A criminal record can often keep you from accomplishing your goals in life. Criminal convictions (or in some cases, even criminal charges that have been dismissed) may keep you from getting the job that you want.In certain circumstances, you may have the opportunity to have your criminal record erased. The erasing of an individual’s criminal record in North Carolina is done by a process called an expunction (or expungement.)

Generally, in order to qualify for an expungement in North Carolina, and individual must fall into one of three main categories:

• Charged with an offense, but was found “not guilty” or the case was “dismissed.”
• Convicted of certain listed offenses, while under the age of either 18 or 22.
• Convicted of a non-violent felony or misdemeanor, regardless of an individual’s age, if that person has had no other criminal convictions in the 15 years since the conviction.

THERE ARE TYPICALLY MANY STEPS IN THE EXPUNGEMENTS PROCESS

1. It is necessary to obtain a copy of the criminal record for the person who is seeking the expungement. This is needed to determine if that person will be qualified to have their record erased. Judges often will want to see the criminal record of the applicant before approving the expungement.
2. After reviewing the criminal record of the applicant and determining if the applicant qualifies for an expungement, the applicant must prepare the necessary court documents to get the expungement process underway. These documents will include a petition and often accompanying affidavits.
3. After obtaining a criminal record and preparing the necessary paperwork, the paperwork is submitted to the necessary local authorities for approval and signatures. These documents should be signed by a local judge (and in some instances, a District Attorney) in the judicial district where the paperwork will be filed.
4. After the paperwork has been signed, it then must be filed in the clerk’s office, and sent to the State Bureau of Investigations and the Administrative Office of the Courts for approval.
5. If approved by the State Bureau of Investigations and the Administrative Office of the Courts, the necessary paperwork must be submitted again to the presiding judge.
   As you have probably guessed, the expungement process can take several months to be completed, and even longer if each step is not done properly.

At the Law Office of Daniel Hines Entzminger, we handle expungement cases for those individuals who legally qualify for such relief. To find out if you qualify, please contact our office and schedule an appointment. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you with having your record expunged. The help you need may be closer than you think.