Free Expungement Help in North Carolina
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026 · Resource links checked: May 28, 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.
Quick answer: free expungement help in North Carolina
In North Carolina, free expungement help may be available through nonprofit legal aid, local clinics, court fee waivers, and eligibility screening programs. Start with the verified organizations below, then confirm whether your court costs or filing fees can be waived.
⚠️ 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.
Who should start with free legal aid?
Start here if money is the barrier
Legal aid is usually the best first step if filing fees, attorney fees, or document costs would stop you from pursuing expungement or sealing. Most programs screen by income, household size, case type, and county.
Use clinics for screening
Expungement clinics are especially useful when you are not sure whether the record qualifies. Bring your case number and disposition so a clinic can tell you whether to file, wait, or use another remedy.
Use fee waivers for court costs
A fee waiver does not guarantee expungement, but it can remove the court filing cost. Ask the clerk or legal aid intake whether your state uses an indigency affidavit, in forma pauperis form, or fee waiver.
Use an attorney for complex records
If you have multiple counties, felonies, pending charges, immigration concerns, licensing issues, or a denied petition, ask legal aid whether you need full representation instead of brief advice.
Documents to gather before calling legal aid
- Government ID and current contact information.
- Case number, arrest date, charge, county, and court name.
- Certified disposition or docket sheet showing how the case ended.
- Proof that probation, parole, fines, fees, or restitution are complete, if applicable.
- Recent proof of income or public benefits if the organization screens by income.
- A short explanation of why you need the record cleared: work, housing, licensing, school, immigration, or family stability.
Verified free legal aid organizations in North Carolina
Every organization below is a nonprofit, government-affiliated, law-school, court, or bar-backed resource. Resource links were browser-checked on May 28, 2026, but clinic schedules and eligibility rules change. Always confirm details directly with the organization before relying on a date, income limit, or service area.
- Legal Aid of North Carolina
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- NC Justice Center Second Chance Project
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- North Carolina Central University School of Law Clinic (Durham)
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
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 local legal aid offices, clinics, bar-backed programs, and reentry resources.
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.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
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.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
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.
What if you do not qualify for free help?
If legal aid cannot take your case, you may still have options: file on your own, request a fee waiver, wait for automatic Clean Slate sealing, or consult a licensed attorney for a paid eligibility review. ExpungeReady currently has North Carolina attorney listings you can compare.