If you’ve been convicted of a crime, you know how the conviction can affect every aspect of your life – from getting a job to renting an apartment and even applying for a loan. But what if you could erase that criminal record and get another chance to have a clean slate?
In Hawaii, there are two ways to do just that: expungement and sealing of records. While they may sound similar, they are not the same thing. Learning the difference between the two concepts can be the key to changing the trajectory of your life.
What are the differences?
When clearing your criminal record in Hawaii, you have two options: sealing and expunging. While both can help you move on from your past mistakes, they work differently and offer distinct benefits.
Sealing a record is generally faster and more efficient than expunging one. When a court seals a conviction, it will be inaccessible to the public. Interested parties, such as potential employers or landlords, will need a court order to access your sealed record. Remember that law enforcement agencies can still access sealed records.
Meanwhile, expunging a record involves removing the information from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. After expungement, you can legally deny the arrest or conviction, and it won’t appear in background checks.
However, it’s essential to note that expungement doesn’t remove or seal the criminal data from the Hawaii Judiciary system. Law enforcement agencies can still access expunged data.
Protecting your future
Expungement and sealing of records are powerful tools that can give you a chance for a fresh start. By knowing which option is right for you, you can have an opportunity to have a future where your criminal record will not define you.