What Happens After Your Record Is Expunged: Your Rights and Next Steps

Congratulations, your record has been expunged. That’s a big deal. Getting an expungement means you’ve taken control of your future and earned a fresh start. But many people aren’t sure what happens after the court signs the order. Does your record really disappear? Can you legally say you’ve never been charged or convicted? And what should you do next to make sure the process is complete?

Here’s what every newly cleared client should know after an expungement:

1. Verify That Your Record Is Actually Cleared

When a judge grants an expungement, the court issues an official order directing state agencies to seal or destroy eligible records. However, that doesn’t always happen instantly.

It can take several weeks or even months for police departments, courts, and background check databases to update their systems.

Follow up to confirm your record was fully processed:

• Request a certified copy of your expungement order.

• Run your own background check after a few weeks.

• Contact the clerk’s office if any agency still shows the old charge.

  
  

Having that certified order in hand makes future verification simple.

2. Know What You Can (and Can’t) Say

Once your record is expunged, you can legally answer “no” when asked if you’ve been convicted or charged with that offense in most situations, like job applications, housing, or school forms.

In most everyday situations, your past is no longer public and you don’t have to disclose it.

3. Protect Your Clean Slate

Your expungement is an opportunity to rebuild your personal and professional reputation. Take proactive steps to make it count:

• Update your résumé and online profiles to reflect your current qualifications.

• Check major background databases to confirm your record no longer appears.

• Apply for jobs or housing with confidence, you’ve earned this clean slate.

Also, keep digital and printed copies of your expungement paperwork in a safe place. You may need them for verification years from now.

4. When to Seek Legal Help Again

If your expungement hasn’t fully cleared or you find old records still showing up, you don’t have to handle it alone. Sometimes additional notices or agency follow-ups are needed to finalize the process. An attorney can help confirm compliance and fix lingering errors quickly.

Ready to confirm your clean slate?

Schedule a call with Brinkley Law today at 317-766-1379. We’ll verify that your record has been properly cleared, explain your post-expungement rights, and make sure you get the fresh start you deserve.