Florida Broker Practice Exam

What is meant by expungement in legal contexts?

1. To publicly acknowledge a conviction

2. To modify a sentence

3. To destroy or seal a criminal record

4. To reopen a case

The correct answer is: To destroy or seal a criminal record

Expungement in legal contexts refers to the process of destroying or sealing a criminal record, ensuring that it is no longer accessible to the public or other entities. This legal remedy allows individuals who have been convicted of certain offenses to have their records erased or hidden, thereby granting them the opportunity to move forward without the stigma or barriers associated with a criminal history. Once a record is expunged, it typically means that the individual can answer "no" when asked about prior convictions in most situations, effectively allowing them to reintegrate into society without the weight of their past offenses hanging over them. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of expungement; publicly acknowledging a conviction, modifying a sentence, or reopening a case do not involve the removal or sealing of a criminal record. Expungement is specifically focused on the record itself, aiming to provide relief from the lifelong consequences that a criminal conviction can impose.