A felony generally stays on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take specific legal actions to have it restricted, sealed, or expunged. Felonies are serious crimes, and their records are typically maintained for life because they significantly impact employment, housing, and other opportunities
. The possibility and process of removing a felony from your record vary by jurisdiction:
- In many states, felonies remain on your record permanently unless you pursue expungement or sealing, which can be complex and subject to strict eligibility criteria, especially for violent or sexual offenses
- Some states offer expungement options under certain conditions, such as acquittal, dismissal, or pardon, but many felonies are not eligible for expungement
- Federal and state felony records both tend to stay indefinitely, though the laws and options for addressing them differ by state
Additionally, some states have laws limiting how long criminal convictions can be reported in background checks (often 7 to 10 years), but these do not erase the record itself; they only limit what employers and others can see
. In summary, unless you actively seek expungement or sealing where allowed, a felony conviction will remain on your record for life. Consulting a legal professional is advisable to explore your options based on your state’s laws
