North Carolina Drug Offense Expungement Attorneys
Last updated: May 2026
North Carolina has several drug-specific expungement statutes, including a first-offender path for simple possession cases under § 90-96. The right statute depends on the specific charge, age at the time, and what the case outcome was.
Who qualifies for drug charge expungement in NC?
First-offender drug possession cases handled under § 90-96 are often eligible for expungement once probation is completed without a new conviction. Other simple possession cases follow the general misdemeanor or felony expungement rules. Trafficking and most distribution offenses are not eligible.
How does the process work?
The attorney pulls the case file and identifies the right statute. The petition is filed in the county that handled the case. SBI and DA review, then judge sign-off if eligible.
How long does it take?
Most drug expungements take 6 to 12 months.
How much does it cost?
Court fees $0 to $175 depending on the case type. Attorney fees depend on the attorney, the complexity of your case, and any related charges — ask any lawyer you contact for a written quote before you hire them.
Frequently asked questions
I completed a deferred prosecution. Is my record clear?
Not automatically. Most deferred prosecutions require a separate expungement petition. Until that is filed and granted, the arrest and case docket can still appear on background checks.
I was under 22 at the time. Does that help?
For some drug possession statutes (§ 90-96 in particular), being under 22 at the time of the offense can qualify you for a more favorable expungement path.
Will employers see this if it is expunged?
NC employers generally cannot consider expunged records. Federal employers and law enforcement licensing are narrow exceptions.
Can I expunge multiple possession charges?
Sometimes. The lawyer will look at whether the charges were a single incident or separate cases, which controls how the statute applies.
Find an expungement attorney in North Carolina
Browse verified attorneys in North Carolina who handle drug offense cases. Every listing is built from North Carolina State Bar public records.
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