The terminology concerning clearing your criminal record often creates some confusion. Many people struggle trying to learn the differences between the terms as most states have varying definitions and in turn, each of them may have a different effect. In one state expungement may call to completely destroy the record and all related materials, while it may only conceal it from the public eye in the next. Likewise, the sealing of a record may always allow government officials access while elsewhere it will be destroyed after a certain time period has expired. Then to make matters more complicated, there are terms that have different spellings that are synonymous. One of the most commonly misspelled and misunderstood terms is Expungement.
Expungement is often incorrectly spelled expungment and exspongement, however in some states expunction is actually a correct spelling. In Texas for example, receiving an expunction would yield the same results as having an expungement granted in Illinois. See the resources below to view a glossary of terms like this or to check your criminal record expungement eligibility.
Resources: Criminal Record Glossary
The expungement of a criminal record can open new paths to a better life for millions of Americans who have had doors closed due to their past. However, without a guide the process of regaining your life can be a long and grueling one. Researching the eligibility requirements, finding all the necessary materials, locating the appropriate addresses, and making sure the stacks of paperwork are flawlessly completed is only the beginning. The expenses of an attorney alone can ruin many people’s hopes, not to mention the vast amount of commercial background check databases not affiliated with the court.
Webster’s Dictionary defines a pardon as the “release from the legal penalties of an offense.” State offenses may be pardoned by the governor, while those convicted of a federal crime or military court martial must seek a presidential pardon. Generally, an expungement or sealing of a record through the county courthouse will be sought first, but due to eligibility constraints a pardon is often the only option for more serious convictions. In fact in some states, the expungement of any criminal records is not even an option.
The most common usage of the term “sealed record” refers to the court's act of concealing a criminal record from public view. In the majority of cases the court, arresting agency, and any other government entity will erase the files from public record while maintaining them in a private database that is available only to them for specific access. This restricts anyone other than government officials (courts, arresting agencies, etc.) from having access to the files but retains the information as it is necessary in subsequent arrests, government employment, and licensing applications.
The Black’s Law Dictionary defines expungement as a “process by which record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed after the expiration of time. While expungement deals with an underlying criminal record, it is a civil action in which the subject is the petitioner or plaintiff asking a court to declare that the records be expunged.” 
It’s no secret that background checks are now a major part of everyday society. Whenever someone applies for a job or a loan, rents an apartment, or even gets an insurance quote, chances are they will undergo a background screening. Although many people are aware of the screening, they may not be aware of what is turning up.
Over 70 million American adults have a criminal record. Most continue to find significant hardships as a result of mistakes made earlier in life, sometimes decades ago. With so many people affected many rumors and myths work their way into “common knowledge”.