If you have a felony on your record in North Carolina, you’re probably wondering if there’s a way to clear it. Whether it’s stopping you from getting a job, finding housing, or rebuilding your life, that record can feel like a locked door. Can a felony be expunged in North Carolina?
The good news is that North Carolina law does allow for felony expungement in certain cases. But the process isn’t simple. It depends on the type of charge, how long it’s been, and what you’ve done since.
This guide walks you through what you need to know. You’ll find out who qualifies, what the process looks like, and what life could be like after a successful expungement.
The Expungement Process in North Carolina
Expunging a felony conviction in North Carolina can change your future in a real way. If you’ve served time, met all the court’s terms, and turned your life around, clearing your record might be possible, but it’s not guaranteed.
This legal process involves more than just filling out a form. You’ll need to meet strict eligibility requirements, understand how the court reviews your entire criminal history, and follow every step carefully to avoid delays or a denial.
What Expungement Really Means
Expungement removes certain criminal convictions or charges from your public record. If you’re granted an expunged record, government agencies like the courts and the Federal Bureau of Investigation remove or limit access to those records.
Once the conviction is expunged, you can legally answer “no” when asked if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime, unless you’re applying for certain jobs or licenses that require a full background check.
Eligibility Requirements for Felony Expungement
You may qualify to expunge a felony offense in North Carolina if:
- You were under age 18 or 22 at the time of certain offenses
- You have only one non-violent felony conviction
- You’ve served your sentence and completed probation or parole
- A certain waiting period has passed since your sentence ended
- You’ve had no other convictions during the waiting period
Certain felonies involving serious violence, murder, sexual battery, or crimes with a deadly weapon cannot be expunged. Convictions that require sex offender registration are also ineligible.
Ready to find out if you qualify for an expungement? Contact us at Scharff Law today at (919) 457-1954 for your free consultation.
Getting to an Expunged Record: Steps in the Legal Process
Here’s what you can expect if you’re filing an expungement petition in North Carolina:
- Gather arrest records, court documents, and proof of restitution or community service
- Review your criminal history for accuracy
- Complete the proper expungement petition for your county
- Submit the petition with the required filing fee
- Wait for your probation officer, if applicable, to provide a report
- Attend a court hearing if the judge requests one
The court may deny the petition if they find other criminal charges, unresolved restitution, or incomplete records.
What to Know About Timelines and Waiting Periods
The waiting period for felony convictions depends on the offense and when you completed your sentence.
- For most non-violent felonies, you must wait at least 10 years after the date of conviction or completion of sentence
- For certain first offense charges committed under age 18, the wait can be shorter
- Deferred adjudication may also affect your eligibility timeline
What Expungement Does Not Do
Even with a successfully completed expungement, some records may still be visible to:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Certain licensing boards
- Immigration authorities
- Employers requiring high-level security clearance
An expungement does not restore all civil rights or automatically remove you from every database.
Final Thoughts on the Expungement Process of a Criminal Record
Getting a felony conviction expunged is a big step. But it requires patience, accuracy, and a clear understanding of the process. You want to make sure that every detail is correct before filing.
Many felonies may qualify under current North Carolina law, but not all convictions are eligible. If you’ve been convicted and want to move forward, an expungement may be the key to unlocking new opportunities.
Scharff Law: Find an Experienced Attorney for Your Felony Expungement Petition
When you’re ready to clear your criminal record, you need someone who understands North Carolina expungement law from every angle.
At Scharff Law, we walk beside you through each step of the expungement process, and we start with a free consultation that includes pulling your criminal record for review.
We know that every case is different. That’s why we look closely at your history and your goals so we can build a strategy that fits your life, not just the paperwork.
Why a Free Consultation Matters
Before you file a felony expungement petition, you need to know what’s actually on your record. We handle that for you.
During your free consultation:
- We pull your full criminal record
- We walk you through your eligibility
- We explain your options and what’s possible
- We answer every question you have about the process
This saves you time and avoids filing an expungement petition that doesn’t meet the legal requirements.
We Handle the Details So You Can Focus on Moving Forward
Once we confirm you’re eligible, we guide you through each next step. That includes preparing your documents, filing with the right court, and handling any required court hearing.
We also help you avoid delays by ensuring all supporting documents are in order. If your case needs more attention, we work directly with the court and probation department as needed.
You’re Not Alone in This
You may be dealing with years of impact from a single mistake. Whether your conviction involved a non-violent felony, deferred adjudication, or even jail time, we are here to help you seek a clean slate.
We know the challenges a criminal record can bring. Our team is committed to giving you a clear path forward so you can rebuild your future with confidence. Ready to find out if you qualify for an expungement? Contact us today at (919) 457-1954 for your free consultation.
