What is the procedure for "expungement" of criminal records as outlined in the CCP?

The procedure for "expungement" of criminal records, as outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP), involves a legal process that allows individuals to have their criminal records erased under specific conditions. This process is crucial for those who have faced legal challenges and seek to move on without the burden of a criminal history affecting their life opportunities such as employment, housing, and other social privileges.

Expungement typically requires that the individual meets certain criteria, such as the nature of the offense, the completion of a sentence, and a waiting period that varies by jurisdiction. It is not an automatic process, nor does it simply make records accessible to the public; rather, it essentially removes the record from public view in a way that restores the individual's status.

This understanding of expungement highlights its purpose: to rehabilitate individuals by giving them a fresh start. This contrasts sharply with the other options, which mention processes that do not align with the intent or function of expungement, such as increasing penalties or addressing traffic violations specifically, which have distinct procedures and implications under the law.