Expungement is the legal process by which a court removes or erases all records of a criminal conviction, even if it is a felony conviction. If you wish to remove a felony from your record and you are eligible to do so under the laws of the state in which you were convicted, you will have to obtain a court order. If you are successful in having your conviction expunged, your records related to this conviction will be erased and sealed from public view.
All states have different procedures for expunging felony matters. Generally, you must file a motion or petition for expungement with the court that heard the felony charges. All states have different eligibility requirements for the expungement of felony convictions. In almost all states, there are certain types or classes of felony convictions that cannot be expunged, and in a fair amount of states, felony convictions cannot be expunged at all.
Expungement forms in North Carolina, also known as Expungement Petitions, are legal documents that individuals can file with the court to request the removal or sealing of certain criminal records from public view. Expungement refers to the process of clearing a person's criminal record, making it inaccessible to employers, landlords, and others who may perform background checks. In North Carolina, there are different types of Expungement forms that cater to specific situations and offenses. Some common types include: 1. Expungement of First Offense: This type of expungement form applies to individuals who have been charged with a first-time non-violent offense. Once the required waiting period is over, usually two years for a misdemeanor and five years for a felony, individuals can file this form to request expungement. 2. Expungement of Juvenile Records: For individuals who were charged with offenses as a juvenile, these forms allow for the sealing or removal of their records once they reach a certain age or complete their court-ordered rehabilitation programs. 3. Expungement for Dismissed or Not Guilty Charges: When a case is dismissed or an individual is found not guilty, they may file an expungement form to have these charges completely removed from their record. 4. Expungement for Non-Convictions: Individuals who have been charged with an offense but ultimately had the charges dropped or never convicted can file this type of expungement form to remove those records from public view. 5. Expungement for Certain Nonviolent Offenses Committed Under the Age of 18: This form is specific to individuals who were convicted of certain nonviolent offenses when they were under the age of 18. After completing the required wait time, usually one or three years, depending on the offense, individuals can file for expungement. It is important to note that the eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and specific requirements may vary for each type of expungement form in North Carolina. It is advisable to consult an attorney or visit the North Carolina Court System website for accurate and up-to-date information before initiating the expungement process. Overall, Expungement forms in North Carolina offer individuals the opportunity to move forward with a clean slate, ensuring their past criminal records don't hinder their future employment prospects, housing applications, or other opportunities.
