Since no one is perfect, it goes without saying that people make mistakes. When these mistakes involve criminal charges, the consequences can be serious. A criminal conviction can lead to jail or prison time, large fines, probation and more.
Even after these penalties have been carried out, those with a criminal record can face other consequences. In some cases, people can have trouble finding stable jobs, getting an education or applying for housing can be difficult since criminal convictions often need to be disclosed on applications. Convicted felons can lose other rights including the right to own a firearm and the right to vote following conviction.
These serious consequences have the potential to change the course of a person's life. However, in some cases, people can minimize the impact of a criminal conviction with an expungement. An expungement is the court-ordered process by which a criminal conviction is sealed. This means that the conviction is no longer a matter of public record. In fact, it is mostly treated as if the conviction never happened at all. An expungement can sometimes also be available for an arrest record.
Once an expungement is completed, the person is no longer obligated to report the conviction or arrest. Furthermore, a background check -- including those completed by educational institutes and potential employers -- will not reveal the conviction.
However, there are still circumstances where an expungement will not stop a conviction from being viewed by law enforcement officials. In these situations, the conviction can be viewed "under seal" and may be considered.
The availability of an expungement can vary depending on the state and the crime. Therefore, those seeking an expungement of an arrest or conviction need to seek legal help.
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