Although the steps for how to expunge a criminal record vary from state to state, along with which crimes can be expunged, the general process is the same. First, anyone seeking expungement will need to determine whether the record is eligible based on the severity of the crime, how long ago the crime was committed, and whether or not the person in question was convicted or a first-time offender, among other factors. This information can be accessed at state government websites and county courts. Some have applications that are available to the general public, while others require the help of an attorney; there will be a fee for filing the petition. Finally, once the application is processed, the person seeking expungement will receive a court date and appear before a judge who decides whether or not to approve the petition. Expungement does not erase a record, but it makes it unavailable to the public without something like a court order. In most states, this allows the record-holder to refrain from disclosing the expunged information to potential employers and landlords.
