Expungement in Georgia
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Georgia allows expungement of arrests not resulting in conviction immediately, but conviction expungement requires a waiting period and is limited.
How Georgia treats Expungement
Georgia permits immediate expungement of arrests that result in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Convictions are generally not expungeable in Georgia, though certain first-time drug offenders and some misdemeanors may qualify after a waiting period. Once expunged, you may answer that you were never arrested for that offense, though law enforcement retains access to the original records.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.