A criminal record can limit job opportunities, housing options, and other areas of life. North Carolina allows expungement for certain offenses, giving you a chance to clear your record under specific conditions. Knowing which crimes qualify helps you determine your eligibility.
Dismissed charges and not guilty verdicts
If your case ends in dismissal or a not guilty verdict, you can apply for immediate expungement. The process moves quickly since these cases don’t require a waiting period. Even though dismissed charges don’t lead to a conviction, they still appear on background checks, making expungement a smart choice.
First-time nonviolent misdemeanors and felonies
North Carolina allows expungement for certain nonviolent misdemeanors and felonies. A single misdemeanor conviction requires a five-year wait before you can apply. A single nonviolent felony requires a 10-year wait. If you have multiple nonviolent misdemeanors, you can seek expungement after seven years.
Juvenile offenses
Many offenses committed before turning 18 qualify for expungement. If you committed a nonviolent misdemeanor or a lower-level felony, you can clear your record once you reach adulthood. However, violent felonies and sex offenses do not qualify.
Crimes that do not qualify
Expungement does not apply to violent felonies, sex offenses, or certain drug-related crimes. Any conviction involving assault, serious bodily injury, or crimes against children remains on your record. North Carolina also does not allow DWI expungements.
Clearing your record for a fresh start
If your offense qualifies, expungement can open doors to better job opportunities and a brighter future. Understanding the process and eligibility requirements helps you take the right steps toward a clean slate.
