Expunction is a formal legal process governed by state statutes that allows for the complete removal, deletion, or erasure of qualifying criminal records from a person’s permanent criminal history, rendering the records legally non-existent in the eyes of the law. Upon successful expunction, the individual may lawfully deny the occurrence of the arrest, charge, or conviction in most circumstances, including on job applications, housing forms, and even under oath—subject to specific exceptions.

Expunction eligibility typically includes cases that resulted in:

• Acquittals

• Dismissals

• Arrests not followed by formal charges

• Certain juvenile offenses

• Pardoned convictions

The process varies by jurisdiction but often involves filing a petition, notice to relevant agencies, court hearings, and final judicial orders. Once granted, an expunction order mandates all applicable law enforcement, judicial, and governmental agencies to destroy or redact records related to the case.