Whether or not someone can have their Washington, DC criminal records expunged (or sealed) depends on a few circumstances. First, whether or not someone is convicted or simply arrested makes a big difference when determining whether their record can be expunged. If an individual is arrested for a crime but is not ultimately convicted (either the case was dismissed or the person was acquitted after trial) then they can generally have the record expunged. There are two methods for expunging a non-conviction. The first is to wait a statutorily prescribed amount of time and file an appropriate motion to seal with the court. The waiting period is usually two or five years from the date the case is dismissed or an individual is acquitted. The court will consider whether it is in the interests of justice to seal an individual's record. If the court determines that it is in the interests of justice, the record will be sealed.
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