The following article from the Gaston Gazette, outlines reforms to the North Carolina Expungement Act. It appears Gov. Bev Purdue just signed into law last week a bill that would allow for certain minor crimes to be expunged from a person’s criminal record.
The new bill would allow for minor criminal infractions to be removed from someone’s record after 15 years so long as he or she has not committed any other offenses. Indeed this may be very helpful for those who may have made a mistake in the past but have been working hard to keep themselves clean over the years. As it s a new law it is hard to say how much this will help or what the effects will be, but at first glance it appears to be a positive move to help those who are trying to better themselves.
If you need an expungement filed on your behalf give us a call today, it is a complicated process but we have a track record of success.
Our attorneys have experience and knowledge of the law in North Carolina and will work tirelessly to defend your case. Contact one of our attorneys directly by calling 704-499-9000 or toll free 877-374-5999. You will be glad you did. Don’t worry. We are here to help.
New law would give some minor criminals second chance
July 24, 2012 4:21 PM
People with a past criminal record are now allowed a second chance to wipe their slates clean.
Gov. Bev Perdue last week signed a bill that allows for anyone with nonviolent misdemeanors or felonies to expunge their records after 15 years. The accused must have gone 15 years without any other convictions.
The bill was signed July 16 after a two-month wait. It passed through both the House and the Senate after being amended four times, and was a victory for Republican Rep. Leo Daughtry of Johnston County, a sponsor of the bill.
The bill was co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Elmer Floyd of Cumberland County, who believes many people can benefit from the new law. Floyd was among 19 other state lawmakers to co-sponsor the bill.
Motions to pass this bill had been declined in 2009-10. It has taken a long time to construct a viable and passable bill. Daughtry tried to get the 15-year wait time reduced, but 15 years was the only number both sides would agree upon. North Carolina is part of a small handful of states that allow for the expunction of criminal records.
The new law will most benefit those with a past mistake. Many with minor criminal records have complained of difficulties finding jobs due to a single nonviolent misdemeanor or felony that was committed in their youth.
“It’s a tricky new law with a lot of exceptions,” said criminal lawyer David Phillips of Gastonia.
Phillips said this is the first time in North Carolina’s history that it has ever allowed for a felony to be expunged.
“Overall, I think it’s a good thing. It rewards citizens who have been law-abiding,” Phillips said. “They have proven that they can live in a society without getting into trouble.”
Gastonia Mayor John Bridgeman is not yet sure of the effects the new law will have on Gastonia.
“Every case will be different. The effects are yet to be seen,” Bridgeman said. “I assume they know what they’re doing over in Raleigh, though.”
The process to expunge a record may take anywhere from one to six months, and does not make exceptions for violent misdemeanors or felonies. A person is allowed to expunge their record one time only. With the exception of traffic violations, they must have not committed any other felonies or misdemeanors.
“It’s going to stop people from being haunted for the rest of their lives by one crime,” Phillips said.
Source: http://www.gastongazette.com/news/bill-73640-criminal-law.html