Expunction Attorney in Alamance County, NC
Having a criminal record can create all sorts of problems, even if it’s been years or decades since the incident. The effects of a criminal record can be far-reaching, impacting your ability to secure employment, housing, or even educational opportunities. However, an expunction can clear your criminal record, helping you move forward without the burden of past mistakes holding you back. We can look at your record to see if you are eligible for an expunction, which may provide you with a fresh start.
An expunction allows for something to be removed from a criminal record, offering a chance to move on from past offenses. Certain misdemeanor offenses may also qualify for expunction, allowing individuals a fresh start and new opportunities in life. In North Carolina, a prior DWI conviction can have lasting effects on your life, but in some cases, it may be possible to expunge this from your record, helping you to avoid the long-term consequences of a DWI conviction.
Additionally, individuals charged with underage drinking may also be eligible for an expunction, depending on the specifics of the case. However, it’s important to note that violating probation can complicate your eligibility for expunction, making it essential to handle these situations carefully. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
The laws governing expunctions and expungements are complex. Contact us so we can help.
The legislature has enacted some recent changes which have broadened the eligibility of expungements of certain criminal charges from a criminal record. For instance, some misdemeanors are eligible for expungement 5 years after the date of conviction, and some felonies are eligible after 10 years. Additionally, there are fewer limitations than there were previously, and the law continues to change on a regular basis.
One common mistake that we see is not getting a charge expunged after a charge is dismissed or found not guilty. A dismissal or a not guilty are amazing results, however, if not expunged, they will still show up on a criminal record check. The record will indicate that the charge was dismissed, but it will still show that it was charged. But, with an expungement, we will ensure that the charge doesn’t show up at all. Deferred prosecution agreements such as a First Offender Program NC or the 90-96 Drug Program are also eligible for an expunction once the charges have been dismissed.
We have helped countless clients clean up their records. We consistently follow the law on expunctions to ensure we can help as many people as possible as eligibility continues to increase. Contact us so we can begin helping you!
https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_15a/Article_5.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm eligible for expunction in Alamance County, NC?
Eligibility for expunction varies based on the nature of the charge and the outcome of your case. In Alamance County, certain misdemeanors may be expunged five years after conviction, while some felonies require a ten-year period. Our expunction lawyers are adept at evaluating your record to determine if you qualify for this legal relief and can help you understand the recent legislative changes that might benefit your case.
What common mistakes do people make regarding expunctions in Alamance County, NC?
A frequent oversight is failing to pursue an expunction after a charge is dismissed or a not guilty verdict is achieved. While these are favorable outcomes, the charges still appear in background checks unless expunged. Our expungement attorneys ensure that dismissed charges are completely removed from your record, helping you truly move past your old charges.
Can dismissed charges still affect my future, and how does expungement help in Alamance County, NC?
In Alamance County, NC, even dismissed charges or those resulting in a not guilty verdict can still impact your future, as they remain visible in criminal background checks. Expungement effectively removes these entries, ensuring they do not hinder your employment opportunities or social interactions. Consulting with an expungement attorney can help you ensure that no remnants of past legal issues continue to shadow your future.
What are some common mistakes people make regarding expunction in Alamance County, NC?
A common mistake people make in Alamance County, NC is not seeking expungement for dismissed charges or after acquittals. Many are unaware that these charges can still appear on background checks even if they were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict. Proactive legal counsel is essential to navigate this process effectively and to ensure a clean slate.
How can I start the expunction process in Alamance County, NC?
The first step in pursuing an expunction is to consult with a knowledgeable expunction attorney who understands local laws and can provide tailored advice.
Reach out to us today to discuss your case and explore your options for clearing your record in Alamance County.
Additional Information in Alamance County, North Carolina
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- UNC School of Government - General Considerations for Expunctions: Discusses the process of expunging records of prior proceedings in North Carolina. An expunction effectively deletes both paper and electronic records, though this is typically applicable only if statutes specifically allow it. It outlines various circumstances and statutory conditions under which expunction might be pursued, including types for juvenile and adult records, and addresses the broader implications and recent legislative changes that have expanded the eligibility for expunction.
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- North Carolina Judicial Branch - Expunctions: Comprehensive information on how to expunge certain criminal charges or convictions. It is also a legal process that removes a criminal record from public access, sealing or destroying the state’s records of the arrest, charge, and/or conviction. It outlines the application process, and offers links to necessary forms and resources for filing.
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- North Carolina Justice Center - 2022 Summary of North Carolina Expunctions: Detailed Information how the state has expanded opportunities for expunging criminal records, especially non-violent offenses, and gives specifics about which records can be cleared. The guide also aims to help lawyers understand and navigate these laws to assist more North Carolinians in achieving expunction, thereby improving their access to jobs, housing, and other opportunities.
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- Collateral Consequences Resource Center - Restoration of Rights Project: Discusses the state's policies on restoration of rights, pardons, and sealing or expungement of criminal records. It covers eligibility for these legal remedies, their potential impacts, and the specific processes involved, including how pardons and expungements are granted and their effects on a person's civil and firearms rights.