Free Expungement Help in North Carolina
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026
North Carolina SB 562 was a meaningful reform — if your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, automatic expungement may have already happened without any action on your part. For convictions, you still need to petition. North Carolina's statute has some nuance: multiple convictions require multiple petitions and fees, but first-time nonviolent felony expungements are available after a 10-year clean period, which is better than many states.
⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
Limited automatic expungement for dismissed charges and not-guilty verdicts under SB 562 (2020). Convictions still require petition.
How to get a fee waiver in North Carolina
Petition the court for an indigency waiver of the $175 filing fee. Dismissals and not-guilty verdicts under SB 562 are fee-free.
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 North Carolina
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 North Carolina
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.
Raleigh / Wake County
Legal Aid NC serves all 100 counties statewide. The Raleigh office is best for Wake County cases. Call the statewide line (866-219-5262) for routing to the right office.
Charlotte / Mecklenburg County
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy handles expungement through their civil legal aid program. Mecklenburg County runs occasional expungement clinics — check their website for scheduled events.
North Carolina free expungement — frequently asked questions
Did SB 562 automatically expunge my dismissed case?
Possibly. SB 562 (2020) created an automatic process for dismissed charges and not-guilty verdicts filed after December 1, 2021. Cases before that date still required a petition. If your dismissal was after December 2021, check with the court clerk whether the automatic expungement was processed.
Can I expunge a felony in North Carolina?
First-time nonviolent felony convictions can be expunged after a 10-year clean period. Class H and I felonies (the lowest-level felonies) have a shorter waiting period. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and Class A-G felonies generally cannot be expunged.
More North Carolina expungement resources
- Complete North Carolina 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