A criminal record can stay with you for a very long time and can very adversely affect your dealings with other people and even your ability to get a good job. Fortunately for many good people who have had run-ins with the law, there are ways to  clear your criminal record . If there are no convictions for any cases, many states will easily expunge or seal any criminal record you might have. However, this is quite difficult if you have had multiple convictions for a crime and show no signs of having been rehabilitated.