Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes. After expungement, your record is removed from most employer and housing background checks. However, federal law enforcement, immigration authorities, and some professional licensing boards (law, medicine, teaching) may still access sealed records. The exact scope depends on your state's law.

Most states process expungement petitions in 3–6 months. The timeline includes filing the petition, serving notice to the prosecution, a waiting period, and (in some states) a court hearing. Some automatic Clean Slate states process records in batches without any action required from you.

Court filing fees typically range from $100–400 depending on the state and county. If you hire an attorney, add $500–2,000 in legal fees. Some nonprofit legal aid organizations offer free or subsidized expungement help for qualifying individuals. The return on investment is significant — a cleared record opens up better jobs, housing, and opportunities.

It depends on the state and the specific felony. Many states allow expungement of non-violent felonies after a waiting period. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and offenses involving children are usually excluded. Some states have recently expanded felony eligibility — check your specific state guide.

Clean Slate laws automatically seal or expunge eligible criminal records without requiring individuals to file a petition. Pennsylvania passed the first in 2018; since then, 13+ states have passed similar laws. If you live in a Clean Slate state, your record may already be sealed — or will be automatically after a waiting period.

No — expungement does not affect immigration records or proceedings. Federal immigration authorities retain access to expunged records regardless of state law. If you're a non-citizen, consult an immigration attorney before pursuing expungement to understand all implications.

It depends on your state. Some states allow DUI expungement after a waiting period and completion of all sentence requirements. Others exclude DUI offenses entirely. A few states allow sealing but not full expungement. Check your state guide for specific DUI rules.

Expungement typically destroys or fully erases the record. Sealing hides the record from public view but it still exists — law enforcement and courts can access it. In practice, both achieve the same goal for most people: the record doesn't show up on standard background checks. The terminology varies by state — some use them interchangeably.

Not always. Many states allow you to file a pro se (self-represented) petition. However, attorneys know how to avoid procedural errors that can delay or sink your petition. For complex cases (felonies, multiple offenses, prior denials), legal help is strongly recommended. For simple misdemeanor expungements in cooperative counties, self-filing is often feasible.

In most states, once expunged, you can legally answer 'no' to questions about prior convictions. However, some professional licensing applications and government positions specifically ask about expunged records — read the question carefully. When in doubt, consult an attorney.