what is the average cost for a lawyer to expunge records in nc

by Jordon Romaguera 10 min read

The attorney fee is typically $1,200 and the process can take 6-12 months to finalize. The motion to expunge must be filed in the county and state where the charge originated. If the charge was from outside North Carolina then you must contact an attorney from that state.

How much does it cost to get a record expunged in North Carolina?

$175.004) File the expungement petition with the clerk of courts. The cost to file this expunction is $175.00, which must be paid to the clerk of court at the time of filing. Your particular county may require a certified copy of your criminal record as part of your petition but all counties vary.Apr 23, 2015

How can I get my record expunged for free in North Carolina?

Clinics are located in many NC counties. If you do not see a clinic in your city or county, please check the surrounding counties in your area. You can also call the Legal Aid Helpline directly at 866-219-5262, because Legal Aid assists with some expungement cases if you qualify for additional services.

How long does it take to expunge a record in NC?

How long does the expungement process take in NC? Regardless of the charge, the expungement process typically takes between 9 – 12 months in North Carolina.

What charges Cannot be expunged in NC?

To expunge a conviction, you must provide a number of documents, such as having two witness affidavits declaring you have a good moral character. You can't expunge a violent misdemeanor, violent felony, and certain drug crime convictions.Jan 26, 2021

What felonies Cannot be expunged?

Crimes involving violence, endangerment to children, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, arson, terrorism, and severe injury or death of another person typically are not eligible for expungement.Dec 6, 2019

What felonies can be expunged in NC?

Generally, you can have one non-violent felony or one non-violent misdemeanor expunged from your record. But in certain cases, more than one expungement can be approved. Additionally, violent felonies, violent misdemeanors, and certain drug crimes are not eligible for expungement at all.Jun 8, 2020

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows felony arrests to be reported on background checks for seven years after release from prison. Felony convictions can be reported as far back as the employer chooses to go. Many employers check a period of five to ten years of history when hiring applicants.Oct 26, 2021

How long does a felony stay on your record in NC?

10 yearsOther Important Changes to Expungements in North Carolina Now: Felony convictions qualify for an expungement after 10 years instead of 15.Sep 22, 2021

Can you expunge a felony?

A felony conviction remains on an individual's criminal record for life. The only way to remove it is through expungement. It can be possible to have felony conviction expunged from an individual's record. There are usually state specific criteria that must be met prior to petitioning the court for an expungement.Feb 9, 2021

How many Expungements are you allowed in NC?

Generally speaking, you are allowed to have one non-violent misdemeanor conviction or one non-violent felony conviction expunged from your record.Jan 24, 2020

What is a Class G felony in NC?

Class G felonies are the third-to-the-lowest in the class ranking. This felony falls under the mid-level felony, and may include violent assaults, involuntary manslaughter, and common-law robbery. These also carry the possibility of intensive probation.

What can be expunged in NC?

Raise The Age relief. North Carolina now allows for the expunction of all misdemeanor and Class H and/or I felonies committed before December 1, 2019, by 16- and 17-year olds. Notable exception: Motor vehicle offenses and offenses requiring sex offender registration are not eligible.

How much does an attorney charge for a misdemeanor?

Usually you get to pay $400 to $1000 for an attorney fee for single criminal charge but note that the amount that you pay will differ on the number and nature of your case. Depending on the misdemeanor or felony of your record, the attorney fee may cost as much as $1000 to $4000. The court cost of expungement that you have to pay will range ...

How much does it cost to expunge a document in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers varied options for people who want to file an expungement in their state. They offer a DIY process for only $200 and this include filing fee for $75 as well as certified mail for $100, photocopying fee worth $20 and envelopes/ stamps for $5.

What is expungement in court?

Expungement is a court-ordered process wherein the legal records of an arrest or criminal conviction is either “sealed” or erased in the eyes of the law. Many wants to get an expungement because a criminal record can be a great factor in your eligibility to get loans as well as mortgage or housing assistance. ...

What are the advantages of hiring a lawyer?

The main advantage of hiring a lawyer is that you want have to do any of the paper works and correspondence to the court. The amount only includes the service of the lawyer which means that you will have to shoulder the mailing and filing fee as well.

Can you have your case erased in Florida?

If you are in the Florida area and wish to have your case erased, most of the law firm houses would check first if you are qualified or eligible to have your record sealed. Qualification may include checking of your previous records; if you were ever convicted, how many times were you arrested and other details.

6 Steps: Getting A Conviction Expunged in Concord, North Carolina

If you fit the criteria above, to get the conviction expunged you must:

Criminal Record Expungement Process (Recap)

The petition will then go back to the original court to have or not have a hearing. Once that’s complete, the SBI is notified to send notices to the agencies listed on the petition to erase the formal record. Do not expect this process to take less than a year.

What is expungement in criminal history?

Expungement is the legal process of removing convictions from your criminal record. Depending on the laws in your state, you may seek out an expungement for misdemeanor convictions as well as some felonies.

Why is filing fees higher in court?

This is simply a payment for the processing of your paperwork, so a complicated case that involves more paperwork — such as trying to have a felony removed instead of a misdemeanor — may come with higher filing fees due to the increased work required of the court.

How much does it cost to expunge a case?

First, there will be standard court costs associated with the expungement process, and in some states an application fee. These generally range from $100 to $400. However, depending on the details of your case, this could cost more.

Is a misdemeanor expunged a felony?

Misdemeanor expungements are more common than felonies, as you cannot expunge some felony convictions.

Can a felony DUI be expunged?

On the other hand, some states may allow a felony DUI to be expunged. Accordingly, there may be more legal work involved in having a felony conviction expunged, so it may require more in attorney’s fees. This is a topic you can discuss with your criminal defense attorney during your initial consultation.

Do you have to settle a debt first?

Likewise, if you owe money connected to the case — perhaps you are paying restitution or paying fines to the state — then you have to settle those debts first.

What happens if a case is dismissed in North Carolina?

If your North Carolina case was dismissed, you can protect your reputation and rebuild your life through the process of Expunging your criminal record (also called Expunction). Even if your case was dismissed a record still remains that is visible to future employers, current employers, customers, landlords, colleges, ...

Who is the NC expungement lawyer?

The laws have changed recently to allow for unlimited dismissal expungements for those who are eligible. Contact NC Expungement Lawyer Wiley Nickel or Expungement Lawyer Melissa Botiglione at 919-948-7159 for a free eligibility consultation to learn if we can erase your NC criminal record.

Can you get a second chance to make a first impression in North Carolina?

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Don’t let your criminal record get between you and your dream job. A North Carolina Expungement will erase all public records of your charge and/or conviction.

How long is the wait period for a misdemeanor larceny?

Under the new law, misdemeanor larceny convictions for those over age 18 at the time of the offense will be eligible after a 5 year wait period. If the defendant was under age 18 at the time of the offense the wait period remains at 2 years. There is no wait period for dismissals or findings of not-guilty.

When did the new expungement law go into effect?

Governor Roy Cooper signed a new expungement law that went into effect on December 1, 2017. The main change is a reduction in the wait period to expunge non-violent misdemeanor and felony convictions. A primary goal of Senate Bill 445, which was a bipartisan effort, is allowing more people to clear their criminal record faster.

How long does it take to get a drug conviction expunged?

Under the new law there are wait periods for convictions ranging from 12 months to 10 years for those under age 22 at the time of the offense, depending on the exact charge.

When will NC have a second chance?

NC Second Chance Act. On June 25, 2020 Governor Cooper signed State Bill 562, or the “ Second Chance Act ,” allows individuals with nonviolent criminal records to have multiple misdemeanor convictions expunged if it has been at least 7 years since their last conviction.

What is the minimum age to be charged as an adult?

As part of the same initiative, House Bill 280, which goes into effect on December, 1 2019, raises the minimum age to be charged as an adult to age 18 for most non-violent offenses.

Can you file a DWI expungement?

A petition to expunge a DWI or DUI can be filed immediately upon a dismissal. The same is true if you win at trial and the verdict is not-guilty. DWI convictions are explicitly excluded from the definition of non-violent misdemeanor under § 15A-145.5 (a) (8a) and hence are never eligible.

Can you erase charges that have been dismissed?

The new law makes a much needed change by allowing a person to erase an unlimited number of charges that have been dismissed no matter when they occurred as long as the individual has no felony convictions.

Can you get a charge expunged from your record?

If you were arrested or charged, but not convicted, for a crime, then you may be able to have the charge expunged from your record. There is no waiting period to have arrests and charges expunged from your record, if the charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty at trial. You should contact an expungement attorney right away at 980-237-4579 to get these off your record, so they will not impact your future.

Can a misdemeanor be expunged?

It is as if they never happened. If you are able to have a misdemeanor conviction expunged, it will no longer come up on most background checks.

What is required to be included in a petition to expunge a NC state?

The petition form must include the appropriate North Carolina General Statute (the statutes are listed in the section of the petition entitled Petition/Motion to Expunge), your signature or your attorney’s signature, and a judge’s signature.

Who do I contact to expunge a document?

A petitioner may contact the clerk of court or contact a private attorney regarding the procedures for filing the petition form. A petitioner is not required to hire an attorney to assist with the expungement process, it is the petitioner’s choice to hire legal representation.

Do you have to include file numbers on a petition?

All charges, corresponding docket numbers, and file numbers must be included on the petition form. In addition, the file numbers and offenses need to be included in detail in the appropriate location on the petit ion form.

What does expungement mean in court?

To “expunge” is to “erase or remove completely.”. In law, “expungement” is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal record. An expungement order directs the court to treat the criminal conviction as if it had never occurred, essentially removing it from a defendant’s criminal record as well ...

Which states have expungement laws?

Maine and North Dakota, however, limit expungements to juveniles and other specific defendants. All states limit the types of offenses that may be expunged. Driving offenses, for example, may not be expunged from records in some states. Other serious offenses, including murder, kidnapping, and rape, may also be ineligible for expungement.

Can an expunged arrest be removed from public record?

Court records and police blotters permanently document the expunged incident, and those officials integrally involved retain knowledge of the event. An expunged arrest and/or conviction is never truly removed from the public record and thus is not entitled to privacy protection.

What happens if a record is sealed?

If a record is sealed, it may remain available to law enforcement officers, but removed from the public. If a record is destroyed, all relevant documentation is removed from the state court system following the state’s protocols for records destruction.

Can juvenile records be expunged?

Juvenile records are the most common, but many states also allow adult defendants to seek expungement of their records. In Kentucky, for example, an adult may petition the court for expungement of certain records. Maine and North Dakota, however, limit expungements to juveniles and other specific defendants.

Can a record be expunged?

Each state, however, has its own laws about whose records are eligible for expungement, which offenses may be expunged, procedures for application, and definitions of how records will be managed under an expungement order. Juvenile records are the most common, but many states also allow adult defendants to seek expungement of their records. In Kentucky, for example, an adult may petition the court for expungement of certain records. Maine and North Dakota, however, limit expungements to juveniles and other specific defendants. All states limit the types of offenses that may be expunged. Driving offenses, for example, may not be expunged from records in some states. Other serious offenses, including murder, kidnapping, and rape, may also be ineligible for expungement. Once a record is ordered by a court to be expunged, states then have laws about how the record is to be handled, typically sealed (Kentucky, for example) or destroyed (Washington). If a record is sealed, it may remain available to law enforcement officers, but removed from the public. If a record is destroyed, all relevant documentation is removed from the state court system following the state’s protocols for records destruction.

Does an expungement order privatize criminal activity?

Layton City, explains: An expungement order does not privatize criminal activity. While it removes a particular arrest and/or conviction from an individual criminal record, the underlying object of expungement remains public.

The Cost of Erasing A Criminal Record

  • A criminal record expungement cost can range from $100 to $600 for the filing and court costs alone, depending on the state and the nature of the case. The cost of hiring an attorney will also differ depending on where you file the expungement. Usually, you get to pay $400 to $1,000 for an attorney’s fee for a single criminal charge. But take note ...
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Expungement vs. Sealing

  • Expungement is one way to ensure that your old mistakes will not continue to harm your present and future reputation as well as your professional opportunities. If given the chance, you have every opportunity to start on a clean slate. Strictly speaking, expungement means the records will be destroyed, which in effect makes it appear like they never happened at all. This is different fro…
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Additional Costs

  • In Kentucky, an expungement certification, which is a report indicating what specific records are eligible for expungement, costs $40. On the other hand, it costs $75 in Florida for similar documentation. Depending on the state, you would also need to pay a small amount for the notarization as well as for a fingerprint card that you need to take to the law enforcement agenc…
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What Can Be Affected When You Have A Criminal Record?

  • A criminal record or even just a case filed against you but eventually dismissed or you being found not guilty can be a stain on your reputation that might ruin your quality of life. What are the different consequences of having this “stain” on your record? Here are some: 1. Difficulty getting a job 2. Job termination 3. Likely to lose a child custody case 4. Might not be allowed to own or ca…
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Factors Affecting The Cost of Expungement

  • The cost of expungementvaries due to the following factors: 1. The gravity of the case Understandably, felony cases will cost more than a simpler misdemeanor. Felony cases represent the higher end of the cost of expunging criminal offense cases. 1. Number of cases A petition for expungement allows only a single criminal case per filing. If you want to expunge several cases, …
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Who Qualifies For Expungement?

  • Whether or not you can afford the expungement price, it is never guaranteed that everyone qualifies for the process. Here are a few bases for expungement qualifications: 1. Your age– most states are lenient toward juvenile offenders. If you have been convicted as a minor, you have a stronger chance of being granted record expungement than adult felons. 2. Type of conviction …
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