North Carolina Felony Expungement Attorneys

Reviewed: May 15, 2026

North Carolina expanded felony expungement eligibility under the Second Chance Act. Non-violent felony convictions that were once permanent can now, in many cases, be expunged after a 10-year waiting period with no new convictions.

Quick answer: Felony in North Carolina

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

Who qualifies for felony expungement in NC?

Felonies that were dismissed or ended in a not-guilty verdict can usually be expunged at any time. For convictions, the most common path: one non-violent felony, 10 years after completing the sentence (including probation) with no new convictions. Several categories are excluded — Class A through G felonies that involve violence, sex offenses, and offenses involving methamphetamines are common exclusions.

How does the process work?

A petition is filed in the county of conviction. The SBI runs a background review, the DA gets notice, and a judge rules. The waiting period and good-conduct showing are key — the petition needs supporting documents (proof of completion, letters of recommendation, anything that shows rehabilitation).

How long does it take?

Plan for 9 to 12 months. Felony petitions take longer than misdemeanor petitions because the SBI review and DA notice periods are stricter.

How much does it cost?

Court filing fee: $175. 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.

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How to expunge your North Carolina felony conviction

Verify 10-year waiting period met. Your attorney confirms you completed your full sentence (including probation and parole) at least 10 years ago with no new convictions during that period.
Obtain certified court records. Request certified copies of the judgment and commitment order from the clerk of court in the county where the felony conviction occurred.
Gather rehabilitation evidence. Collect supporting documents: proof of sentence completion, employment records, letters of recommendation, certificates of completion for any treatment programs.
File petition in county court. Your attorney files the expungement petition in the same county court that entered the conviction. Filing fee is $175.
Serve State Bureau of Investigation. The petition must be served on the SBI and District Attorney. The SBI conducts a comprehensive criminal history review.
Wait for SBI background review. The SBI verifies your criminal history and confirms you meet all statutory requirements. This typically takes 6-8 months.
District Attorney review period. The DA has 60 days to object to the petition. If the DA finds the case does not meet requirements, they can file an objection triggering a hearing.
Court hearing or order entry. If no objection is filed, the judge typically signs the order without a hearing. If objected, a hearing is scheduled to address the challenge.
Receive signed expungement order. Once the judge signs the order, certified copies are sent to the SBI, clerks office, sheriff, and other agencies. Records are destroyed or sealed from public view.

Statutes cited

North Carolina General Statute § 15A-145.5 (Felony expungement) — N.C.G.S. § 15A-145.5
North Carolina General Statute § 15A-146 (Expungement of records for dismissed charges) — N.C.G.S. § 15A-146

Frequently asked questions

Does the waiting period start at conviction or release?

The waiting period starts after the sentence is fully completed — including any probation, parole, or post-release supervision. Not from the date of conviction.

I have more than one felony. Am I out of luck?

Generally NC allows expungement of one non-violent felony conviction. Multiple felony convictions usually disqualify a person for that path, though dismissals of other charges can still be expunged.

Will federal background checks still show this?

Federal agencies can sometimes see expunged state records. For most private and state employment, the expunged record will not appear.

Can I appeal a denied expungement?

Yes. You can refile or appeal. A lawyer can identify whether the denial was based on a curable problem.

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