Understanding Expunction: Sealing Criminal Records for a Fresh Start

Expunction is a legal term that refers to the process of sealing or destroying a criminal record. This means that the record of the crime is no longer accessible to the public, and it is effectively erased from the individual's history.

In some states, expunction is also known as "expungement." The purpose of expunction is to give individuals a fresh start by allowing them to move on from their past mistakes without the stigma of a criminal record. It can be especially helpful for people who have been arrested or convicted of minor crimes, such as misdemeanors, and who have completed their sentences and stayed out of trouble for a certain period of time.

Expunction is not available in all states, and the specific laws and requirements for expunction vary from state to state. In general, however, the process of expunction involves filing a petition with the court and providing evidence that the individual has met certain criteria, such as completing their sentence, staying out of trouble for a certain period of time, and paying any required fees. If the court grants the petition, the criminal record will be sealed or destroyed, and it will no longer be accessible to the public.