Expungement Lawyers
in North Carolina

A criminal record is often a significant barrier to finding gainful employment, affordable housing, or even higher education. If you’re ready to get a fresh start in life, contact our North Carolina expungement lawyers today.

Expungement Lawyers in North Carolina

A criminal record is often a significant barrier to finding gainful employment, affordable housing, or even higher education. If you’re ready to get a fresh start in life, contact our North Carolina expungement lawyers today.

Four convenient offices in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, NC!

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What is an Expungement in NC?

A criminal record can follow you around your entire life depriving you of opportunities. The good news though, is that in North Carolina it’s possible to get your criminal record cleaned by petitioning the court for an expungement. Keep reading to learn more about expungements in NC or schedule a consultation with a North Carolina criminal defense lawyer to start the petitioning process today.

In North Carolina, an expungement is when a judge orders a record sealed so the public cannot see it.  The purpose of the expungement is to seal a record as if the charge or conviction had never occurred.  While the SBI, and soon prosecutors, can see your record, the public cannot.

Criminal defense attorney and partner Patrick Apple answers some very common questions about expungements in North Carolina.

Our Expungement Attorneys can help you wipe the slate clean,

get you on your way to the Second Chance you deserve.

There are multiple different Expungement Statutes in North Carolina and different types of expungements.  There are different rules and filing fees depending upon how the case was disposed of.  For example, there is a statute to expunge past convictions and a different statute for expunging dismissals.  Currently, there is a filing fee at the clerk of court to petition for an expungement when the case was dismissed under deferred prosecution, but no filing fee when it is voluntarily dismissed.  Each different statute has different rules.

Who can get an expungement in North Carolina?

Currently, North Carolina residents are limited to 1 expungement during a lifetime. But, a new law went into effect on December 1, 2017 which allows multiple expungements when a case is dismissed, deferred, or not guilty.  However, for convictions, even the new law limits you to one expungement, but it can include a set of convictions during a 12-month window.

With this new law, you can get an expungement on a (non-violent and not a DWI) misdemeanor conviction after 5 years and on a felony after 10 years.  Under the new law, Senate Bill 445 the limitation of 1 expungement per lifetime is removed, for dispositions other than convictions, and the waiting periods have been shortened as well.

  • non-violent misdemeanor conviction wait period will be 5 years instead of 15
  • non-violent low-level felonies wait period will be 10 years instead of

The new law also gives prosecutors electronic access to records expunged on or after December 1, 2017. So, while the records are sealed to the general public, and you can legally say you have not been charged, the prosecutor can see them in a confidential system, so they may be considered on future convictions.

The statute provides an opportunity for thousands of North Carolinian’s who have already paid their debt to make positive contributions in their communities and to lead meaningful lives.

How do I petition for a North Carolina expungement?

The first step is to determine if you are eligible for an expungement and if so under which statute. Currently, NC has 12 statutes that allow for expungement of a criminal record. An experienced expungement lawyer can do a pre-screening and see if you are eligible to petition for an expungement.

Unsure if you qualify for an expungement?

Use our pre-screening form to find out.

Check If You Qualify

Meet with an Expungement Lawyer in North Carolina

Facing an expungement case can be overwhelming. Dummit Fradin’s compassionate lawyers will answer your questions and guide you with understanding.

Second Chances Start Here.

Get Personalized Support Throughout Your Expungement Journey.

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Fill out the form below, or call (877) 978-3218 to request a consultation.

Visit One of Our Office Locations

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Winston-Salem

Criminal Attorneys
1133 West First Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 485-4907

Winston-Salem

Family Law Attorneys
3400 Healy Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 962-7221

Greensboro

Criminal, Family, & Immigration Law
328 E. Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 360-5528

High Point

Criminal & Injury Law
820 North Elm Street
High Point, NC 27262
(336) 814-8118

Our service area includes Forsyth County, Guilford County, Surry County, Stokes County, Yadkin County, Davie County, Davidson County, Randolph County, and Alamance County.