Q: I have an old misdemeanor on my record. Is it true that North Carolina expanded expungement?
A: Yes. As of late 2025, North Carolina expanded its expungement laws. First-time non-violent misdemeanor offenses are now eligible for automatic expungement after six months. Previously, this process required filing paperwork and waiting 12 to 24 months.
What Qualifies
The expanded law applies to first-time, non-violent misdemeanor offenses. Dismissed cases and cases where charges were not brought may also qualify. Wake County and other jurisdictions are rolling out digital expungement requests to make the process faster.
Why Expungement Matters
A criminal record, even for a minor offense, can affect your ability to get a job, find housing, obtain professional licenses, and more. Expungement effectively seals the record from public view, giving you a fresh start.
What About Felonies?
North Carolina has separate expungement provisions for certain felony convictions, though the requirements are more restrictive. Generally, you must wait a longer period, have no subsequent convictions, and meet other eligibility requirements. The 2025 changes also addressed expungement for victims of human trafficking who were convicted of offenses related to their trafficking.
Federal Convictions
There is no general federal expungement statute. Federal convictions are extremely difficult to remove from your record. However, a presidential pardon or certain narrow provisions may apply in limited circumstances.
Related Practice Areas
North Carolina Criminal Defense | The Chetson Firm
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact The Chetson Firm at (919) 352-9411.