After a convicted individual serves out the penalties from their sentence, they often find that there are long-lasting hardships tied to securing housing or employment. A criminal record can be a lifelong setback if you do not hire a North Carolina expungement lawyer to have your record formally cleared. With a clean slate, you can rebuild your life and seek new opportunities without worrying about a criminal history.
The legal team at Granados Law Group believes that everyone deserves a fair chance at reclaiming their lives after a criminal conviction. That’s why we allocate considerable time and resources to helping clients clear their criminal records. Our founding attorney is a former Wake County domestic violence prosecutor who understands the legal system and which types of crimes are eligible for expungement under state law.
When you work with our team of defense attorneys, you benefit from their collective years of experience providing comprehensive and results-driven legal services for clients. Our original law firm was founded in the area in 2008 before being recently rebranded as Granados Law Group. Trust our team of skilled defense attorneys to give you a second chance and a brighter future.
Expungement plays a critical role in helping people rebuild their lives after an arrest or conviction in North Carolina. As of June 30, 2024, the state had 31,932 individuals in prison, and recent research shows that about 23% of people with convictions are eligible for expunction under current law.
In recent years, reforms such as North Carolina’s Second Chance Act have expanded expunction options for certain nonviolent offenses and dismissed or not guilty charges. Under the Act, certain misdemeanors and felonies that resulted in a “not guilty” disposition are eligible for automatic relief. Prosecutors cannot initiate relief, and multiple nonviolent convictions can be expunged after seven years of good behavior.
The state expungement process allows eligible individuals to have certain records cleared, removing barriers to employment, housing, and education. Once granted, an expunction seals the record from public view, helping people move forward without the long-term stigma of a past mistake. It may be possible for certain government agencies to access the records you have had expunged, but basic background checks for employment or housing will not.
North Carolina uses the term “expunction” instead of the common term “expungement” to describe the process of removing a criminal record from public view. An individual’s eligibility depends on factors such as their age at the time of the offense, the type of crime, and how the case was resolved (dismissal, acquittal, or conviction). Various laws focus on young offenders, wrongful convictions, and nonviolent crimes.
Common crimes that are eligible for expunction include:
In many cases, you may be able to work with an attorney to petition the court for expunction soon after the case is over or when all charges are dismissed. Other cases may require the person seeking expunction to wait for a certain period of time. The expiration of probation is one common requirement.
The decision to hire an expungement lawyer is a crucial first step for anyone seeking a second chance following a conviction or case that did not result in a conviction. Whether your concerns are about having an arrest record or a conviction that is eligible for expunction, a North Carolina expungement attorney can play a crucial role in having your record cleared.
Legal representation provides you with the support of an advocate who understands the state’s expungement laws based on their years of experience managing expungement cases. Once you meet with your lawyer, they can review your criminal record and inform you of your eligibility to have the conviction cleared. Then they can handle the complexities of filing paperwork, so you stand a strong chance of enjoying the benefits of a cleared record.
How much attorneys charge for expungement depends on the complexity of your case and the time and resources that your attorney puts into your expungement case. Criminal defense lawyers generally charge a flat fee for their services, and there may be filing fees or local hearing fees, depending on the county’s individual requirements. A reputable lawyer can provide you with details about their fees during your consultation so you have a clear and accurate idea of what you may spend on their services.
If you are seeking an expungement in North Carolina, you need the legal services of a criminal defense attorney. Defense lawyers understand the criminal courts and the types of crimes that may or may not be eligible for expunction. Not all criminal defense lawyers have experience handling these matters, so it is crucial to seek representation from a lawyer who understands the process.
If you have experienced setbacks due to your arrest record or criminal record, going through the expunction process can be well worth it. The process has been completed by many convicted defendants and can create new housing and job-related opportunities. Successfully clearing your record in North Carolina with the help of a trusted expungement attorney can make a significant difference in your life.
North Carolina allows several categories of criminal records to be erased through expungement, depending on how the case ended and the type of offense involved. State law includes specific pathways for erasing certain misdemeanors, nonviolent felonies, juvenile offenses, drug-related charges, prostitution offenses, and cases involving identity theft or mistaken identification.
A criminal conviction can lead to serious setbacks, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With support from the trusted defense attorneys at Granados Law Group, you can clear your record and explore new opportunities that were not available to you previously. Our lawyers have successfully managed many expungement cases and are ready to help you move forward with confidence. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you clear your record.
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701 E Chatham St # 209, Cary, NC 27511
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