Expungement is the process of removing a criminal record from public view. Once a record is expunged, it is as if the arrest or conviction never happened. Expungement can help people to clear their names and move on with their lives.

Sealing is the process of restricting access to a criminal record. Sealed records are not public, but they can still be accessed by certain entities, such as law enforcement, employers, and landlords. Sealing can help people to protect their privacy and avoid discrimination.

**The process of expungement and sealing varies from state to state. However, there are some general steps that people must follow to obtain an expungement or sealing:

  1. File a petition with the court. The petition must state the grounds for expungement or sealing and provide evidence to support the petition.
  2. Serve the petition on the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor's office will have an opportunity to respond to the petition.
  3. Attend a hearing. The court will hold a hearing to consider the petition and any objections from the prosecutor's office.
  4. If the court grants the petition, the criminal record will be expunged or sealed.

There are a number of grounds for expungement and sealing. Some common grounds include:

  • The conviction was overturned on appeal.
  • The conviction was vacated (set aside) by the court.
  • The person was acquitted of the charges.
  • The person completed a deferred adjudication program.
  • The person has been crime-free for a certain period of time.

Not everyone is eligible for expungement or sealing. Some common disqualifying factors include:

  • The person was convicted of a violent crime.
  • The person was convicted of a sex crime.
  • The person is currently on probation or parole.
  • The person has been convicted of a crime within a certain period of time.

If you are considering expunging or sealing your criminal record, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you to determine if you are eligible for expungement or sealing and can represent you through the process.

Here are some of the benefits of expunging or sealing a criminal record:

  • It can help people to get jobs and housing.
  • It can help people to qualify for loans and other forms of credit.
  • It can help people to obtain professional licenses.
  • It can help people to avoid discrimination.

Expungement and sealing can be a complex process, but it can be worth it to clear your name and move on with your life.

Find a Lawyer to Handle Your Expungement

Using LawyerConnections.co is a great way to find a criminal defense lawyer who meets your needs and who has a good reputation in your community. However, it's always a good idea to do your own research and ask for referrals from friends and family members who have had positive experiences with working with an experienced criminal defense attorney that has handled Criminal Expungements in the past.