Expungement Lawyers in Statesboro, Georgia

Trusted Legal Assistance in Bulloch County Since 1997

Expungement is the term for having criminal records removed from public access. In Georgia, the official legal term is record restriction, which limits access to qualifying criminal history information for specified non-criminal-justice purposes. Both terms refer to the same goal: reducing who can see your record.

A criminal conviction can leave a lasting mark on your record that may later be accessed by:

• Future employers
• Landlords
• Educational institutions
• Professional licensing agencies
• And more

While expungement may not be possible for everyone, Gabe T. Cliett P.C. can provide knowledgeable and skilled legal assistance with this matter. Our Statesboro law firm has been helping clients apply for and pursue record restriction since 1997.

Our expungement attorneys in Georgia are here to help. Call (912) 274-7752 or fill out our online form to request a free initial consultation regarding your situation today.

Understanding Record Restrictions in Georgia

Record restriction limits public access to qualifying criminal history information but does not make that information universally unavailable. Judicial officials and criminal justice agencies retain access for purposes such as investigations or law enforcement employment. Record restriction is not complete deletion, and certain records may remain accessible through sources outside the restricted Georgia criminal history record.

We assist clients in evaluating whether a prior arrest or case disposition may qualify for restricted public access. As an expungement attorney serving Statesboro and the surrounding area, we can review the specific facts of your case and explain what current Georgia law makes possible.

Eligibility for Record Restriction in Georgia

Eligibility depends on your arrest date, the disposition of your case, the charges involved, your subsequent criminal history, and other statutory conditions. A guilty disposition is generally not eligible for ordinary arrest-record restriction under Georgia law.

Those who may qualify for a record restriction include the following:

• You were arrested but your case never led to formal charges by the prosecutor
• You were arrested and an indictment followed but the charges were dismissed or were discontinued
• You were found not guilty at trial
• Your case was dismissed for various (and specific) reasons
• Your conviction was vacated
• You were under 21 and convicted of a specific misdemeanor
• A felony charge was closed with no conviction and you were convicted of some other unrelated misdemeanor

Arrest Date & the Agencies Involved

The procedure for pursuing a record restriction in Georgia can depend significantly on when your arrest occurred. For arrests before July 1, 2013, the request generally begins with the arresting agency, which then submits it to the prosecuting attorney’s office for review. For arrests on or after July 1, 2013, the applicant contacts the prosecuting attorney’s office directly for the county where the arrest occurred. The applicable office may be a district attorney, solicitor-general, or the Attorney General’s office depending on the case.

As an expungement lawyer serving Statesboro and Bulloch County, we can help you identify which agency or prosecuting office is responsible for your request based on your arrest date and case history. Knowing where to start is often the first practical step toward pursuing record restriction.

What Are Automatic Record Restrictions?

Some Georgia records may be subject to restriction through statutory or administrative processes, but the rules vary by charge, disposition, arrest date, sentence status, and later criminal history. Eligibility timelines are not universal, and the conditions that apply to your case depend on the specific facts involved.

For older records, you should consult with our attorney to understand which procedures and timelines apply to your record under current Georgia law.

Timeline for Record Restriction in Georgia

The length of the Georgia record-restriction process depends on the applicable procedure and the agencies involved. The length of the process depends on a variety of factors.

To complete the process of restricting your record, the following steps are typically involved:

• Gathering your criminal history record, arrest information, and final disposition documentation
• Submitting the required paperwork and payment to the arresting agency or prosecuting attorney’s office, depending on your arrest date
• Awaiting review by the prosecuting attorney, which according to Georgia.gov may take up to 90 days for certain requests
• Upon approval, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) typically processes complete applications within two to three weeks
• Reviewing available records to determine whether the restriction has been applied to relevant criminal-history databases

Can You Expunge a Felony Conviction in Georgia?

Ordinary arrest-record restriction under Georgia law generally does not apply to a guilty disposition, including most felony convictions. However, certain first-offender matters may be subject to separate sealing or restriction procedures after exoneration and discharge without an adjudication of guilt. If you were sentenced under Georgia’s First Offender Act and successfully completed your sentence, a different set of rules may apply to your record.

For a felony conviction that does not qualify under first-offender provisions, other potential remedies such as a pardon from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles may be worth exploring. A pardon and record restriction are different legal remedies with different effects. Our criminal defense team, with over 40 years of combined legal experience, can review your specific situation and explain which options may be available under current Georgia law.

Contact an Expungement Attorney in Statesboro Today

The laws regarding expungement and record restriction are complicated. In order to understand where your case may fit in, it is best to get the legal counsel of our experienced criminal law attorney. Eligibility depends on the specific arrest, disposition, sentence status, and applicable Georgia procedure, so general online information cannot determine whether your record qualifies. Should you be eligible for record restriction, our firm can put the wheels in motion to help you move forward without the burden of a lasting criminal record.

Have additional questions regarding Georgia expungement law? Give us a call at (912) 274-7752 or contact us online for legal help today.