Record sealing

**Record Sealing**

**Definition**
Record sealing is a legal process that restricts public access to certain court records, making them confidential and unavailable for general viewing. Unlike expungement, sealed records still exist but are hidden from public databases and most background checks.

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**Overview of Record Sealing**

Record sealing serves to protect individuals’ privacy by limiting access to sensitive or outdated legal information. It is commonly applied to criminal records, juvenile cases, or other court documents where public disclosure could cause undue harm or hinder rehabilitation.

**Purpose and Benefits**
The primary purpose of record sealing is to help individuals move forward without the stigma of past legal issues affecting employment, housing, or social opportunities. Sealed records are typically accessible only to certain government agencies or through court order.

**Process and Eligibility**
Eligibility for record sealing varies by jurisdiction and case type. Generally, applicants must petition the court, meet specific criteria such as time elapsed since the case, and demonstrate rehabilitation or good conduct. The court then decides whether to grant the sealing based on legal standards.

**Differences from Expungement**
While both record sealing and expungement limit access to records, expungement usually results in the complete destruction or deletion of records. Sealing, however, keeps the records intact but restricts public access.

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**Meta Description**
Record sealing is a legal procedure that limits public access to certain court records, protecting individuals’ privacy while maintaining the records within the legal system. It differs from expungement by keeping records confidential rather than deleting them.