Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 7, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
A criminal record can shadow you for decades — blocking jobs, apartments, even volunteering at your kid's school. Expungement is the legal process that seals or erases certain records. Rules differ by state and offense, but more people qualify than think they do. Here's how to check.
Most states clear misdemeanors, some non-violent felonies, and arrests that never led to a conviction. Violent crimes, sex offenses, and DUIs are usually off the table. Look up your state's specific list before you start.
Most states require a waiting period after you finish your sentence, probation, or parole — commonly 1 to 7 years, depending on the offense. Staying out of new trouble during that window is part of the deal.
Submit a petition that typically includes your criminal history, proof of rehabilitation, and why expungement is warranted. Some courts hold a hearing; others rule on the paperwork alone. Get your records in order before filing.
Expungement usually destroys the record. Sealing hides it from the public, but police and certain agencies can still see it. For everyday life — jobs, housing — the effect is similar.
A wave of "clean slate" laws now makes more offenses eligible, and some states automatically clear certain old convictions with no petition needed. Check whether your state added one — you may already qualify.
More on this topic: the Crime & Police hub
Most states require you to stay conviction-free for a set number of years after finishing your sentence before you can ask a court to expunge or seal an eligible criminal conviction. Each value is cited to the state statute or agency; a state with no sourced figure shows "Not yet sourced."
General information, not legal advice. Rules change and exceptions apply — confirm the current rule with the cited source for your state.
NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.