Sealing of records is a key concept in the legal system. It is often viewed as providing protection to private information in criminal cases. When a record is sealed, it is hidden from public view.
In practical terms, this means that legal documents such as arrest records, court documents, and other public documents can all be kept out of public view. These records can still be seen by certain government agencies, including law enforcement and government service providers with a legitimate need to access the documents, but they are not available to the general public.
The motivation for sealing records can vary. In some cases, the goal is to protect the privacy of individuals. For example, when minors are arrested for an offense, their records are often sealed to shield them from stigma and potential long-term consequences as they become adults.
In other cases, it might be important to seal records for the benefit of private citizens. For instance, many states now allow those arrested for marijuana-related crimes to seal their arrest records if the charge is later dropped or the individual is found not guilty. This helps prevent the arrest from negatively impacting job opportunities.
Sealing of records is also available in civil cases, but this is a much more complex process. The process often involves filing a petition for judicial review with a court of law. This petition must provide evidence of why the petition to seal should be granted.
In any case, though, sealing records can be a powerful tool in protecting someone’s rights and privacy. Though it’s not available in all cases, it can be a valuable option for individuals who want to move on after a mistake.