Shae Irving has written and edited for Nolo since 1994, specializing in estate planning and family law issues. She has written or co-written books and software, including Prenuptial Agreements: How to Write a Fair and Lasting Contract, Living Wills and Powers of Attorney for California, Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won't Have To, and Nolo's Quicken WillMaker software. Shae graduated from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley and briefly practiced law at a large San Francisco firm before becoming a legal author.
Articles By Shae Irving
Expunging or Sealing a Juvenile Court Record
If you are a former juvenile offender, you may be able to clear your record by having your juvenile court record expunged—that is sealed or destroyed.
Sealing or Expunging Adult Criminal Records in Florida
In Florida, some criminal records can be sealed or expunged under certain conditions. In most cases, after your record is sealed or expunged, the general public won’t be able to view it.
Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Arkansas
In Arkansas, you may be able to have your criminal records expunged -- that is, erased or sealed -- if you meet certain requirements. For legal purposes, after a criminal record is expunged, it is as though the crime never happened.
Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Wisconsin
Wisconsin allows adult criminal records to be expunged -- that is, erased or sealed -- in very limited circumstances.
Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Virginia
Virginia’s expungement laws are restrictive, but there are a few circumstances under which you can apply to have your criminal record sealed.
Criminal Record Holding You Back? Learn How to Overcome These Obstacles
Employers and landlords are increasingly asking about applicants’ criminal histories. Screening often involves a background check, or at least a Google search. Assume that your record will become known, and prepare now to handle it.
If there's a mistake on my criminal record, how do I correct it?
If your criminal record contains inaccurate information, you can ask the state to correct it. Criminal records are usually kept on file in a central state database.
Is a pardon the same as expungement?
A pardon and an expungement are two different things; they are sometimes compared to forgiving and forgetting. If you are pardoned for an offense, the government “forgives” you for your crime, but -- depending on the state -- your criminal record may not be erased.
What if I Google myself after my record is expunged & find information about the crime I committed?
When a private site has published information about your criminal record, you can take some steps after your expungement.
Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Mississippi
In Mississippi, you may petition to have your criminal record expunged -- that is, erased or sealed. But not all records are eligible.