Q&A

What happens to my expunged criminal record when I get a job?

What happens to my expunged criminal record when I get a job?

When you request a pre-employment background check, the report shouldn’t contain information from an expunged or sealed criminal record, but sometimes it does. Unfortunately, when a criminal record is expunged it doesn’t just magically disappear like it should. Copies of that record are still in numerous private and public databases.

What’s the difference between expunged and sealed criminal records?

By petitioning the court to expunge a criminal conviction, a person is essentially asking to wipe that conviction from the public record. If the court grants the request, the record should, for all intents and purposes, cease to exist. Sealing a record is a slightly different process.

Can a pardon be used to expunge a criminal record?

A pardon does not necessarily seal or expunge a criminal record. It does not allow a pardoned person to answer on employment applications that s/he has no record of a criminal conviction. A pardon is a gesture of forgiveness that restores certain rights. Pardons are becoming increasingly rare.

How do I get my criminal record expunged in Florida?

You’ll have to pay a fee, and you’ll have to wait for the court to process your paperwork. In some states, you’ll receive a hearing date on which you’ll meet with a judge to have your record expunged. In some states like Florida, you will need to get a certificate of eligibility form.

How do I get something expunged from my record?

File a petition for expungement. Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible, file a petition with the courthouse. You’ll have to pay a fee, and you’ll have to wait for the court to process your paperwork. In some states, you’ll receive a hearing date on which you’ll meet with a judge to have your record expunged.

What does it mean for a record to be expunged?

Basically, expunged records are ones that no longer legally exist. In theory, having a record expunged means that it is deleted from all publically accessible databases or court files. The specifics depend on the state laws, but generally, charges, arrests, and minor convictions are all legally eligible to be expunged.

Can I get my record expunged from another state?

Yes, you can get an expungement of a record in another state (assuming your charges are capable of being expunged); however the expungement proceeding must be filed in the State where the charges were brought.

Who can view my record after it has been expunged?

Generally speaking, the only types of employers who can access expunged records are law enforcement agencies, corrections departments, and employers in the judicial branch such as criminal courts of law. For example, if you were applying to become a police officer or correctional officer,…

Is the federal government required to disclose Expunged Records?

The federal government is simply under no obligation to honor state laws regarding the expungement of criminal records, the effect of an expungement, or the disclosure of expunged records.

Are there sealed and expunged criminal records on SF-86?

One of the most common and needless mistakes I see security clearance applicants make involves the listing (read: not listing) of sealed and expunged criminal records on their SF-86 forms.

Can you answer no on an expungement in New Jersey?

In fact, New Jersey law states that a person having received an Expungement can, on an employment application, answer “no” to the question asking whether you have been arrested or convicted of a crime.

How can I get my criminal record expunged?

Not every offense is eligible for expungement. In most states, however, if your offenses were minor, the crimes took place when you were a juvenile, and you have no subsequent adult convictions, you will be able to expunge your records by filing a petition asking the court to seal your record. (You may also have to pay a fee.)

Do you have to disclose expungements to get a job?

Disclosure is required for a federal law-enforcement position, such as with the FBI. In some states, you must also disclose expungements if you want to be a local police officer, or even work as support staff with the agency. Applying for a school-related job.

Can a misdemeanor be reported if it has been expunged?

A misdemeanor that has been expunged from your record by the courts, or has been sealed due to your age at the time of the offense or other factors, is not considered reportable. Even so, it’s always a good idea to do your own background check before you seek employment to determine whether or not your expunged or sealed record is being reported.

Should you disclose expunged records during the Global Entry Process?

Thus, because the TSA likely already knows about your expunged criminal record, it is always best to be honest and forthright throughout the Global Entry application process and to admit to the expunged offense.