With some notable exceptions, once you vacate your record: You shall be released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense. The criminal conviction should be removed from your criminal history “for purposes of determining a sentence in any subsequent conviction.” You can now state you’ve never been convicted of a crime on employment and housing applications. The vacating of your conviction does not necessarily mean you’ll get your right to possess a firearm back, and if you’re convicted of certain domestic violence charges, your prior record may be used against you. But for the most part, you get to start your life all over again. You gain back your right to vote and access loans, and may be entitled to state and federal aid, too.