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North Carolina Expungement Guide

What an Expungement Does

An expungement is a court order that erases qualifying charges or convictions from public view. Background checks, most employers, and landlords will no longer see the expunged matter. Law enforcement and courts may retain limited sealed access. Bottom line: an expungement helps restore reputation, opportunity, and peace of mind. We've written this self-help expungement guide with you in mind.

Bottom line: an expungement helps restore reputation, opportunity, and peace of mind.

Who May Qualify (Big Picture)

  • Dismissed charges or 'Not Guilty' outcomes
  • First-time, low-level non-violent offenses
  • Certain youthful offenses (committed at a younger age)
  • Older, non-violent convictions after a clean period

Eligibility depends on the charge, your age at the time, and how long it’s been since the case ended. Our team evaluates the whole record, not just one charge.

What Cannot Be Expunged (Common Limits)

  • Any violent felony or misdemeanor conviction such as assault.
  • Sex offenses or those requiring registration
  • Convictions for DWI
  • Any Class G Felony conviction.
  • Any Class A1 Misdemeanor conviction.
  • Convictions with recent additional criminal activity

Laws change. We always check the newest rules before we advise.

Timing & Waiting Periods

Scenario

Typical Timing

Notes

Dismissed charge / Not Guilty

Immediately eligible

Paperwork still required

One non-violent misdemeanor

Clean period often required

Good conduct matters

Multiple non-violent misdemeanors

Longer clean period

Each case is fact-specific

Non-violent felony

Longest waiting period

Youthful age and time since offense matter

We confirm exact timelines for your specific record.

What You’ll Need

  • Certified copies of the disposition(s)
  • A full criminal record or background check
  • Petition forms and any required affidavits
  • Character references or proof of rehabilitation (helpful)
  • Filing fees if applicable (some cases qualify for fee waivers)

The Expungement Process (Step by Step)

  • Record Review – We pull and analyze your complete record to map eligibility.
  • Strategy & Prep – We pick the best petition route and gather proof of rehabilitation.
  • Filing – We prepare and file petitions with the correct court.
  • Agency Review – Petitions may be reviewed by the SBI and other agencies.
  • Judge’s Decision – The court grants or denies the petition.
  • Update of Records – Agencies update their databases and send confirmation.

Our goal: accurate filings, clean documentation, and proactive follow-through so nothing stalls.

How Long It Takes

Most cases take several weeks to a few months once filed. Complex records can take longer. We monitor progress and keep you informed.

Why Preparation Wins

Judges want to see time, growth, and responsibility. Strong petitions show:

  • Stable employment or education
  • Completion of counseling or programs
  • Community service or mentorship
  • A clean record since the incident

Preparation turns a request into a persuasive narrative.

Stowe Law Firm Advantage

  • Full-record analysis: We look for every path to relief
  • Precision filings: Clean petitions that move without friction
  • Proof package: Letters, records, and context that build credibility
  • Relentless follow-through: We track responses until the order is entered

We don’t just file forms. We present a case for your future.

FAQs

Q: Will it erase everything online?
A: Some databases lag. We share removal steps.

Q: What if I have charges in multiple counties?
A: We can file in each as needed.

Ready to See If You Qualify?

A five-minute conversation and a quick record review can change the next five years of your life.