Which term means something has been removed completely, erased or deleted from a record?

• A. Adjudication withheld
• B. Prima facie evidence
• C. Denied without prejudice
• D. Expunged

Answer: (D)

This question tests understanding of what it means for a record to be removed. Expunged describes removing something completely, erasing or deleting it from a record. When a record is expunged, a court order can destroy or seal the information so it’s as if it never happened for many purposes, making it largely inaccessible to the public and to regular background checks. The other terms refer to different legal outcomes that do not erase records: adjudication withheld is a disposition where a conviction isn’t entered; prima facie evidence is evidence that appears to prove a fact on its face; and denied without prejudice is a dismissal that leaves the possibility of refiling, not deletion of records. Expunged is the term that best fits the idea of complete removal.