What is meant by "expungement"?

Expungement refers to the legal process that allows individuals to erase or seal their criminal records from public view. This is particularly significant for individuals who have been convicted of a crime, as having a criminal record can impact various aspects of life, including employment opportunities, housing applications, and overall reputation. By expunging a record, the individual can move forward without the burden of their past conviction being publicly accessible or affecting their future.

This process typically requires a court petition and may involve specific eligibility criteria, such as the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since completion of the sentence, and other factors that courts consider relevant. It is an important legal mechanism that provides individuals with a second chance by allowing them to reintegrate into society without the stigma of a criminal history.