Welcome to the "Expungement" section of FindLaw's Criminal Law Center. Expungement is a legal process through which an arrest or conviction may be erased from a person's criminal record. Below you will find links to in-depth information on expungement, and state-specific resources on expungement and criminal records (where available). To begin, please select one of the following:

• Expungement Basics - Introductory information on expungement and its legal effects.
  
  
• Eligibility for Expungement - An arrest or conviction usually must meet certain standards in order to qualify for expungement.
  
  
• The Expungement Process - A number of steps must be taken before an expungement is granted.
  
  
• Expungement is Not Always an Option - Expungement is not available in all jurisdictions, and may not be an option for certain arrests or convictions.
  
  
• State-Specific Information: Expungement and Criminal Records - Links to information in your state (where available).
  
  
• Expungement: Get Help Now - Finding an attorney to advise and assist you is a key first step.

You can access the topics in the Expungement section via the links in the navigation pane .