Greensboro Expungement Lawyer

Greensboro Expungement Attorney

A criminal record can continue to negatively impact your life long after you’ve done your time or paid your debt to society. It could keep you from getting a job or an apartment, but it shouldn’t have to prevent you from moving forward with your life with peace of mind. The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith and our Greensboro expungement lawyer are here to help you start fresh.

We understand the expungement laws in North Carolina and can help you navigate the legal system to get the second chance that you deserve. If you’re eligible to have your charges dismissed, have nonviolent convictions that can be expunged, or certain juvenile offenses that can be expunged, we can help. Our Greensboro expungement attorney can guide you every step of the way towards a brighter future.

Why Hire a Greensboro Expungement Lawyer From The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith

In North Carolina, citizens must actively seek legal remedies to expunge their criminal records. You must file the appropriate petitions, follow the legal procedures, and meet the eligibility requirements set by the state. A Greensboro expungement lawyer helps you avoid expensive mistakes and provides a better opportunity for clearing your criminal history.

People with criminal records earn at least 30% less on average than otherwise similar individuals, according to a 2025 NBER study, suggesting that expungement could substantially reduce the wage gap.

Whether you need to expunge a dismissed charge, a nonviolent conviction, or a juvenile record, legal advice can help. The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith can make the process easier, obtain the appropriate documentation, and represent you in court if needed.

Who Qualifies for Expungement in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, expungement eligibility is determined by the nature of the offense, the defendant’s age at the time of the offense, and the outcome of the case. Eligibility for expungement applies to people who faced charges but weren’t convicted, received not guilty verdicts, or were convicted of specific misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies.

Offenses as a juvenile, drug possession under a conditional discharge, and first-time convictions may also be eligible. In some situations, there is a waiting period for expungement eligibility, which may start from the time of the charge, dismissal, or conviction. This period can be immediate or may range from a few years to a decade.

Generally, multiple convictions for the same or similar offenses and convictions for violent offenses are not eligible for expungement. Eligibility rules are governed by N.C. General Statutes § 15A-145 and its subchapters, which have been revised over the years to allow broader access to second chances.

What to Expect During the Expungement Process

The first step in the expungement process is to obtain a copy of your criminal record to review for eligibility. After confirming eligibility, the next steps involve preparing a formal petition, gathering supporting documents like affidavits or certificates, and filing the paperwork with the appropriate court. Depending on the type of expungement, a court hearing may be scheduled.

The District Attorney and the State Bureau of Investigation may also review the petition. If approved, the record will be sealed or destroyed, meaning it will no longer show up on background checks. The process can take several months from start to finish, depending on court schedules and the complexity of the case.

How a Criminal Record Affects Employment and Housing

A criminal record can make it very difficult to find steady employment or housing. Even if your charge is dismissed, your arrest record might cause them to turn you down. Many landlords perform background checks on potential renters. This is why expungement is so important to anyone looking to start fresh when applying for jobs, licenses, loans, or apartments.

FAQs

What Happens After My Record Is Expunged?

After your expungement, the court orders the appropriate agencies (State Bureau of Investigation, the district attorney, local law enforcement, etc.) to destroy or seal the record. It will not show up in most background checks, and you can legally answer “no” if asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime, with some exceptions. Keep a copy of the expungement order in your files; it may be difficult or impossible to obtain it again if the need arises.

How Long Does the Expungement Process Take?

The expungement process in North Carolina can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of expungement and the court’s schedule. The court will notify the State Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney for review after receiving the petition. The timeline may be longer if a hearing is necessary. It may take some time for the agencies to remove the record from public databases even after the expungement is approved.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File for Expungement?

You can file for expungement by yourself, but it’s strongly advised to hire a lawyer. Expungement is a legal process with strict rules, special paperwork, and detailed petitions. One error can result in delays or denials. A lawyer can make sure everything is in order, maximize your chances of approval, and explain your rights during and after the process.

What Is the Difference Between Expungement and a Pardon?

Through expungement, a criminal record becomes inaccessible to the public and functions as if the offense had never taken place for most situations. A pardon granted by the Governor forgives the offense but keeps it on your record.
Although a pardon can reinstate certain privileges, unlike expungement, it fails to safeguard the confidentiality of the offense. In North Carolina, expungement is usually the better option for cleaning your record from background checks.

Contact a Greensboro Expungement Lawyer

At LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, we believe your past shouldn’t dictate your future. Our team is here to guide you through a North Carolina expungement case with clarity, care, and proven legal insight. Whether you’re seeking to clear a dismissed charge or a nonviolent conviction, we’re ready to help you pursue a clean slate. Let us advocate for your second chance and help you move forward with confidence.