North Carolina: Adult Convictions (NC-C-10)

Records relating to misdemeanor offenses committed before age 18 can be expunged by the court two years after a conviction or completion of any period of probation, whichever occurs later, so long as the petitioner has no other felony or misdemeanor conviction, other than a traffic violation. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145(a).

Record Detail(s)

Youthful offense

Misdemeanor

First offense

Previous Conviction Disqualifying

Yes, all

Mandatory / Discretionary

Discretionary

Clearance Process

Petition-based

Remedy

Expunge

Ineligible Category or Citation

This provision applies to misdemeanors, other than traffic violations, that occur before the person turned 18.

Procedure General

The petition must be filed in the court of conviction. For the specific procedure, see N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 15A-145, 15A-150 et seq.

Fees

The $175 filing fee is waivable if petitioner is indigent. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145(e).

Effect

The person need not disclose the arrest or court proceedings. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145.1(b).

Forms

There is no statutory language regarding forms.

Waiting Periods

The petition can be filed two years after the date of conviction or completion of any period of probation, whichever is later.

Back to North Carolina