Charlotte Expungement Lawyer

If your case was dismissed, you can protect your good name and rebuild your life through Expungement. Even though your case may have been dismissed, many people will think that where there is smoke, there has been a fire and hold your past accusations against you. Employers, neighbors, customers, insurers, landlords and just plain nosey people looking into your background after your record is expunged will find no record of the charges filed against you. They will find a clear criminal record and a clear public arrest record. The terms "expungment" and "expunction" are synonymous and can be used interchangeably.

Is expunction (Expungement) an option in your case? Contact our Charlotte office to arrange a consultation with criminal defense attorney Chris Connelly.

You may be eligible for Expungement if:

• You were convicted of a misdemeanor before you attained the age of 18 years
• You were convicted of a misdemeanor possession of alcohol pursuant to G.S. 18B-302(b)(1) before you attained the age of 21 years
• Your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, even if there were multiple offenses within one year ("the I had a bad year" law)
• Charges were filed against you, but later dismissed on the basis of identity theft
• Charges were filed against you, but you were pardoned

If you were accused of any crime, a traffic violation, DWI/DUI, Assault, Weapons, White Collar Crimes, Drugs or Domestic Violence but charges were dismissed, then court records, your fingerprints and your mug shot will still be available to the public. Even though your case may have been dismissed, people may hold past accusations against you. You may find it difficult to enroll in professional programs, rent an apartment or find a job. It is extremely important to complete the process of clearing your name through expunction/Expungement.

After your Expungement is granted:

An expunction (also known as Expungement) seals a case that has been dismissed from public view. Mr. Connelly will personally oversee the process of Expungement. When it is completed, all records - Police, Court, Sheriff's department (including Jail mug shot and fingerprints), State Bureau of Investigation and in some instances, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles - will be sealed from the view of the general public. No employees, employers, customers, neighbors, friends, creditors or insurers can see what you have been accused of in the past.

Expungement

Often, the Expunction Order sealing information about your background is complied with by governmental authorities, but private Internet sites still maintain the information. There are many private websites that maintain arrest and prosecution records that are not updated to show dismissals, reductions and/or subsequent expunctions. They will then offer to remove it for a fee. However, do not pay for removal as it merely removes it from that website, not others. Seek an expunction which can then result in an Order signed by the court which can be used to mandate not only that website but all websites to take down your information. The Expunction Order can be served upon them by your lawyer and the website then must remove the information promptly.

Expunction of certain felonies

Effective December 1, 2012, a defendant convicted of felonies may expunge that conviction if:

• The offense must be a prescribed nonviolent felony or misdemeanor. Certain offenses are specifically excluded and may NOT be expunged under this statute.
• The expunction must be filed in the county where you were convicted and must be accompanied by consent to a record check.
• Age of the person at the time of the commission of the offense is NOT a factor.
• The petition must be filed more than 15 years after the date of conviction or the completion of any part of the sentence. Restitution must also be complete.
• The petition must contain affidavits of good moral character.
• The person must not have been convicted of any other crime, must have no outstanding warrants or pending criminal cases.
• The person must not have had a previous expunction.
• The district attorney must have the opportunity to contact the victim before the hearing.

If these factors are met, the court MAY, but is not required to, order the expunction of the felony.

Call 704-376-9376 or e-mail our Charlotte office to schedule a consultation about clearing your criminal record through Expungement.

The Law Office of Christopher A. Connelly
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Criminal Defense Attorney

Reasonable Fees ▪ Payment Plans ▪ Credit Cards Accepted ▪ Se habla español

Near jail and court