How Long are Criminal Records Available to the Public

**jagsfan30044** · 07-09-2010, 04:20 PM

First of all, let me say thank you all for posting on here, it's very informative. My question is this: has anyone heard of states that have a time limit on how long criminal records are available to the public, I have a felony that will be 20 years old next year and would be thrilled to have it removed. Thanks

**aardvarc** · 07-09-2010, 05:51 PM

It will remain public record forever, unless it is expunged.

**mordantly** · 07-09-2010, 06:48 PM

yep, convictions like arrests stay on the books forever unless you leave the country. i know how you feel, of my ~8-9 misdemeanor arrests, i have only 4 convictions, but i still look bad for having such an extensive CR (i've had a few crime sprees that racked up 3-4 arrests in a matter of months.)

**jagsfan30044** · 07-09-2010, 07:05 PM

Have you talked to an expungement lawyer??

**TheArgumentative** · 07-09-2010, 07:05 PM

Even acquittals stay on your record forever. As do dismissals with prejudice on the basis of facial insufficiency; I have a criminal record even though the judge decided that the police report itself didn't actually accuse me of a crime, let alone any basis to believe I'd actually committed one. I'm permanently stuck with a record saying I violated a law that doesn't even exist!