Having a criminal charge on your record could affect your job prospects, housing opportunities, and even your reputation in the community. Even if you were never convicted, the record of the charge may still appear in a background check. If you want to move forward with your life and avoid such challenges, a Georgetown expungement lawyer could help you petition to remove certain offenses from public view.
Expungement involves specific eligibility rules and filing procedures. An experienced criminal defense attorney could review your record, determine if your case qualifies under state law, and guide you through the process from start to finish. At Adams & Bischoff, LLC, we understand how important it is for you to obtain a successful expungement, and we work to ensure that your petition is accurate, complete, and properly filed with the appropriate court. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with our team.
Understanding Expungement
Expungement is the legal process that allows certain criminal charges or convictions to be removed from your public record. Once the court expunges a record, employers, landlords, and the public generally cannot view it. However, not every offense is eligible, as state law limits expungement to specific cases, such as first-time misdemeanor convictions, dismissed charges, or certain diversion program completions.
Under South Carolina Code of Law Unannotated § 17-22-910, you may be eligible to have charges removed if you meet particular criteria, such as if your conviction was your first offense for certain low-level crimes or if you participated in programs such as Pre-Trial Intervention. A Georgetown attorney could review your record and determine which offenses may qualify for expungement. This step is essential, as filing for expungement without proper eligibility could delay your case or result in denial.
How the Expungement Process Works
The process for expunging a record varies depending on the type of charge and where it was filed. Generally, you must obtain a copy of your criminal record, complete the necessary petition forms, and submit them to the solicitor’s office or court for review. Each county in the state may have slightly different procedures, so it helps to have guidance from someone familiar with local requirements.
Several offices will review your petition, including law enforcement and the Solicitor’s Office, before reaching a judge. A lawyer in Georgetown who handles expungement could track your petition throughout each step to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines and correctly handle the paperwork.
What Offenses Could Be Expunged?
Not every conviction is eligible for expungement, but several common offenses could qualify, including:
- Simple possession of marijuana
- Misdemeanor convictions with sentences under 30 days
- Charges that the court dismissed
- Charges that resulted in a “not guilty” verdict
Certain traffic offenses and serious crimes, such as violent felonies or DUIs, are generally not eligible under state law. A knowledgeable Georgetown attorney could explain whether your specific situation fits within the state expungement statutes and whether other options, such as a pardon, may be available. In some cases, completing the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program or similar rehabilitative programs could also improve your eligibility.
Contact a Georgetown Attorney for Help Expunging Your Record
If you are ready to move on from a past mistake, a Georgetown expungement lawyer could guide you through every step of the process. At Adams & Bischoff, LLC, we help clients understand their eligibility, prepare their petitions, and work toward clearing their records. You do not need to face this alone. Contact our office today to learn more about your options for expungement.