Raleigh Expungement Lawyer
We Go to Battle to Protect Your Freedom
How can a Raleigh expungement lawyer help you?
A Raleigh expungement lawyer reviews your criminal record, assesses eligibility, and prepares petitions for eligible charges or convictions. Scharff Law Firm helps people in Raleigh and across North Carolina with document preparation, court filings, and representation at required hearings.
Your options depend on the offense, how the case ended, your criminal history, and the requirements of the applicable North Carolina statute. We review those details before recommending a filing.
Call (919) 457-1954 to discuss your record during a free consultation.
Which records qualify for expungement in North Carolina?
Certain dismissed charges, not-guilty outcomes, and qualifying convictions have expunction options under North Carolina law. Eligibility depends on the applicable statute, offense, case outcome, and criminal history. Some qualifying dismissed or not-guilty cases are subject to automatic expunction; other cases require a petition.
Dismissed charges and not-guilty outcomes
These records are addressed under G.S. 15A-146. Cases involving multiple charges need careful review because the disposition of related charges affects the available process.
Qualifying misdemeanor and felony convictions
G.S. 15A-145.5 permits expunction of certain convictions, subject to offense exclusions, waiting periods, and other conditions. A first conviction does not automatically qualify, and the statute gives “nonviolent” a specific legal definition.
How Does Scharff Law Help With Your Petition?
Scharff Law reviews eligibility, prepares the required paperwork, and represents clients at hearings when necessary. We assess your case before recommending an expungement filing.
- Eligibility assessment to identify the applicable legal requirements
- Document preparation and filing for the appropriate petition
- Court representation at any required hearing
Where Should a Raleigh Expungement Petition Be Filed?
A petition belongs in the county where the charge or conviction occurred. Wake County cases are filed with the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. Living in Raleigh does not transfer a case from another county into Wake County.
Bring any available case numbers, disposition records, and sentencing documents to your consultation. Tell us about earlier expungements and cases in other counties so we can assess the relevant records.
What Does Expungement Cost, and How Long Does It Take?
The court filing fee is generally $175 when required. Certain petitions have no filing fee, although exceptions apply to diversion-related dismissals. Applicants unable to afford the fee can request permission to file without paying. Attorney fees are separate.
Processing can take several months, depending on record checks and court scheduling. There is no single completion date for every petition.
Will Expungement Remove a Record from Every Website?
No. An expunction does not automatically remove information from all private databases. If a background-check website continues displaying an expunged record, contact that provider with information about the expunction.
What Our Clients Say
I must have searched about 30 law offices in my area before finding the Scharff Law Firm’s website. I knew immediately I would be in good hands. Amily was such an amazing person to work with. Not only did we get the outcome we were hoping for, but she walked me through every step in detail to make sure I understood the process and felt safe while doing so. The care and attention she takes cannot be matched! Anyone needing representation should 100% call. I cannot thank her enough!
-Britain Hayhurst
I can’t say enough good things about Amily McCool at Scharff Law. Amily was tremendous in helping a loved one fight charges for an accident where she wasn’t driving. Law enforcement had it wrong, but Amily helped make it right. Her dedication and expertise were evident throughout the process. In another instance, Amily successfully helped a family member reduce a reckless driving charge. Her professionalism and commitment to us was truly outstanding. We felt calm because we knew we were in good hands the entire time! I highly recommend Amily McCool and Scharff Law for anyone in need of exceptional legal support. Thank you, Amily, for your incredible work and support!
-Sally Price
Amily McCool is smart, compassionate, and highly professional. My case took months to run its course. Talk with her. Follow her advise from day one. She will ensure the best outcome, but you must listen and follow her advise. Don’t try to navigate the law on your own. She provided me with advise I really needed and the compassion to help keep me level headed. Amily was successful in my case. I assure everyone she will do everything she can to help you get the best outcome.
-Stuart Fraser
I highly recommend Amily McCool from the Scharff Law Firm. I was unsure about what lawyer I should choose and like most people I googled law firms. After doing my due diligence I decided on the Amily of the Scharff Law Firm.
From the start to finish Amily was personable, professional and very easy to work with. Always there if I had questions or concerns right up to my court date.
She was able to get my case dismissed! I was very very happy. Thank you Amily!
-Gene Million
Amily is extremely intelligent, thoughtful, caring, compassionate and thorough. I am incredibly grateful for her diligence in working on my case, the time she spent helping me, and the resources she made available to me. She really cares about her clients and their success. I would give her 10,000 stars if I could!
-Krystal Callicutt