You may be able to get a criminal offense expunged from your record, or have your record sealed. Expungment is the process that clears all documented references of prior criminal convictions. Expungement is not available for all types of convictions and may also be subject to waiting periods before it is available. Check with the courts in the jurisdiction where you were convicted to get specific information about whether your convictions may be expunged. When a criminal record is sealed, the crime is no longer available to the public. Although, if a criminal record is sealed, it is still available to law enforcement, prosecutors, and other agencies who can use it against you in sentencing if you commit a new crime.