Statesville Expungement Lawyer

Statesville Expungement Attorney

Having a criminal record can follow you forever. It can impact your personal relationships, your job opportunities, your housing options, and many other aspects of your life. It can be hard to find peace in life knowing that there is this significant legal weight on you at all times. If your past misdeeds are not too severe, you may be able to pursue the option of expunging your conviction from the public record. Reach out to a Statesville expungement lawyer to learn more.

What Exactly Is Expungement?

Expungement, or expunction, as it is often called in North Carolina, is the legal act of removing a past criminal conviction or charge from your criminal record. The existence of that record would then be sealed by the court or destroyed permanently, allowing you to be free and find some relief. The state of North Carolina allows some past criminal convictions to be expunged, but generally only those that are nonviolent.

If you have multiple charges or convictions you would like to have expunged, it is possible to accomplish, but it will likely take a long time. That’s where an expungement lawyer in Statesville, NC, will come in handy. Having someone on your side who understands the complexities of the expungement process and can provide you with focused knowledge of how to deal with the process can only help you in the long run.

Different Types of Expungements Available in North Carolina

As soon as you are granted an expungement in North Carolina, you are free to deny that your criminal conviction or charge ever happened. The conviction is essentially erased. There are multiple types of expungements that can be pursued, provided your case meets the required criteria for the expungement. Here are some of the different kinds of cases that can be expunged in North Carolina:

• Juvenile criminal records. If you have a juvenile record of criminal charges from your youth, you can fight to have that record expunged. You have to wait until you are 18 years old to apply for expungement. You must also have a clean record since the initial conviction, which means no felony or misdemeanor convictions as an adult.
• Drug offenses under 21. If you were convicted of nonviolent drug-related offenses when you were under the age of 21, you may be eligible to have those offenses expunged from your record. In order to meet the requirements, you had to have been younger than 21 when you were charged, and you must have been granted a conditional discharge for a first-time offense.
• Identity theft. There may be a situation where you were found guilty of crimes committed by somebody else who used your name and identification, which resulted in you being wrongly charged with a crime. If the case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you can apply to have the charge expunged. You can apply for the expungement as soon as the charges are dismissed.
• Underage alcohol possession. If you were convicted of alcohol possession when you were under 21 years of age, you could be eligible for expungement. You will need to wait two years from the conviction or the completion of your probation to be eligible. If you are convicted of any further felonies or misdemeanors, you will no longer be eligible.

FAQs

Do You Need a Lawyer for Expungement in North Carolina?

No, you do not need to hire a lawyer to seek an expungement in North Carolina. It is highly recommended that you consult with one anyway, as seeking expungement can be a difficult process with multiple documents, filing deadlines, and criteria to meet. An experienced expungement lawyer can make sure you meet all the requirements and represent you in a hearing if it comes to that. Having a lawyer on your side can only help you in the long run.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Record Expunged in North Carolina?

The amount of money it will cost you to get your criminal record expunged in North Carolina will depend entirely on what record you are seeking to expunge. Many cases will require a filing fee if you are trying to apply for an expungement. You also have to consider your attorney fees, which might be substantial, as well as additional costs like notary payments. Ultimately, the amount everyone pays for an expungement is going to be different.

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free in North Carolina?

There are some ways that you can get your record expunged for free in North Carolina. If your situation warrants it, you may not have to pay a filing fee. You could also pursue legal aid programs that can help you prepare the paperwork and pursue expungement for considerably less money. Filing for expungement on your own can also be much cheaper, but a Statesville criminal defense lawyer’s help is highly recommended.

What Cases Cannot be Expunged in North Carolina?

There are many different kinds of cases that cannot be expunged in North Carolina under any circumstances. Largely, violent crimes and sex offenses cannot be removed from your criminal record. Certain drug crimes, stalking crimes, racial crimes, and drunk driving crimes can also not be removed from your record. Expungement is reserved for nonviolent offenses and dropped charges.

Reach Out to an Experienced Expungement Lawyer Today

Expungement is a potential option for those who made a nonviolent mistake and paid for it. It can provide you with the opportunity for a clean slate free of the burden of your conviction. You may not qualify for expungement, but you should consider reaching out to a lawyer to make that determination yourself.

The legal team at Lassiter & Lassiter understands the kind of legal assistance you will need to seek expungement for your criminal record. We can help you remember filing deadlines, fill out the necessary paperwork, and protect your interests throughout. It is important to consider all of your options before making any big decisions. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member today.