Who can see my expunged records?

Asked by: Dr. Kathlyn Kertzmann III | Last update: July 18, 2026

Score: 4.5/5 (12 votes)

Expunged records are generally hidden from the public and standard background checks, but they remain accessible to law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies for specific purposes like firearm purchases or high-security employment. While the public cannot see them, the records are often still accessible to criminal justice agencies.

Can police still see expunged records?

Police and other law enforcement agencies can access an expunged record only for certain purposes, such as if you apply for a law enforcement job or certification. In fact, if you seek employment as a police officer or similar role, you are required to disclose expunged convictions during the background process.

Is there a way to tell if someone has run a background check on you?

You will usually know if an employer or landlord runs a background check because they are required to obtain your written consent. However, if a background check is for a purpose not requiring consent—like informal online searches—you likely won't be notified. To check, you can review your credit report for inquiries or look for an "adverse action notice" if you are denied a job or housing.

Can I get a federal job with an expunged record?

Generally, expunged or sealed records should not show up on a federal background check. But some types of employment, particularly those involving national security, may require disclosure of all interactions with law enforcement, including expunged records.

Can you check expungement status online?

You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed. You can visit the courthouse in person, call them, or use an online search or contact tool (if available).

Who Can See Expunged Records? Expungement Lawyer Tracy Spradlin Answers Questions About Expungement

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Can I view someone else's record?

How to Access Public Criminal Records. If you want to find information about someone's criminal history, you have several ways to do this. County courts keep court records of criminal cases, and many now let you search online. You usually need to enter the person's name and birth date to find the right records.

Can I see who has a criminal record?

You can get copies of what information the police hold locally by making a police subject access request.

Does expunged show on FBI background check?

The background check landscape uncovers different personal and criminal background details, including expunged records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - again, depending upon the state.

What jobs can you not hold as a felon?

Professions in certain industries: some jobs require workers to exercise due diligence or are otherwise placed in a position of trust. This means that some jobs in the banking, insurance and health care industries may not be available to convicted felons.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in the USA?

Does a felony automatically disappear from my record after 7 years? No, felony convictions do not automatically disappear after any time period. They remain permanently on your criminal record unless you successfully petition for expungement, sealing, or receive a pardon.

What pops up when someone runs a background check on you?

It depends on several factors including organizational policies and procedures, federal and local legislation, and the type of position being filled. Nearly all pre-employment background checks will include identity verification, employment verification, education confirmation, reference checks, and criminal records.

What is the most accurate background check site?

The most accurate background check site depends on whether you need it for personal use (like looking up a neighbor) or legal, employment-related purposes (FCRA-compliant). For personal use, TruthFinder is rated best overall, while GoodHire is top-rated for compliant employment screening.

How much does been verified cost?

BeenVerified costs $26.89 to $36.89 per month for a standard membership, or around $17.48 to $23.48 per month if you choose a 3-month plan. You can test the service using their 7-day trial for $1.

Why does my record still show after expungement?

One of the most common reasons is data mining by private companies. These companies collect public records from courthouses while a case is still pending — before an expungement can be filed. Even when the court officially expunges your case, the update is not automatically shared with these third-party databases.

What is the trick question police ask?

Police frequently use leading or trick questions designed to elicit incriminating admissions without you realizing it. The most common ones include:

Which is better, seal or expunge?

🔎 The Core Difference (Plain English) Sealing hides a criminal record from public view. The record still exists but becomes confidential. Expungement destroys the record held by most agencies, with a limited confidential copy retained by FDLE.

Is Amazon felon friendly?

Yes, Amazon is generally considered felon-friendly, hiring individuals with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. While violent or recent convictions may present barriers, non-violent felonies, misdemeanors, and older records are regularly overlooked, particularly for warehouse and delivery roles.

What looks bad on a background check?

Background checks typically reveal red flags like criminal convictions, lies regarding education or employment, erratic job history, poor credit, and negative references. Key disqualifiers often include felonies, violent crimes, theft, and inconsistencies with information provided by databases like The Work Number.

What is the highest paying career for a felon?

12 highest-paying jobs for people with criminal records

Digital marketer. ...
Freelance designer. ...
Painter. ...
Maintenance worker. ...
Entrepreneur. ...
Web developer. ...
Truck driver. ...
Barber.

What employers can see expunged records?

Government employers: Certain agencies, such as the Department of Children and Families or law enforcement agencies, may review expunged records during the hiring process.

Can I work for FBI with expunged records?

Yes. Some federal agencies, law enforcement roles, and high-security or public-trust positions may require you to disclose expunged records and will see your full criminal history. Expungement still shows that your case was dismissed, which can be helpful, but it does not guarantee approval for these types of jobs.

Can Homeland security see expunged records?

The Reach of Immigration Authorities on Expunged Records

Agencies like USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can access and review these records during the immigration application process. An expunged record can even form the basis for the denial of immigration applications or for deportation.

What is the difference between a criminal record and a background check?

The criminal record is limited to only those offences for which a person has been convicted. This means that suspicions of criminal offences, for example, will not appear. Background checks can provide a more comprehensive picture of a candidate's history.

Where can I check if I have a criminal record?

This report can be issued by any Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC). The prescribed fee is R95,00 per report. The Police Clearance Report issued must be handed to the applicant in person upon collection. Proof of identity must be presented when the report is collected.

Do arrests show on background checks?

Will a background check show arrest records? Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), arrests can appear on a background check for seven years from the arrest date. However, some states, including California, Kentucky, New York, and New Mexico, entirely prevent reporting arrests.