Raleigh Expungement Lawyer

Raleigh Expungement Attorney

Having a criminal record can put serious restrictions on your future, impacting whether you can get a job, secure a house, or even pursue higher education. If you or someone you love has been arrested or convicted for a crime in Wake County, you may be eligible to get your record cleared by going through the expungement process. A skilled Raleigh expungement lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can analyze your case and help you understand your options.

At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, our highly dedicated Raleigh criminal defense lawyer team boasts significant knowledge and experience when it comes to helping North Carolina residents navigate the expungement process. We understand just how devastating a criminal record can be and are here to help clear your name and give you a fresh start. From conducting a thorough case assessment to helping you present strong arguments, we are here to support you.

What Expungement Means in North Carolina

Expungement – otherwise known as expunction – is a legal process that works to hide or remove someone’s criminal record from the public eye. After a record has been expunged, it should no longer appear in the majority of background checks that are run. Understanding how expungement works can help individuals take the right steps toward clearing their records.

This helps individuals access opportunities that were blocked before due to having a criminal record. Under North Carolina law, expungement eligibility has been recently expanded, therefore making it simpler for individuals with dismissed charges, “not guilty” verdicts, and nonviolent offenses to get their records clean. Our proactive team stays on top of all changes in the law to ensure they are applied correctly to each client’s case.

Raleigh Crime Trends and the Importance of Clearing Your Record

According to recent data from the Raleigh Police Department for Q1 of 2025, crime rates across key categories have significantly fluctuated:

• Incidents of homicide increased from 9 in Q1 2024 to 11 in Q1 2025.
• Reports of robbery stayed relatively the same, increasing slightly from 83 to 84.
• Aggravated assaults had a notable decrease of 12%, from 250 to 221.

These figures show the continued emphasis on law enforcement presence and public safety in Raleigh and surrounding areas. It’s important to know, however, that even in cases that involve false accusations or dismissed or reduced charges, arrests can still leave a damaging mark on an individual’s record unless they get expunged. Therefore, it’s crucial to take the required legal steps to get that burden removed.

Common Cases We Handle

Our dedicated team of Raleigh expungement lawyers can assist individuals across Raleigh with the following:

• Getting dismissed charges expunged.
• Getting “not guilty” verdicts expunged.
• Navigating expungement for first-time nonviolent misdemeanor or felony convictions.
• Supporting juvenile records.
• Managing drug possession cases.
• Exploring expungement options for charges related to minor assault, trespassing, or theft.

We can help you understand what the eligibility requirements are, collect crucial court documents, and help you with filing your petition with the Wake County Clerk of Court. Fortunately, the majority of expungement cases can be resolved without having to appear in court. However, if a court hearing is needed for your case, we are ready to present strong arguments on your behalf in front of a judge.

Why Hire a Raleigh-Based Expungement Lawyer?

As each county in North Carolina has its own unique processes for handling criminal records, it’s important to work with an attorney who is local to the Raleigh area. A detail-oriented attorney from our team can leverage their in-depth knowledge of court procedures in Wake County, as well as leverage their existing relationships with court clerks, judges, and prosecutors, to ensure an efficient and stress-free expungement process.

FAQs

Q: What Is Expungement in North Carolina?

A: Expungement, otherwise known as expunction, is a legal process that involves getting a criminal charge or conviction on your record erased. After your record has been expunged, your criminal record will not appear on most background checks. This means that landlords or employers who may run a check on your criminal history will not encounter the incident with which you were charged or convicted.

Q: Am I Eligible to Have My Criminal Record Expunged in Raleigh?

A: Whether you are eligible to have your criminal record expunged in Raleigh is dependent on various factors, including how old you were at the time you were charged, your existing criminal history, and the severity and nature of the offense. Certain misdemeanors, non-violent felonies, and charges that have been dismissed may be eligible in North Carolina. A knowledgeable Raleigh expungement attorney can go over your specific situation with you.

Q: How Long Does the Expungement Process Take in Wake County?

A: The amount of time an expungement process may take in Wake County depends on different factors, including your case complexity and the backlog in the courts. As Wake County courts are dealing with a significant volume of expungement requests, it’s generally recommended to work with the local attorney who can help you navigate the system and avoid any unnecessary delays.

Q: What Crimes Cannot Be Expunged in North Carolina?

A: Crimes that are not eligible for expungement in North Carolina include DWI convictions, certain sex crimes, violent felonies, and charges on the federal level. You may also be disqualified if you have multiple convictions. By working with an experienced expungement attorney, you can understand your eligibility and take the right steps to clean your criminal record.

Q: Do I Have to Go to Court for an Expungement in Raleigh?

A: The majority of expungement cases do not require people in Raleigh to go to court for an expungement. Your attorney will likely be able to manage your expungement filing without you having to appear before a judge in court. Some cases, however, especially those that may come with an objection from the District Attorney, could come with a hearing requirement.

Contact a Raleigh Expungement Lawyer Today

If you’re living in Raleigh and being held back by a criminal record, an expungement may be right for you. Contact a dedicated Raleigh expungement lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC, today to work towards clearing your name and getting the second chance you deserve.