A person who is convicted of a crime or even arrested for a crime often wonders how that record will affect them throughout the rest of their life. There isn’t any easy or solid answer to this, but it can sometimes make it difficult to find job opportunities or housing options.
Some individuals who have a criminal history may want to find a way to minimize the effects of the conviction. One option that’s sometimes possible is having the record sealed.
Record sealing isn’t an expungement
When a person has their criminal record sealed, it won’t show up in many background checks that are run by landlords and private employers. The information will still show up on other background checks, such as those run by law enforcement and government agencies. This is much different from an expungement, which destroys or completely erases the record from all public view.
Once a record is sealed, it’s typically possible for the individual to reply “no” if they’re asked about a criminal history on an application. There are certain exceptions to this, so it’s critical to understand exactly how having the record sealed will impact your future.
If you’re interested in having a criminal record sealed, it’s best to consult with someone who’s familiar with the process. These cases are sometimes complex, and they must be handled in a specific manner. Having someone on your side can help you to ensure it’s done correctly, so you have a good chance of it being approved.