How Do You Expunge A Criminal History?
The reasons people seek to expunge their criminal history or record vary greatly. The goal is to have a clean slate. Some people hope to be eligible for better jobs or a rental property. Others would like to have their record expunged because it is embarrassing. Juvenile records often are expunged and, in some cases, automatically are expunged. Get a copy of your criminal record or the case information for the arrest or conviction you would like expunged. The procedure for doing this may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so call the courthouse where your case was handled before you go. Make sure to take all of your personal information–government-issued ID, Social Security card, birth certificate and date of the offense or hearings. Check the laws in the state in which you were arrested or convicted by calling your state department for public safety or attorney general’s office. Some states define “expungement” differently. While in most states, it means having a record sealed,
