What is the implication of a successful "expungement" of a criminal record?

A successful expungement of a criminal record effectively erases the record from public view, providing significant legal benefits for the individual. With expungement, the individual is not only allowed to deny the existence of the record in most situations, but also benefits from the legal standing that the information has been removed from the public domain.

This means that employers, landlords, and others who might conduct background checks would not see the expunged record, allowing the individual to move forward without the shadow of past misconduct impacting their opportunities. The expungement creates a clean slate, significantly enhancing the individual's chances in employment and other areas of life where past mistakes might otherwise be a barrier.

Other options suggest that the record remains visible or must still be disclosed, which is not accurate post-expungement. In a successful expungement, the intention is that the individual is no longer held accountable for that previous criminal conduct in typical circumstances.