Your record doesn’t have to be permanent.
North Carolina law lets qualifying charges and convictions be expunged, which erases them from your record. Employment, housing, education: one court order can reopen those doors.
Can my record be expunged in North Carolina? This firm handles expunctions of criminal misdemeanor and felony convictions for those who qualify under Chapter 15A, Article 5 of the North Carolina General Statutes. If your charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty, you very likely qualify. For convictions, eligibility depends on the offense, your age at the time, and how much time has passed. If you believe you may be eligible, or are just not quite sure, give my office a call to find out and discuss how to get the process started.
Which door is yours?
Charges dismissed or not guilty?
N.C. Gen. Stat. §15A-146 covers expunction of records when charges are dismissed or there are findings of not guilty. If your case ended without a conviction, clearing the paper trail is often the most straightforward expunction there is.
An older conviction on your record?
N.C. Gen. Stat. §15A-145.5 covers expunction of certain misdemeanors and felonies with no age limitation. It is the statute most working adults qualify under. Waiting periods and offense-type limits apply.
A mistake made young?
Several statutes cover first offenders who were under 18, under 20, or under 21 at the time, including certain misdemeanors, gang offenses, drug offenses, and nonviolent felonies (§§15A-145 through 145.8A).
Expunction matters because criminal histories are evaluated by employers, colleges, and landlords every day. N.C. Gen. Stat. §15A-153 spells out the effect of an expunction, including practices prohibited to employers and educational institutions once a record is expunged.
Every NC expunction statute, in plain terms.
Each North Carolina expunction statute is described below. Take a moment to see if you may qualify. Then call, and we’ll confirm it together.
Full statute reference (Chapter 15A, Article 5)
- §15A-145: first offenders under 18 at conviction of misdemeanor; certain other misdemeanors.
- §15A-145.1: first offenders under 18 at conviction of certain gang offenses.
- §15A-145.2: first offenders not over 21 at the time of certain drug offenses.
- §15A-145.3: first offenders not over 21 at the time of certain toxic vapors offenses.
- §15A-145.4: first offenders under 18 at the commission of a nonviolent felony.
- §15A-145.5: certain misdemeanors and felonies; no age limitation.
- §15A-145.6: certain defendants convicted of prostitution.
- §15A-145.7: first offenders under 20 at the time of certain offenses.
- §15A-145.8: records when charges are remanded to district court for juvenile adjudication.
- §15A-145.8A: offenders under 18 at commission of certain misdemeanors and felonies, upon completion of sentence.
- §15A-145.9: certain offenses committed by human trafficking victims.
- §15A-146: charges dismissed or findings of not guilty.
- §15A-147: dismissals or not-guilty findings resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity.
- §15A-148: DNA records when charges are dismissed on appeal or a pardon of innocence is granted.
- §15A-149: records when a pardon of innocence is granted.
- §15A-153: effect of expunction; prohibited practices by employers and educational institutions.
Getting started is simpler than you think.
Gather your paperwork
Court documents about your charge and its outcome. Missing pieces? Copies can be obtained at the courthouse. We’ll point you the right way.
Call for an appointment
We’ll confirm which statute fits your situation and quote the cost up front: flat rate, no hidden fees.
Martin files and follows through
Petition prepared, filed, and pursued to order. Once expunged, §15A-153 restricts what employers and schools may ask about it.
“He took away the stress and confusion of the situation and left me full of gratitude. He took care of everything quickly, with very little effort on my part.”Rita C., Google review
Expunction FAQs.
My charge was dismissed. Do I still need an expunction?
The arrest and charge stay on your record until they are expunged. A dismissal alone doesn’t remove the paper trail that background checks find. §15A-146 covers exactly this situation, and it is often the most straightforward expunction to obtain.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a conviction?
It depends on the statute your case falls under: waiting periods differ for misdemeanors, felonies, and youthful-offender provisions, and the law in this area changes frequently. Call with your conviction date and charge, and we’ll tell you where you stand.
What does an expunction actually do?
It removes the record of the charge or conviction, and §15A-153 prohibits employers and educational institutions from certain practices regarding expunged records. In most situations you may lawfully answer as though the expunged matter never occurred. The details deserve a conversation for your specific situation.
Do expunctions cover felonies?
Some, yes: notably certain nonviolent felonies under §15A-145.5 (no age limit) and §15A-145.4 (under 18 at commission), each with its own conditions and waiting periods. If a felony record is also what stands between you and your firearm rights, see firearm rights restoration.
Find out if you qualify. The consultation is free.
704-675-9939Gather your paperwork, give the office a call, and we’ll get the process started.