission, not just the paperwork.

Recruiters often don’t include legal arguments or supplemental documentation. That’s why many waiver requests are denied when submitted without legal help.

How Much Does It Cost? Flat-Fee Pricing and Affordable Payment Options

We offer flat-fee pricing of $5,000 for full Moral Conduct Waiver representation. No billable hours, no unexpected charges—just elite legal support.

This includes:

  • Records retrieval and analysis
  • Waiver memo drafting
  • Rehabilitation evidence compilation
  • Strategy customized to your offense and expungement details
  • Ongoing support through waiver submission and follow-up

Can’t afford the full fee upfront? We’ve partnered with Affirm to offer legal financing through their “Pay Later” system. Apply online in minutes and make manageable monthly payments.

👉 Learn more about legal financing with Affirm

Why Choose NSLF? The National Leader in Military Waiver Cases

We’ve helped thousands of clients nationwide navigate the military’s complex waiver process—and win. Here’s why we’re the first call you should make:

  • ⭐ 4.9-star Google rating from hundreds of clients
  • Founded by disabled veterans—we understand military culture and values
  • Staffed with former military JAGs, judges, and security clearance adjudicators
  • Experts in DoD waiver policies and service branch variations
  • We represent clients nationwide, no matter where you live
  • We build strategic, persuasive waiver packets that speak the military’s language
  • We’ve handled hundreds of waiver cases involving expungements, juvenile records, and dismissed charges

When your future is at stake, experience matters. We’ve helped clients get back on track after expunged records, dismissed charges, and false arrests—and we’re ready to help you too.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about navigating your waiver case? Check out our other articles:

For a full list of resources and insights, visit our Moral Conduct Waivers Practice Page.

You’ve Already Taken Responsibility—Now Let’s Clear the Path Forward

Getting an expungement was a major step. It shows you’re serious about your future and you’ve made real change. But don’t stop short of the finish line by letting a misunderstood record block your enlistment.

The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can review your record, build a strategic waiver plan, and help you move forward toward the military career you’ve earned.

📅 Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation now. It’s fast, easy, and confidential—no phone calls needed. Just pick a time and we’ll walk you through exactly what to do next.

👉 Schedule Your Free Consult Today

We’ll take it from here. You can sleep easier knowing your record—and your future—is in good hands.