{"id":352416,"date":"2023-10-13T10:57:23","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T15:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/expungement\/expungement-overview.html"},"modified":"2023-10-13T10:57:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-13T15:57:23","slug":"expungement-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/expungement\/expungement-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Expungement Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Expungement Overview<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\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

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\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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Expungement is a process where certain offenses on your criminal record can be removed from the public record. This tool can prove invaluable given the profound effect a conviction or arrest can have on a person’s life.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Do you see a negative entry on your criminal background check? If so, you may be able to request an expungement for any misdemeanors or felonies appearing on your report.<\/p>\r\n

Of course, just because a person is eligible for expungement doesn’t guarantee that it will happen. Whether an expunction is possible will depend on the criminal charges the state filed against you. Meeting with a criminal defense lawyer<\/a> is the best way to understand if expungement is an option for you.<\/p>\r\n

What To Expect From This Article<\/h2>\r\n

This section provides basic information on expungement. It will explain when a person is eligible for expunction and when they are not. For more information on this topic, you can find a local law office<\/a> to help you.<\/p>\r\n

Findlaw also offers several articles that give an overview of the expungement process. These articles will explain the difference between sealed records and expunged records. They will also explain the different rules and how they apply to felony and misdemeanor convictions.<\/p>\r\n

How Criminal Record Expungement Works<\/h2>\r\n

There are many factors the courts will consider before they grant an expungement request. They will look at the nature of your criminal case or felony convictions.<\/p>\r\n

For example, if you are a convicted sex offender<\/a>, you will likely not be eligible for expungement. The same is true if you violated one of your state’s penal code sections dealing with murder or other violent crimes. They will also consider the amount of time that has passed since you committed the criminal offenses on your arrest record.<\/p>\r\n

Expungement laws are different for every state. For example, some states allow you to have a DUI conviction expunged, while others do not. There are other times when your public record can become a sealed record but won’t disappear entirely from potential employers and other parties.<\/p>\r\n

How An Attorney Can Help Expunge a Record<\/h2>\r\n

You may want to talk to a criminal defense attorney if you have any convictions or arrests on your criminal history. They can offer legal advice on whether expungement is an option for you.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you are looking to have your juvenile records expunged or want a prior conviction removed from your criminal history, it’s best to speak with a criminal defense lawyer. You may have a pending job application and want to ensure your criminal history is clean before your final interview. You may even be applying for a job in law enforcement and find an old court filing embarrassing.<\/p>\r\n

Government agencies and criminal courts treat certain crimes and court records differently. Your criminal law attorney can explain this to you.<\/p>\r\n

In the meantime, review the links below. They will explain how the criminal justice system and courts handle expungement requests. These articles will also explain how a court order for expungement can benefit your life.<\/p>\r\n

Learn About Expungement<\/h2>\r\n