What is a legal consequence of expungement?

The restoration of civil rights is a significant legal consequence of expungement. Expungement is a legal process that allows individuals to have certain criminal records sealed or erased from public view. When a record is expunged, it generally signifies that the individual is no longer considered to bear the consequences of that conviction in most situations. This restoration often includes the ability to regain rights that may have been lost due to the conviction, such as voting rights, the right to own firearms, and the right to hold certain professional licenses.

This process serves to provide individuals with a fresh start, allowing them to move forward without the stigma of a past conviction affecting their opportunities for employment, housing, or community involvement. The benefits of expungement can be crucial in helping individuals reintegrate into society and contribute positively post-conviction.