Coalter Law, PLLC

Get The Help You Need On Your Case – Call : 336-646-7977

Coalter Law, PLLC

Call : 336-646-7977

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Expunging A Criminal Record In North Carolina

A expunction, also known as an expungement, is a process by which some or all of a person’s criminal history is removed from the public record. This is important because potential employers, institutions of higher learning or even potential relationships will often review your criminal record before making decisions about you. If you qualify, expunctions are a tremendous benefit to you. An expunction is accomplished through a court order, issued in accordance with North Carolina law and only after an individual has met state expungement requirements.

Though our state recognizes the importance of clearing a criminal record of past mistakes as a way of allowing someone to move on with their life, getting an expungement is not always easy. While North Carolina has recently expanded the class of defendants eligible for expunctions, you must still fit into one of the specific categories set out in the General Statutes. The most common categories are: 

  • First-time, nonviolent felony offenses that were committed more than 10 years ago
  • First-time, nonviolent misdemeanor offenses that were committed more that 5 years ago
  • Certain first-time offenses that were committed under the age of 18 or 22
  • Dismissed or acquitted (not guilty) charges

The Importance Of Record Expunction

If you meet the state requirements for expungement, then it’s a good idea to talk to a skilled criminal defense lawyer like Scott Coalter at Coalter Law, PLLC. We can walk you through the complex process of getting your record expunged, making sure that your petition is filed correctly and on time with the Clerk of Court in Guilford County.

Be advised: it can take several months just for your petition and the criminal background check to go through. The total wait time from petition submission to actual expunction can take even longer.

Get Help From A Skilled Defense Attorney Today

At Coalter Law, PLLC, we are fully aware of the benefits of an expungement, which is why we extend our legal services beyond Greensboro and help clients throughout the North Carolina Triad. If you have questions about the expungement process or would like to know if your record is eligible for expunction, we encourage you to contact our law firm online or by calling 336-646-7977.

Let us help you get a fresh start to your life. Talk to us today at Coalter Law, PLLC. Se Habla Español.