{"id":352411,"date":"2023-08-22T11:31:35","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T16:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/expungement\/expungement-and-criminal-records-state-specific-information.html"},"modified":"2023-08-22T11:31:35","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T16:31:35","slug":"expungement-and-criminal-records-state-specific-information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/expungement\/expungement-and-criminal-records-state-specific-information.html","title":{"rendered":"Expungement and Criminal Records: State-Specific Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Expungement and Criminal Records: State-Specific Information<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Each state’s laws detail different procedures<\/a> for accessing criminal records and expunging or sealing them. Often, expungement is more likely for juvenile records. Some states may offer automatic expungement for juvenile delinquency adjudications once you reach the age of 18.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Having a criminal record can create many barriers in life. You have to disclose misdemeanor and felony convictions on most job applications. Even a misdemeanor conviction can prevent you from finding employment. When applying for housing, a criminal background check could bar your approval. Criminal convictions can prevent you from attending college. Convictions can cancel federal student loan eligibility.<\/p>\r\n

An expungement order can open a lot of opportunities for you. Expungement or expunction<\/a> is the process that allows you to clear your criminal records from public view. While the underlying conviction or arrest doesn’t go away, it can help someone convicted of a crime, or charged without a finding of guilt, clean up their record.
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Am I Eligible for Expungement?<\/h2>\r\n

A criminal defense attorney<\/a> is the best way to understand your case and if you are eligible for expungement. Eligibility for expungement of records depends on several different factors, including:<\/p>\r\n