Sealing

Sealing is the process by which a criminal record is removed from public view but retained by law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies for specified purposes. Unlike expungement — which in many states destroys the record or treats it as having never existed — sealing preserves the record for narrow uses such as subsequent prosecutions, sentencing enhancement determinations, or background checks for sensitive positions (law enforcement, child care). In common practice the distinction between expungement and sealing is blurred, and several states (notably New York, whose MRTA uses "sealing") employ sealing as their primary cannabis record-relief mechanism. From a practical consumer standpoint, both relief types preclude disclosure on most employment, housing, and licensing applications. Vacatur (also called "set-aside") is a related but distinct remedy that nullifies the underlying conviction. The choice between expungement, sealing, and vacatur in any particular state is a policy decision driven by constitutional, evidentiary, and administrative considerations. *→ See also: Expungement, Pardon