Many states that allow convicted defendants to expunge their records offer the remedy only once. Generally, judges don't have the authority to issue pardons. There can be many steps involved, and each stage comes with its own expectations, rules, and Read more. How To Check If Your Record Has Been Expunged - Fair Punishment If you have an expunged record, then its like it never happened. Even if you've not been convicted and even if sealed or expunged. Sealing criminal records under court order is similar to having them expunged, but they can be less "hidden." Don't law students and practitioners take any umbrage at the fact that schools and bars demand expunged information, given that the very institution they support has declared the information non-existent? A person's supposed "erased" record can, in fact, impact them in some legal proceedings. This legal process can be life-changing for someone with a past conviction or arrest record by opening up more options to them. As a Miami expungement attorney and a Broward expungement attorney, I am often asked who in the public can view a sealed or expunged record. Not only will your crime not show up on most basic background checks, but it can also help you get a fresh start. Sometimes, the law requires disclosure of only relevant convictions, such as records of child abuse, assault, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult; other times, any conviction must be disclosed. An expungement will ordinarily be an accessible part of a person's criminal record, viewable by certain government agencies, including law enforcement and the criminal courts. It is a good idea to contact acriminal defense attorneywho can advise you about the requirements to have your prior conviction expunged, taking into account local rules and the facts of your case. Along with all circumstances surrounding it, they will want the order of expungement. The order is signed by a judge, who also wrote By The Court in script to indicate the courts directive. 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. You can also try contacting your state's Attorney General's Office or consumer protection agency. What Is Expungement? What Makes You Eligible for Expungement? - Nolo When you receive a pardon for a criminal offense, it means you've been forgiven for that crime; however, pardons show up as part of your criminal history right along with the conviction unless part of the pardon conditions state you can apply to have the record expunged. Regardless of your state, some steps you can expect to take include: These steps might seem daunting, which is why hiring a criminal attorney to represent you is a smart idea. However, depending on the criminal history and state laws, it might be possible to obtain expunged records.