Criminal Record Expunctions in North Carolina
Our Raleigh Defense Team Can Clear Your Record
People make mistakes. When that mistake is a criminal matter, though, it has the potential to haunt that person for the rest of his or her life. It may show up in background searches for employment, schools you are seeking to attend, housing and loans. Despite how you may have changed, people may still judge you based on that one mistake on your criminal record.
Helping You Clear Your Name
North Carolina law recognizes that sometimes people deserve to have a clean slate. The option of expunging your case is available for certain offenses, and for certain people. Expunction is a complicated legal process. The Raleigh expunction lawyers at Clifford Law Group can help you through this process. They'll put their in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system to work to help you get a clear record. Call Clifford Law Group today at (919) 441-1799 to set up a free consultation to discuss how to expunge your charges.
At Clifford Law Group, our Raleigh lawyers help people in Wake County, Durham County, Orange County and the surrounding areas with expunctions.
Effects of Expunction in North Carolina
An expunction is the process of sealing records of your offense, and seeks to put you back in the place you were before your criminal conviction. The conviction will not show up in your criminal record, and when asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime, you will be able to say "no," except under certain specific circumstances.
There will be a confidential file kept about the offense. The confidential file is available only to you, judges who need to know if you've ever had an offense expunged before, a court if there is a subpoena in a civil action, and to certain law enforcement agencies if you seek to become employed or certified by them.
Additionally, in the age of the internet, there can be no guarantee that all traces of a criminal conviction have been erased. If you are facing criminal charges, it's important to never count on the fact that you can just get the charges expunged later. It's best to fight the charges now with the help of a Raleigh criminal defense attorney.
Aggressive Representation
Compassionate Counsel
If you are facing a complex legal matter, it is vital that you retain the immediate representation of Clifford Law Group. The right attorney may make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Make the smart choice – enlist the supportive assistance of our Raleigh natives today.
Offenses Eligible for Expunction
Only certain convictions are eligible to be expunged, and, sometimes, these expunctions are only available for certain people. The younger you are when your offense occurred, the better your chances that you can seal the records of your offense.
If you were younger than 18 at the time of the offense, you may have any misdemeanor conviction, other than a traffic offense, expunged from your record. You may also seek to have expunged any Class H felonies or enhanced offenses under North Carolina's anti-gang laws, or any Class H or Class I non-violent felony.
If you were younger than 21 at the time of your offense, you may seek to expunge any minor in possession of alcohol convictions. You may also seek to seal records of drug offenses under North Carolina's conditional discharge for first offenses law.
If more than 15 years has passed and you are no longer serving any portion of the sentence, including probation, for any nonviolent misdemeanor, other than a Class A1, or nonviolent Class I or H felony, except for certain drug offenses, provided you have no other convictions on your record other than traffic violations.
There are several different rules and exceptions in the law. A Raleigh criminal defense lawyer can review your case and help you determine if your past offense is now eligible for expunction, and then help you through the sometimes complicated process of actually getting the offense expunged.
Are You Eligible for an Expunction?
In North Carolina, expunctions are generally only granted to those who had their charges dismissed or were found not guilty. In addition, if identity theft caused the presence of criminal activity on your record, this may also make you eligible for expunction.
Other cases that can sometimes be considered include:
- An individual over the age of 18 is seeking an expungement of juvenile records.
- First-time offenders charged with minor drug offenses who are under the age of 22 years.
- Those over the age of 21 who have waited 15 years from the date of conviction.
Wake County Attorney for Expungement
If you're seeking a clean slate but have a criminal record keeping you down, our Raleigh expunction lawyers at Clifford Law Group may be able to help you. Our thorough and diligent attorneys will review your file, be forthright about your chances for expunction, and help you through the process. We'll stand by your side as you seek a clear record.
Call us today at (919) 441-1799 or contact us on our online form to set up a free consultation.