Criminal Records Clearance: Expungement is not the only option available for people who would like to clear a criminal record. Most jurisdictions have systems that allow people to apply for pardons. While an expungement is typically issued by the court in which a person was convicted of a crime, a pardon is an executive action which can partially or fully lift the effects of the conviction.  In the case of juvenile records, there is the option to seal a criminal record. It may also be possible to bring a "collateral attack" on the conviction, to try to have the conviction set aside. Usually, this is a difficult process, involving a separate court action.  The legal professionals of Rafinelli Law can advise you on your options to clear a prior criminal record.