Expungement and record sealing are two distinct legal processes that offer individuals the chance to mitigate the impact of their criminal records. Expungement, often considered a more comprehensive option, effectively erases the criminal record from public view, allowing the individual to legally deny its existence in most situations. On the other hand, record sealing involves restricting access to the record, making it inaccessible to the general public but often still available to law enforcement and certain government entities. The choice between the two depends on the individual's goals and the specific laws of their jurisdiction.