Both an expunction and an order of non-disclosure can do wonders for your personal reputation. They both provide a second chance and prevent a past mistake from defining your future. While they are similar in nature, there is a key difference between the two. In short, an order of non-disclosure hides your record from the public, while an expunction hides your record from everyone.
With an expunction, the court seals and destroys all records. The arrest or charge is removed from your record, so it’s almost as if it never happened. Agencies who are notified of your expunction are ordered to destroy records, so they can’t be used against you in the future. An expunction essentially cures your criminal arrest, erasing court records, files, and even trial transcripts.
With an order of non-disclosure, all state and federal agencies are required to seal your record, so the general public does not have access to your criminal accusations. Although they prevent law enforcement agencies from disclosing your offense, a non-disclosure does not order any records to be destroyed. This means some still have access to your record, including the police, governmental agencies, and even some licensing agencies.
Even though a non-disclosure has somewhat fewer protections than an expunction, it still provides a valuable step towards clearing your reputation. If you’re not eligible for an expunction, you may still qualify for an order or non-disclosure. This is an important investment in your future and will help you freely apply for a job without worrying about an unclean record.
If you’re looking to change your life and broaden your opportunities contact us to see what record-cleaning services we can offer you, and allow our streamlined process to fast track justice and give you the fresh start you’ve been searching for.
