If a person is convicted of a crime they are later found to be innocent of, is their criminal record wiped?

Answer 1

If the conviction is overturned, then that fact is added to the record. The previous legal actions are still usually recorded.

However, depending on the circumstances, the person can petition to have all aspects removed from their record. The court will determine if that's valid based on applicable laws.

Answer 2

In theory, yes, but in fact, rarely.

While, under the circumstances you describe, a court will often order that all records of an arrest and/or conviction be destroyed, the fact is that records of this type are widely dispersed, and may be in multiple computer systems far from the one in which the arrest record or conviction originated.

The reversal of the conviction will almost cetainly be recorded in the local computer system, and by the local police. But the "downstream" records - those picked up by other agencies - may be much harder to find.

Answer 3

A Court could overturn a conviction if there is compelling evidence, such as DNA, that clears someone. It is not automatic, but it is happening more today than it ever has in the past.