Expungement

Expungement is a legal process through which a person's criminal record, including arrests, charges, or convictions, is removed or made inaccessible to the public. In many jurisdictions the term is expunction, while some use sealing or destruction to describe the action. The goal is to limit the long-term consequences of a criminal record on employment, housing, and other opportunities, while maintaining public safety and accountability.

Eligibility and scope vary widely by jurisdiction. Commonly, expungement is available for cases that were dismissed, resulted in a not guilty verdict, or involved diversions or completed probation. Juvenile records are often eligible. Some offenses, especially serious crimes, sex offenses, or cases with subsequent offenses, may be excluded. Most places require a waiting period after the case ends and may impose restrictions based on age, offense type, and rehabilitation.

Process: A petition or application is filed with the court, often accompanied by fees and supporting documents. The court may hold a hearing. If granted, the order directs agencies to seal or destroy records and notify background-check providers.

Effects: When expunged or sealed, records typically become inaccessible to the public and many private-background checks, though some agency files may be retained for official purposes or mandatory reporting. Expungement generally does not erase all references in every system, especially at the federal level or in ongoing investigations, and it may not restore all civil rights automatically.

Limitations and variability: Laws differ by jurisdiction; some places use automatic expungement for certain offenses, others require individualized petitions. Always consult local statutes or a lawyer for current rules.