A criminal record, even an old one, can surface during background checks for housing, employment, and education. North Carolina law allows certain records to be expunged, which in general means they are removed from public records under the circumstances the law allows.
Who may be eligible
Eligibility depends on details such as the type of offense, how the case ended (for example, dismissal, a not-guilty verdict, or a conviction), how long ago it happened, and the rest of your record. The rules have changed in recent years, so information you heard a while ago may no longer apply.
What the process generally involves
- Reviewing your complete record
- Identifying which records may qualify
- Preparing and filing the appropriate petition
- Waiting for the court’s decision and processing
Related: firearm rights
Some people seeking a fresh start are also concerned about restrictions on owning a firearm. That is a separate legal question with its own rules, and it is worth raising during a consultation.
Start with a record review
Because eligibility is so fact-specific, the most useful first step is having an attorney review your record and walk you through what may be possible.