Free Expungement Help in Georgia
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026
Georgia calls it "record restriction" — not expungement — which confuses a lot of people searching online. The practical effect is the same: the record is hidden from public background checks. Georgia's law is narrower than most states: most felony convictions cannot be restricted, and SB 288 (2020) only opened up some misdemeanor convictions for restriction. But dismissed cases and First Offender Act completions are often fully restrictable with no conviction on record.
⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
No statewide automatic program. Some misdemeanor restrictions happen at the agency level for dismissed cases.
How to get a fee waiver in Georgia
Indigency waivers available for court costs. The record restriction administrative fee ($25) can be waived with a pauper's affidavit.
Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Georgia
Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.
Free expungement help by city in Georgia
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.
Atlanta / Fulton County
Atlanta Legal Aid serves Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties — the five core Metro Atlanta counties. Georgia Justice Project has deep expertise in Fulton County record restriction and runs clinic events. Cases in Atlanta Municipal Court (city-level misdemeanors within Atlanta) are filed differently than Fulton County Superior Court cases — this distinction trips up many filers.
Savannah / Chatham County
Georgia Legal Services serves the Coastal region including Chatham, Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, Screven, Tattnall, and Toombs counties.
Georgia free expungement — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between record restriction and expungement in Georgia?
In Georgia, "expungement" and "record restriction" refer to the same process. The legislature replaced the word "expungement" with "record restriction" in 2013. The record is not physically destroyed — it is restricted from public access. Law enforcement and certain licensing boards can still see it.
Can I get my felony restricted in Georgia?
Generally no. The SB 288 framework and the arrest-restriction statute (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37) do not allow restriction of most felony convictions. The exception is First Offender Act cases where the felony was discharged without a final conviction — those are often restrictable. Consult an attorney before assuming your felony is ineligible.
More Georgia expungement resources
- Complete Georgia expungement guide → — eligibility, process, statutes, and timelines
- How much does expungement cost? (state-by-state)
- What shows up on a background check after expungement?
- ← All states: free expungement help directory