A criminal conviction can bar you from many employment and housing opportunities -- unfortunately, many people simply do not want to hire or rent to someone who has been convicted of a crime, especially a serious crime. This can make it difficult to lead a reformed, law-abiding life. Fortunately, for certain criminal offenses you may be entitled to seek expungement of your criminal record. An expungement means that your criminal records are no longer publicly accessible through a background check or other means.