Things to know about expungement

If arrested, charged and convicted of a crime in North Carolina, the implications of the incidents in question may not only be immediate but far-reaching in life. It might be difficult finding a job after serving a sentence under conviction, for instance. Many people wish there were a way to wipe the slate clean and start afresh, without anyone knowing about their past.

In some cases, this may be possible through a legal process known as “expungement.” If the court grants a request for expungement, a person would not be required to disclose the incident during a job interview or in most other settings that require a background check. It’s a legal action that often opens up more options for someone who is trying to move forward after serving a jail sentence or facing criminal charges.

An expungement remains visible on a record to certain people

The details of a record may no longer be available to the public after an expungement. However, it’s important to understand that certain people would still have access to it. Within the criminal justice system, certain government agencies and law enforcement, certain officials would still be able to view the details of the incident that has been expunged from a criminal record.

Not everyone is eligible for expungement

Several factors determine eligibility for expungement. Such factors include but are not limited to the amount of time that has passed since the arrest, the exact charges involved and jurisdiction in a specific case. Whether a person has additional past convictions may also have an impact on expungement eligibility. To determine eligibility, it is helpful to speak with someone who is well-versed in the criminal justice system, particularly regarding North Carolina rules for expungement before filing a petition in court. Talk to a Charlotte Expungement Lawyer for help.