Expungement

Definition: A legal process that removes or destroys specified criminal-history records, subject to statutory exceptions. Florida's court-ordered process has eligibility requirements and is different from sealing a record.

Example

An eligible applicant obtains the required certificate and petitions the court for an expungement order.

Keep the distinction clear

A record is not automatically expunged just because time passes or charges are dropped. Sealing restricts access; expungement has different effects and exceptions. Follow current application disclosure requirements.

Related terms

Withhold Adjudication · Nolo Contendere · Applicant

Keep studying

FREC Course I Syllabus: What to Study for the Sales Associate State Exam

References: FDLE: sealing and expungement questions

Pronunciation (US): ik-SPUNJ-ment (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster