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Expungement (Erasing an Arrest or Conviction)
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 .
FAQs
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Criminal Law Resources
- Criminal Law Forms [$]
- Expungement/Criminal Record Handbook [$]
- Case Intake Form: After an Arrest
- Checklist: Have Your Arrest Rights Been Violated?
- Documents to Gather: After An Arrest
- Questionnaire: Choosing a Juvenile Defense Attorney
- The FindLaw Crime & Criminals Blog
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