Expungement in North Carolina
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
North Carolina allows expungement of dismissals and acquittals immediately, but felony convictions require a 15-year waiting period.
How North Carolina treats Expungement
North Carolina permits immediate expungement of charges that are dismissed, result in acquittal, or are not prosecuted. For misdemeanor convictions, expungement is available after a waiting period (commonly 3 years). Felony convictions require a 15-year waiting period before expungement eligibility. Once expunged, records are removed from public access, though some criminal justice agencies may retain copies for internal use.
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 North Carolina.