Sealing a record typically restricts public access to court files and prevents many background check services from displaying the matter, while expungement can sometimes mean records are treated as if they never occurred for most public purposes. In Mississippi, the terminology and legal consequences depend on the statute and type of disposition, so the practical effects can vary. Certain agencies or law enforcement entities may retain access to sealed or expunged records for limited purposes, such as criminal investigations or licensing checks where the law permits. Understanding the precise difference requires reviewing the statute that applies to your case and the disposition involved. Consulting with counsel familiar with local practices in DeSoto County helps clarify what relief will actually accomplish for your specific situation in Southaven and whether additional steps are needed to address administrative records outside the court system.