{"id":352418,"date":"2023-07-05T13:42:21","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T18:42:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/expungement\/what-s-the-difference-between-expunged-vs-sealed-records.html"},"modified":"2023-07-05T13:42:21","modified_gmt":"2023-07-05T18:42:21","slug":"what-s-the-difference-between-expunged-vs-sealed-records","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/expungement\/what-s-the-difference-between-expunged-vs-sealed-records.html","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between Expungement and a Sealed Court Record?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

What's the Difference Between Expungement and a Sealed Court Record?<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

\n

Whether called "record expungement" or "sealing of criminal records," the goal is to provide a fresh start for the subject of the records. Sealing and expunging records is a helpful option for housing, background checks, jobs, education opportunities, and more. It is not always possible, but it may be worthwhile if you find your history interfering with your future.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

An expunged criminal record means it is fully cleared from private and public records. The court issuing the order directs public offices that hold records of the case to destroy them. However, some states like Minnesota use the term "expungement" to actually mean sealing your record<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

A sealed criminal record looks like the crime never happened to the general public \u2014 but certain government and law enforcement agencies can unseal the arrest record with a court order and see any criminal history.<\/p>\r\n

Whether a criminal case can be sealed or expunged depends on the following:<\/p>\r\n