Both arrests and convictions can appear on your permanent criminal record, which can be accessed by potential employers and landlords, among others. If conviction was for a summary arrest, and five years have passed without subsequent arrest or conviction, a criminal defense lawyer can petition to have your record expunged if all conditions to your conviction and punishment have been satisfied. However, certain sex crimes, such as rape and sexual assault, and other violent crimes may not be expunged if the victim was underage when the crime occurred.