Not all court record cleanups are created equal. If you’re trying to fix your online image, the words expunged and sealed might sound the same. But the way they show up—or don’t show up—online can be very different.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your reputation and keep your past from following you around the internet.
Dig Deeper: How to Remove Court Records from Google Search
What does it mean to expunge a record?
Expungement wipes it out
Expungement is like hitting the delete button on a court record. If your record is expunged, it’s removed from public court files. In some states, it’s treated as if it never happened.
You may even be allowed to say you’ve never been arrested or charged. That makes a big difference in job applications, housing, and background checks.
But here’s the catch: just because the record is erased in the courthouse doesn’t mean it disappears from the internet. Sites like Mugshots.com or private background check companies often copy records before they’re expunged. They don’t always update or remove them right away.
What does it mean to seal a record?
Sealing hides it from most people
Sealing doesn’t erase the record, but it locks it away from the general public. The court still has it, but most employers, landlords, and companies can’t see it.
Police, government agencies, and sometimes licensing boards can still access sealed records. But for everyday internet searches, it can reduce exposure.
Think of it like putting the file in a cabinet and locking it, instead of shredding it.
Key differences between expunging and sealing
| Feature | Expungement | Sealing |
|---|---|---|
| Record deleted? | Yes, in most states | No, just hidden |
| Can you legally say it never happened? | Often yes | Usually no |
| Who can still see it? | Usually no one | Law enforcement and government |
| Better for online reputation? | Often, yes | Sometimes helpful but not guaranteed |
Which one helps your online reputation more?
It depends on where your record lives online
Let’s say your mugshot or case summary shows up in a Google search. Even if you’ve had your record sealed, it might still be public somewhere else. Some people search sites don’t check the status of a case. Others ignore court updates altogether.
If your record is expunged, you may have stronger grounds to request takedowns. For example, Google may remove the search result under their outdated content policy or even a legal removal request if you show that the content no longer exists or violates privacy laws.
Sealed records are trickier. Because the record still technically exists, site owners may refuse to take it down.
This is why expungement generally offers more protection for your online reputation, especially when it comes to search results and background check sites.
Why search results matter more than court files
Most people won’t check a court database. But they will Google you.
A 2023 CareerBuilder survey found that 71% of employers use search engines to screen applicants. If your name is tied to an old arrest or court record, even if sealed, it can raise red flags.
That’s why removing links, suppressing results, and cleaning up background check sites is often more important than what’s sitting in a courthouse file.
How to remove court records from the internet
If your record is expunged:
- Contact the websites. Show them proof that the record was deleted by the court.
- Use Google’s removal tools. If the page is gone but still shows up in search, use their Outdated Content tool.
- Submit a legal removal request. If the content is exposing personal data or is inaccurate, Google may consider it under privacy laws.
- Work with a reputation management service. They can track down all the listings and push positive content higher in search.
If your record is sealed:
- Still try a removal request. Some sites may take it down if you ask nicely and show proof the case was sealed.
- Use suppression strategies. Publish new content that ranks higher for your name and pushes the old stuff down.
- Monitor your search results. Set alerts and check your name regularly to catch new appearances.
Real stories from real people
“When I got my record sealed, I thought it was over,” said Marcus J., a 34-year-old accountant in Phoenix. “But a year later, someone Googled me before a promotion, and the mugshot popped up. I had to explain the whole thing again. It felt like starting from scratch.”
His employer didn’t care about the sealed record. But the fact that it showed up online still created doubt.
“I ended up paying a service to track down every site with my name. They couldn’t delete them all, but they got most of them hidden or pushed way down.”
The best option if you care about your search results
If your goal is to fix what shows up on Google, expungement gives you the most leverage. You have more legal rights, more tools, and more confidence when submitting takedown requests.
That doesn’t mean sealing is useless. It can stop new background reports from being created and may block access from casual searches. But for past exposure, you’ll likely need more aggressive help.
One strategy is to pair a court order with SEO. Get your record expunged, then work on removing and burying the content that’s already out there.
And remember, expungement rules vary by state. Some states limit who qualifies or only allow it for minor offenses. If you’re unsure, talk to an attorney or a privacy expert.
Final thoughts
Cleaning up your court record is only step one. The second step is cleaning up your online presence.
If your name is still tied to an old charge, your best shot is to expunge the record, document it, and use that proof to get the links and listings taken down.
And if that’s not an option, don’t panic. There are still ways to improve your search results. Sometimes all it takes is the right combination of timing, legal tools, and content strategy.
When in doubt, contact a reputation management service. They can guide you through the mess, even when the courts can’t.
Let the internet forget what you’ve already moved past.
Need help? Top Shelf Reputation specializes in managing court records online, even when they can’t be fully removed. Contact us today to take back control of your online image.