Understanding Expungement: Sealing Criminal Records for a Fresh Start

Expunge is a legal term that means to remove or erase something, especially a record or a stain. In the context of criminal records, expungement refers to the process of sealing or destroying a person's criminal record, so that it is no longer visible to the public or to potential employers, landlords, or other parties who may access the record.

Expungement is often granted in cases where the person was found not guilty, the charges were dismissed, or the person has completed a diversion program or probation. The purpose of expungement is to give the person a fresh start and to remove the stigma of a criminal record, which can be a barrier to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

In some jurisdictions, expungement is also known as "expunction" or "record sealing." The process of expungement typically involves filing a petition with the court and providing evidence to support the request. If the court grants the petition, the criminal record will be sealed and will no longer be accessible to the public.