An expungement is a sealing of your criminal records. This action does not completely “erase” your criminal case history, but it does limit who can see it. If you record is expunged, a sealed state court record still exists but it is “invisible” to the general public. Most employers and landlords cannot see sealed records; law enforcement and immigration agencies can see them.

Sealed cases can be reopened in certain types of employment checks, including criminal justice agencies, human services, and Department of Education jobs.  Sealed cases can be reopened for criminal investigations and for sentencing or probations services, or for other reasons by a court order.