Expungement or Sealing

• Processes for expunging a criminal record vary from state to state. Although the terms "expungement" and "sealing" are used interchangeably, expungement typically means that a record is destroyed. Sealing means that the record is simply hidden from public view. Depending on the process in your state, law enforcement personnel may still be able to view an expunged record.
  
  

Juvenile Expungement

• In most states, criminal offenses committed by a juvenile can be expunged once the individual reaches a certain minimum age. Some states require that juvenile records be expunged at a certain point. The rationale behind these laws is to offer juvenile offenders a clean slate going into adulthood.
  
  

Eligibility

• Certain criminal offenses are not eligible for expungement, such as arrests or convictions relating to a violent felony offense. Typically, expungement is only allowed for your first criminal offense. Offenses that are expunged under state law may not be recognized as such by federal courts.