Can my arrest and conviction be expunged or removed from my record?

In Oregon, many convictions can be expunged after a statutorily imposed period of time.  Others unfortunately cannot.  Removing an arrest or conviction from your record means, legally speaking, it is as if it never happened.  Thus, when you are applying for a job or an apartment, you can answer “no” to questions about prior convictions.  For many, it is also a final symbolic step, leaving their past mistakes altogether behind them.