What is Expungement?
The legal process of sealing or destroying criminal records so they are not accessible to the general public or appear on background checks.
Understanding Expungement
Expungement eligibility varies by state and depends on the offense, time since conviction, and subsequent criminal history. Even expunged records may still be visible to law enforcement and in certain professional licensing situations.
Examples
- 1Expunging juvenile record upon reaching adulthood
- 2Sealing arrest record when charges were dismissed
- 3Clearing old misdemeanor after completion of sentence
Related Terms
Felony
A serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, such as murder, rape, robbery, or drug trafficking.
Misdemeanor
A less serious crime punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, or community service.
Probation
A court-ordered period of supervision in the community instead of imprisonment, subject to conditions like regular check-ins, drug testing, and avoiding new crimes.
DUI/DWI
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is the crime of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
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