Expungement
Expungement Attorneys in Alabama
A past criminal charge shouldn’t define your future. If you qualify for expungement, you may have the opportunity to erase certain records and move forward with a clean slate. Fortunately, Alabama’s expungement laws provide a legal path to clearing certain charges from your record.
At JB Brown Criminal Trial Practice, our experienced record expungement lawyers are committed to helping you reclaim your future.
Understanding the Expungement Process
Navigating the expungement process requires careful attention to detail and adherence to legal protocols. The general steps include:
- Obtain a Certified Criminal History
Before filing for expungement, you must obtain a certified copy of your criminal history record from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). - File a Petition
Submit a petition for expungement in the circuit court where the original charges were filed. This includes paying an administrative filing fee of $300, plus additional court costs. - Serve Relevant Parties
Notify the district attorney and other relevant agencies about your petition. - Attend a Hearing
A judge will review your petition and may hold a hearing to determine whether to grant the expungement.
Eligibility Criteria for Expungement in Alabama
Alabama’s expungement laws have evolved to provide individuals more opportunities to clear their record. For example, Senate Bill 117 expanded eligibility for expungement in 2021.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Charges were dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by a grand jury, or resulted in a verdict of not guilty.
Felony Offenses
Charges were dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by a grand jury, or resulted in a not guilty verdict. Charges could have also been dropped without conditions, and more than 90 days had passed.
It’s important to note that certain serious offenses, such as violent crimes, are typically not eligible for expungement.
Benefits of Expungement
An expungement is more than a legal procedure. It removes the invisible handcuffs of a criminal record. These are the top three benefits to expungement.
Enhanced Employment Opportunities
Employers often conduct background checks; a clean record can improve job prospects.
Improved Housing Options
Landlords may be more willing to offer leases to individuals without a criminal history.
Restored Reputation
Removing the stigma associated with a criminal record can positively affect personal and professional relationships.
Trust Our Record Expungement Lawyers to Help You
At JB Brown Criminal Trial Practice, we know that one mistake shouldn’t haunt you for the rest of your life. Navigating the ALEA requirements and circuit court petitions are overwhelming. We help you carry the burden and restore your future.
Frequent Questions About the Expungement Process
Deciding to clear your record is a major step toward a better future. Yet, the legal path to a clean slate is often overwhelming. We believe that transparency is key. These are the questions that our expungement clients ask the most often.
In Alabama, an attorney is not required to expunge your record. But it is recommended. The process is paperwork-heavy and legally complicated. One misstep could risk your expungement.
The path to a felony expungement depends on whether you were convicted, or the charges were dismissed. If your case was dismissed, or you were found not guilty, you can often apply for expungement immediately, or after a short waiting period. If you schedule a no-obligation meeting with one of our record expungement lawyers, we can help you review your options.
In Alabama, the cost includes a mandatory $300 administrative filing fee paid to the circuit court, plus standard court costs which vary by county. There is also a small fee to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to obtain your certified criminal record. You can have a free consultation with one of our attorneys to learn more.
The typical expungement process in Alabama takes between three to six months. This includes the time needed to get your ALEA records, the 45-day window for the District Attorney to raise any objections, and the court’s schedule for a judge’s review. We’ll keep you updated, so you know exactly when you can officially celebrate your clean slate.
Why You Should Choose JB Brown Criminal Trial Practice
As “The People’s Defender”, we offer expertise in expungement law. We also use unique legal strategies for your expungement case. With every step, you can expect dedicated support.
Real Results. Real Victories.
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