Fill out the Application To Set Aside Conviction. Aside is sometimes called expungement or expunction.A set aside helps you control the appearance of your criminal record and allows you to truthfully explain that your case was dismissed. You are asking for relief from the conviction or the sentence. This form is your motion for relief. 2. Setting aside a judgment releases the citizen from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction. To qualify, the court must first grant an application to set aside the judgment of guilt. 'Vacating' or 'setting aside' is used when referring to nullifying a specific judgment from the judge (in this case, a guilty or 'no contest' judgment). Generally speaking, to vacate or set aside a conviction or sentence means nullifying the court's judgment on your case. A set aside means that the conviction is in effect undone, and the charge is then dismissed.