If you have a criminal record, it can affect many aspects of your life, from employment opportunities to housing and even your ability to vote. Fortunately, in some cases, you may be able to have your criminal record sealed or expunged.
At our law firm, we understand the importance of ensuring that your criminal record does not hold you back. In this blog post, we will explain what record sealing and expungement is, the differences between the two, and how we can help you navigate the process.
What is Record Sealing?
Record sealing is a process by which a person’s criminal record is physically sealed or kept confidential. This means that, while the record still exists, it is not accessible to the public or certain employers. In other words, the record is hidden from view.
Record sealing is often used for minor offenses or cases where the charges were dropped, dismissed, or where you were found not guilty. However, not all criminal records are eligible for sealing. The eligibility criteria vary by state and by the type of offense committed.
What is Expungement?
Expungement is the process of completely erasing a criminal record. This means that the record is destroyed or deleted, and it is as if the offense never happened. Expungement is more complete than record sealing since the record is eliminated, and there is no possibility of anyone finding out about the offense.
Expungement is generally reserved for more serious offenses or cases where the defendant was wrongfully convicted. The eligibility criteria for expungement also vary by state and the type of offense committed.
What is the Difference Between Record Sealing and Expungement?
The main difference between record sealing and expungement is the level of confidentiality. While record sealing hides the criminal record from view, the record still exists and can be accessed under certain circumstances. In contrast, expungement completely eliminates the record, and it cannot be accessed or viewed by anyone.
Another difference is the eligibility criteria. Record sealing is generally easier to obtain than expungement, and it is available for a broader range of offenses.
How Can We Help?
At our law firm, we have extensive experience helping clients navigate the record sealing and expungement process. We understand that having a criminal record can be a significant obstacle in many aspects of your life, and we are committed to helping you overcome it.
We can help you determine whether you are eligible for record sealing or expungement and guide you through the application process. We can also represent you in court if necessary and advocate on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected.
