Legal Help & Record Clearing

Expungement deletes a record; sealing restricts public access. Eligibility varies by state and case type.

Legal-aid nonprofits and law-school clinics—see the Directory. Ask about expungement events and fee waivers.

From weeks to months depending on the court and any objections. Accurate filings and complete documents speed things up.

Clean up your record, fix ID issues, and get low-cost or free legal support. Start with the guides below or contact organizations in the directory.

Common Needs

What’s the difference between expungement and sealing?

Expungement deletes a record; sealing hides it from most public checks. Availability depends on state law and case type.

Where can I get low-cost or free help?

Start with legal-aid nonprofits and law-school clinics in our Directory. Ask about expungement fairs and fee waivers.

How long does record clearing take?

Anywhere from weeks to months depending on the court and whether the prosecutor objects. Filing accurate paperwork speeds it up.