How do people with criminal records erase their criminal records?

People with criminal records can't erase them by themselves.

Criminal record usually refers to an individual's past criminal record, which is kept by the public security department. The criminal record will be kept permanently and can be consulted at any time. However, if a minor commits a crime and the term of imprisonment is not more than five years, the criminal record may be sealed and may not be provided to the outside world except for the needs of handling cases or making inquiries as stipulated by the state. The purpose of sealing up criminal records is to protect personal privacy and help people with criminal records to better return to society. According to Article 286 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC), criminal records under the age of 18 who have been sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than five years shall be sealed to ensure that their information will not be leaked.

Scope of influence of criminal record:

1. Employment restrictions: Some industries or positions may set thresholds for people with criminal records, such as civil servants and teachers;

2. Difficulties in going abroad: People with criminal records may be restricted when applying for visas, especially immigration or long-term residence;

3. Credit damage: criminal records may affect personal credit records, which may further affect loans and renting houses;

4. Social trust: the social trust of people with criminal records may be reduced, which will affect interpersonal relationships and social interaction;

5. Exercise of rights: Some rights stipulated by law may be restricted, such as the right to vote and the right to be elected.

To sum up, personal criminal records, especially adult criminal records, cannot be eliminated by themselves, but they will be kept permanently for reference. However, juvenile criminal records can be sealed according to law to protect privacy and promote social integration, which reflects the special protection for juvenile offenders and their concern for the future.

Legal basis:

Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China

Article 286

If he was under the age of 18 at the time of committing the crime and was sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than five years, the relevant criminal records shall be sealed up. If the criminal record is sealed, it shall not be provided to any unit or individual, except for the need of judicial organs to handle cases or the relevant units to make inquiries in accordance with state regulations. Units that inquire according to law shall keep the sealed criminal records confidential.