Expungement Vs. Sealing of Records: Which is Better and Why?

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Nobody wants to carry the criminal tag for life, for the criminal charges they have once gone through. Since a criminal record, regardless of whether it is your fault or not, can keep you away from good things in life. Here is when expungement comes into the law, helping the people to see a chance. 

Having a criminal tag will always make you feel like you are always caught up in the criminal justice system, and people judge you for it. Even if it was a minor arrest or a conviction, it could result in you following you for the rest of your life. It is when two options come into the picture to clean your records and give you a fair start. 

A criminal record can be sealed or expunged, says an expungement lawyer. But, it majorly depends upon the state laws and eligibility criteria. With a criminal record, you will always have downstream consequences. Employment, renting or buying a house, passport verification, and even other scenarios may require background verification. 

Expungement vs. sealing 

When trying to figure out what these two processes are and which one will benefit. It is essential to understand the comparison. While TX expungement involves clearing your records, be it conviction or arrest, sealed records are focused on showing that your arrest or conviction gets cleared. 

When a person's record gets sealed, it means the form will not be available or made available to the public. However, when discussing the sealing records, they can be opened again, only if the court demands. In contrast, expunging is completely clearing off the forms!

Is sealing of Record Almost Same as Expunction?

The purpose or result is almost the same but still differs. Expunging and sealing a record may look related but are different, as they differ state law-wise. Typically, criminal records are available to the public. But when requesting expunction, you can expect your documents to get destroyed, with no proof left of it. 

But, when your records get sealed, they're not destroyed; they are closed. And, anytime law enforcement or government bodies need the documents, they can access them after requesting to open them. The forms are definitely out of the public, but not law bodies. 

Eligibility 

TX Expungement offers one fresh start and is the most needful action you have to take. The moment you have been arrested or convicted. It would help if you calmed down, relaxed, and thought about removing the criminal tag from your name. 

It can be done by researching if you can remove the records altogether. Start by checking your country's criminal court, law, and other matters to like; 

• Is the offense performed eligible? Some jurisdictions offer the removal of criminal records for arrest and misdemeanor convictions. While not allowing the expungement of cases related to felony convictions.

• Where are you eligible? In some states, an execution is an option for those who have completed their sentence, including probation. While there are states which offer judge the power to shorten the probation and allow the case to get expunged. 

• The process? Sometimes, you may require professional help. An expungement lawyer is the best professional to pick who will help you with the process of erasing criminal records.  Many courts offer a form "Motion for Expungement." It explains in detail the process! 

• Any consequences? Even though the criminal record gets expunged, will your name be present in the form? One of the most vital things to know is how far will your name be in the searches? It is usually with the police departments and some licensing boards who will have the record. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the clear difference between expungement and sealing of records. It can be straightforward to decide which is an excellent option to pick. Also, you have to be aware of whether you are eligible for either removal of criminal record or sealing of the record. 

If yes, you can make a quick decision to clear away the criminal tag from your name. It is high time to think about your life and decide to clear away the criminal record. Learn the law or seek the help of an Expungement Lawyer to understand what to expect from your case.