Winston-Salem Expungement Lawyers

Understanding Expungements: What You Need to Know

An expungement is when a criminal conviction is removed from your record. In North Carolina, getting an expungement (or expunction) is possible only under a few limited circumstances. While a robust criminal defense is your first and best option for avoiding a criminal record, it may be that you were unable to avoid a criminal conviction. An expungement may help alleviate issues you face with employment, housing, insurance, and any future criminal charges.

However, there are a number of steps required in order to pursue an expungement. As a dedicated Winston-Salem expungement attorney, we are here to assist you in understanding the process and achieving the relief you seek.

Am I Eligible for an Expungement? Key Factors to Consider

In order to clear a record of a criminal conviction, there are a few factors that must be considered. Some of these factors include the following:

• Amount of time since the conviction and/or sentence was complete
• The type of offense you want to be expunged
• Any other criminal convictions or history

For misdemeanors, individuals may apply for expungement if they have not been convicted of any other offenses during a specific waiting period, usually five years from the completion of their sentence. For felony charges, the waiting period can be longer, often up to ten years. Additionally, certain offenses, such as violent felonies or sexual offenses, may not be eligible for expungement at all.

An experienced attorney who has frequent expungement cases can evaluate whether your circumstances qualify you for a record sealing. At Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A., our lawyers have over 150 years of legal experience in criminal defense and post-conviction relief, including appeals and expungement.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Expungement Process

Navigating the expungement process can be daunting, but our experienced team at Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A. is here to simplify it for you. We believe that everyone deserves a fresh start. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

1. Consultation: During your first meeting with our experienced attorneys, we will discuss your case in detail, review your eligibility, and outline the best strategy for your expungement.
2. Gathering Documentation: We will assist you in collecting all necessary documents, including court records and personal identification.
3. Filing the Petition: Our team will prepare and file the expungement petition on your behalf, ensuring all paperwork is completed accurately.
4. Notification of Interested Parties: We will notify the appropriate parties, such as the district attorney's office, about your expungement request, as required by law.
5. Hearing (if applicable): In some cases, a hearing may be necessary. We will represent you in court, presenting your case to the judge and advocating for your rights.
6. Post-Expungement Follow-Up: Once your expungement is granted, we will provide guidance on how to handle your records moving forward.

By partnering with our Winston-Salem expungement attorney, you can navigate this process with confidence, knowing that you have a dedicated team advocating for your rights. Don’t let past mistakes hold you back any longer!