Raleigh Expungement Lawyer

Expungement Attorney in Raleigh, NC

Clearing a criminal record in North Carolina can completely transform a person’s life for the better. For those who have dealt with prior convictions in Raleigh, you know the impact on your livelihood can be frustrating and demoralizing. However, expungement allows individuals to erase records of certain crimes, clear their names, and explore new opportunities. A Raleigh expungement lawyer from the Granados Law Group can support you through the process. 

​About Granados Law Group 

​Granados Law Group is headed by former prosecutor and skilled defense attorney Lindsey D. Granados. She has spent years tirelessly advocating for the rights of clients across North Carolina and leverages her courtroom experience and local knowledge of criminal law to secure the results you need. Our team shares a deep dedication to justice and can assist Raleigh residents in exploring potential expungement options and opening up new opportunities. 

​When you need to pursue the removal of a past matter from your criminal record, you can trust the team at Granados Law Group to provide you with the support you need to navigate what comes next.   

​What Is Expungement?​ 

Expungement in North Carolina is the legal act of removing a criminal conviction or charge from a person’s records. This can destroy the state’s records of the event, which can stop a person from being associated with the offense and erase the offense from the public eye. Expungement allows individuals to move forward from past convictions and pursue opportunities they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. 

​When Are You Eligible for Expungement in North Carolina?​ 

It is important to be aware that not every individual or offense qualifies for the expungement process in North Carolina. Certain severe crimes, such as those that involve violence or sexual offenses, are not eligible to be expunged. Our team can assist you in determining your eligibility for expunging specific crimes in Raleigh. 

According to G.S. 15A-145.5, you must meet the following requirements to qualify for the expungement process: 

• You Committed a Qualifying Crime. You committed a crime that is eligible for expungement under North Carolina law. Most lower-level felonies (Classes H & I) and misdemeanors qualify for expungement if they don’t involve violence or sexual acts. However, certain felonies, drug crimes, sexual offenses, and violent crimes do not qualify for expungement and must remain on your record. 
• The Waiting Period Is Over, and You Meet All Requirements. There is a waiting period that individuals must go through before they can petition to have an offense expunged. This typically is 5 or 7 years for eligible misdemeanors and 10, 15, or 20 years for up to three eligible felonies. Waiting periods begin after the completion of all sentencing requirements, probation, fines, and restitution. 
• You File a Petition Demonstrating Good Character. Once you’ve met all requirements, you can work with a lawyer to file a petition for expungement. In this petition, you’ll need to detail the offense you’d like removed as well as demonstrate your recent compliance and strong moral character. This can help prove to the court that you are ready to move forward from your past. 

How Expungement Could Impact Your Future 

​Unfortunately, having a criminal record can limit individuals in a variety of areas of their lives. When you go through the expungement process, you can pursue a wide range of opportunities that would have otherwise been unavailable to you. Some of the most common benefits of expungement include:​

• Better Employment Opportunities. Because many employers perform background checks, many individuals with criminal records struggle to find employment. A clean record allows individuals to pursue a wider range of jobs in more industries. 
• More Housing Choices. Many housing authorities, landlords, and property managers are very selective when renting to those with criminal records. Expungement provides greater freedom in your housing selection, which makes it easier to relocate freely. 
• Better Educational Opportunities. Having a criminal record can also impact your ability to pursue education through certain programs and universities, as well as scholarships, housing, and more. Expungement allows you to seek education without worrying about how your past will impact your future. 

The team at Granados Law Group has helped countless Raleigh residents explore their legal options when it comes to expungement and is prepared to help you do the same. 

FAQs 

Is Expungement the Same as Having Your Record Sealed in North Carolina? 

No, expungement is not the same as having your record sealed in North Carolina. It’s important to understand the difference between the two, as expungement results in the erasure of an offense from your record. This means the offense can no longer be searched by the public or impact your future opportunities.

When a record is sealed, it is not erased. Instead, it is only visible to select entities. Generally speaking, when we refer to sealed records in North Carolina, it typically involves juvenile offenses and involuntary commitments. 

Those records are never visible to the public due to laws preventing sensitive information from being publicly viewable. When we expunge criminal records in North Carolina, we are erasing the publicly viewable records of your past criminal history.  

What Is the Most Commonly Expunged Crime in North Carolina? 

Generally, the most commonly expunged offenses in North Carolina include non-violent misdemeanors, including larceny, public intoxication, and more. In fact, with over 150,000 instances of larceny alone in North Carolina in 2024, it’s no surprise that this is one of the most commonly expunged offenses. 

Where Are Expungement Cases Heard in Raleigh?

Expungement cases in Raleigh are processed through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. Wake County does not typically require signature hearings, although many counties in North Carolina DO require signature hearings in front of a judge. 

When you hire an expungement lawyer from Granados Law Group, they use their knowledge of local courtroom procedures to help you better understand schedules, expectations, and how to navigate the expungement process. 

Is Expungement a Long Process in North Carolina?

The timeline of an expungement case in North Carolina can vary depending on several factors. These include the availability of local courts, if multiple hearings are required, how long it takes the court to make a decision, and more. While there’s no guaranteed timeline for expungement, you can streamline the process with help from a skilled lawyer. 

Dismissal petitions can be processed by the local clerk’s office, in many cases relatively quickly, within a 1-4 months on average. Conviction petitions take longer, as they have a different, more involved process that requires an SBI background check and verification process through the Administrative Office of the Courts, in addition to being verified in the local clerk’s office, before the petition is ever presented to a judge.

Conviction petitions typically take 6-12 months on average, although some counties in North Carolina operate much more slowly, and it can take more than a year in some counties from start to finish. 

​Hire an Expungement Lawyer in Raleigh Today

​The dedicated team at Granados Law Group is committed to advocating for the rights of North Carolina residents and helping them achieve their goals. To learn more about our trusted expungement services in Raleigh, contact us today.

Raleigh, NC Expungement Injury Resources

• What is a North Carolina Expungement?
• North Carolina Expungement Law Change Goes into Effect
• Expungement Law Changes- The Second Chance Act