- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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:
| Expungement Type | North Carolina Statute |
|---|---|
| Juvenile Record | NCGS § 7B-3200 |
| Misdemeanor Committed Under Age 18 | NCGS § 15A-145 |
| Gang Offense Committed Under Age 18 | NCGS § 15A-145.1 |
| Controlled Substance Offense Committed Under Age 22 | NCGS § 15A-145.2 |
| Toxic Vapors Offense Committed Under Age 22 | NCGS § 15A-145.3 |
| Nonviolent Felony Committed 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 |
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.
A criminal record can continue to affect your life long after a case is over. In this episode of For The Record with Greenwood Law, attorney Dylan W. Greenwood explains how North Carolina’s expungement laws work, who may qualify to have charges or convictions removed from their record, and how expungement can open the door to new employment, housing, and educational opportunities. He also discusses eligibility requirements, common misconceptions, and the importance of staying informed as expungement laws continue to evolve.
In North Carolina, a felony conviction does not automatically go away or get removed from your record. However, under certain conditions, you might be eligible for expungement, which is the legal process of removing a conviction from your public record. Your eligibility for expungement depends on factors like the type of felony, how much time has passed since the conviction or completion of the sentence, and your criminal history. A North Carolina expungements lawyer can provide guidance on whether your felony conviction qualifies for this clean slate.
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.
