Information on Expunging Criminal Records in Select States
Information on Expunging Criminal Records in Select States
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Mississippi
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
The Basics
The Basics
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Expunging or Sealing an Adult Criminal Record
Even years after a criminal conviction, a criminal record can interfere with your ability to obtain employment, housing, and professional licenses. Is it possible to clear a criminal record after an arrest or conviction?
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Who Can See Your Expunged Criminal Record?
Expunging your criminal record will enable you to answer "No" when asked if you have one. But in some situations, your record will be available and can be used against you.
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Can Potential Employers Access My Criminal Record?
Learn how an employer can find your criminal record and use it when making hiring or retention decisions.
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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.
Federal Convictions
Federal Convictions
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Sealing a Federal Adult Criminal Record
If you were convicted in federal district court of a federal offense, in theory you may appeal to a federal district court judge to expunge your record. Federal judges have the power to expunge any record of conviction, but they rarely exercise it.
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Presidential Clemency: Pardons, Commutations, and Reprieves
The U.S. Constitution gives the President of the United States the power of executive clemency, which includes the ability to pardon a person convicted of a federal offense.
Commonly Asked Questions
Commonly Asked Questions
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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.
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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.