Greensboro Expungement Lawyer

Greensboro Expungement Attorney

If you’re applying for a job, trying to rent a home, or pursuing an education, having a criminal record can create insurmountable obstacles. North Carolina’s expungement laws offer a path to a clear criminal record, and a Greensboro expungement lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can assist you in achieving it.

With decades of experience, a Greensboro criminal defense lawyer from our firm knows how to help clients in Guilford County and the surrounding areas eliminate the lasting consequences of past mistakes.

What Is Expungement?

Approximately 2 million people in North Carolina have a criminal record. Expungement is the legal process of erasing a criminal record from public view. If the court grants the expunction, the record is then sealed. At this point, you’re legally allowed to deny that the charge or conviction ever happened in most situations.

In North Carolina, expungement can apply to:

• Dismissed charges or not-guilty verdicts
• Juvenile offenses
• Nonviolent crimes
• Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions
• First-time offenses under specific circumstances

The Greensboro expungement attorneys of Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can guide you through the complex petition process.

North Carolina Expungement Laws

North Carolina expungement laws are continuously evolving. The law allows expungement for certain nonviolent misdemeanor and felony convictions, especially for first-time offenders. Certain dismissed charges are automatically expunged, but some limitations still apply. Many expungement cases come with a waiting period of five to 15 years, depending on the charges.

Navigating these evolving legal standards requires the knowledge of a seasoned Greensboro criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in state and local expungement statutes. In Greensboro, an expungement attorney at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, has that kind of knowledge.

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Greensboro?

Not all criminal charges or convictions can be expunged. That’s why the first step is to consult a trusted Greensboro expungement lawyer who can assess your specific case.

Some qualifying factors include: 

• You were charged with a crime, but the case was dismissed or resulted in a not-guilty verdict.
• You were under the age of 18, depending on the type of offense.
• You’ve completed your sentence and remained crime-free for a set number of years.

Each expungement has its own eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and limitations. Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can determine the strongest path forward for your case.

The Expungement Process in North Carolina

Here’s a general overview of what to expect when pursuing an expungement in Greensboro:

• Initial consultation: The team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can review your criminal history and identify any charges or convictions that may be eligible for expungement.
• Record check: We can obtain your official criminal record and ensure its accuracy.
• Petition preparation: Our team can then complete the appropriate expungement petition based on the nature of your case.
• Filing: We can file your petition with the Guilford County Courthouse. You may need to pay any necessary fees.
• Court review: In some cases, the district attorney may review your petition. A hearing may be scheduled.
• Judicial decision: The judge can then make a decision. If granted, the court issues an expunction order.
• Record sealing: Law enforcement and other agencies will be notified to seal or erase your record.

This process may take several months, but working with a skilled Greensboro criminal defense lawyer can prevent mistakes or delays that impact your chance for expunction.

Why Choose Steven T. Meier, PLLC?

Choosing the right attorney can be vital for your expungement case. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we bring a client-focused approach. Our firm has a deep understanding of both Greensboro criminal defense laws and expungement procedures. We have decades of experience in handling misdemeanor and felony cases.

No two cases are the same. Our use of strategic approaches has helped us expunge countless records for clients. We have a strong relationship with local courts, such as Guilford County Superior Court, judges, and prosecutors. Our team fights for your right to a new start.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Have a Record Expunged in NC?

A: In North Carolina, the current filing fee for having a criminal record expunged is $175. Additional costs may include fingerprinting fees and certified copies. If you hire an expungement lawyer to help with the process, there will be additional legal fees. It can be a worthwhile investment to have your record cleared, as it can greatly expand your future opportunities.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer for Expungement in NC?

A: While it’s not legally required to hire a lawyer for an expungement in North Carolina, having the right legal representation can greatly improve your chances of success. The expungement process involves gathering court records, submitting accurate petitions, and meeting eligibility criteria. Any mistake can delay your petition or derail it completely. An attorney can properly fill out and file all forms. They can also represent you at required hearings.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Record Expunged in NC?

A: The time it takes to get through the expungement process in North Carolina depends on the type of offense and the county where you file. After receiving your petition, the court conducts a background check, reviews eligibility, and possibly holds a hearing. The district attorney’s office may also weigh in with an opinion. Once your expungement is approved, it can take a while longer for law enforcement to remove your record from databases. Of those eligible, 6.5% of those pursuing expungement receive it in five years.

Q: What Felonies Cannot Be Expunged in North Carolina?

A: Certain felony convictions cannot be expunged in North Carolina. These include violent felonies, sexual offenses that require registration, and crimes involving serious bodily harm or death. Those involving child abuse, certain drug trafficking offenses, and felony offenses with multiple prior convictions may also be ineligible. However, dismissed felony charges or charges resulting in a not guilty verdict may still be expunged.

Hire an Expungement Lawyer

When you’re ready to move forward in life and leave your criminal record behind, you need to hire an expungement lawyer who knows how to get results. The team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can guide you through the process of expungement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and further discuss your legal options.