In North Carolina, having a criminal record can be incredibly damaging. Not only does a criminal conviction carry with it social stigmas, it can also create barriers such as preventing an individual from gaining certain employment or obtaining affordable housing. Though only allowed in certain cases, it is possible to clear a criminal record through expungement.
Also called expunction, an expungement is the process by which an individual petition the court to destroy their criminal record, thereby restoring the individual to good standing with the law and providing them with a clean slate for background checks. Expungements in North Carolina, however, are only an option if:
- Juvenile Record………………………………… NCGS §7B-3200
- Misdemeanor Under Age 18…………………… NCGS §15A-145
- Gang Offense Under Age 18…………………… NCGS §15A-145.1
- Controlled Substance Under Age 22 …………… NCGS §15A-145.2
- Toxic Vapors Under Age 22………………………. NCGS §15A-145.3
- Nonviolent Felony Under Age 18……….……… NCGS §15A-145.4
- Nonviolent Offense……………………………… NCGS §15A-145.5
- Prostitution Offense……………………………… NCGS §15A-145.6
- Charge Resulting in Dismissal or Not Guilty ….. NCGS §15A-146
- Identity Theft……………………………………. NCGS §15A-147
- DNA Records……………………………………. NCGS §15A-148
- Pardon of Innocence……………………………. NCGS §15A-149
Seeking An Expungement In North Carolina
We all make mistakes; but when a mistake leads to serious legal consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life, you need to talk to someone who can help law enforcement see that you didn’t mean to commit a crime. At Greenwood Law, we believe people should get a second chance after making a mistake, which is why we are committed to helping people across the Winston-Salem and Triad area successfully petition the courts to have their records cleared.
Whether you’re seeking expunction for yourself or for your child, you need a lawyer to walk you through the process so that your petition is done right and gets heard by the right people. During expungement proceedings, we have to talk directly with judges and sometimes district attorneys to complete the process. The correct paperwork has to be filed, it must be signed by the right people, must be served in the correct way, and then heard in court. We keep you in the loop every step of the way too and makes sure that you or your loved one is getting the fullest protection of the law.
Contact Us Today For Experienced Representation
Getting a chance at a clean slate can be challenging if you don’t know what you’re doing. So why not put the law on your side? Contact Greenwood Law today by calling our Winston-Salem office at 336-661-8788 or by scheduling an initial consultation online. See how we can help you or your child get that well-deserved second chance.