Want this question answered?
The "official" history of your criminal record never goes away. The expunction simply means that the PUBLIC does not have access to it.
(in the US) Unless your offense was committed prior to your 18th birthday, you will always have a criminal record - it does not "go away" after a certain number of years. ----------------------------- This actually depends on the country you receive the criminal record in. For example, in Canada a criminal record stays on RCMP databases until you reach the age of 80 and have remained crime free for the last 10 years (with some exceptions). If an individual still has an outstanding warrant, is subject to life imprisonment, is a dangerous offender, or is still subject to a prohibition order that has not expired, they must wait an additional 10 years, or reach the age of 100 before the RCMP will remove the criminal record.
If you are now an adult, any record you accrued while a minor, will not be available to the public.
It won't be removed, it's there forever. If it occurred when you were a kid, the record could be sealed. But if it's after you are an adult it will follow you around forever. Unless expunged subsequent to acquittal, conviction reversed by the Court of Criminal Appeals, or a Governor's pardon, adult criminal records remain forever. (see Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01 Right to Expunction) The public only has access to criminal records for seven years but law enforcement have access forever.
An adult criminal history is a permanent record.
Yes, in most cases criminal records are public information and can be accessed through government agencies or online databases. However, some sensitive information may be restricted depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense.
It will be a part of your JUVENILE record which will become sealed to the public when you reach 18 years of age.
10 years
There is no limit set by law on how far back a prospective employer can look into your criminal history - EXCEPT - a civilian employer cannot access your juvenile record.
A criminal record, on file, in the public records, and not sealed, is on record forever; unless, for some statutory reason, particular to a jurisdiction, that record is expunged (removed, generally, marked or whited-out). Just about every state in the US has provisions for the removal of certain criminal records which meet specific requirements. Most states have a way out depending on the crime or if you had deferred adjudication probation. In Texas felonies can be sealed non disclosed in 5 years, misdemeanors 2 years or immediately. So you have to do some research and dig into what's your states law.
The system used for background checks access all states with regard to criminal backgrounds. Some information can also be gleaned from cooperating agencies in other countries. Years ago it was able to escape a criminal record. Today's technology makes that impossible. There is a centralized database of all criminal records. So if a police officers request it they can get all of your criminal history.
If you are referring to your 'criminal' record and you are over 18 years of age - it never 'disappears' from your record. Once you are an adult your criminal RECORD is always with you.