Baldwin County Expungement Lawyer
Do I need to hire a Baldwin County expungement lawyer? What is an expungement? Is my case eligible for expungement? These are all questions you might be wondering after being charged with a criminal crime.
Being charged with a criminal offense is a life changing event. A criminal charge on a background check can affect your reputation, future housing prospects, or advancements in your career. If you were arrested for a non-violent criminal offense and your case was dismissed or nolle prossed in Alabama, you may be eligible to have your criminal history erased from public view.
Have Your Criminal Record Erased
At the Law Office of Michael A. Pylant, P.C. we can help you get your life back on track with a clean criminal record. The first step in the expungement process is to determine if your case is eligible. If eligible, you will need to petition the court to have your expungement approved. This process can be confusing and overwhelming.
We meticulously review every case for eligibility of an expungement and assist with all proceedings related to the expungement of your criminal record. Let’s start the process to have your criminal record erased today! Call the Law Office of Michael A. Pylant, P.C. at (251) 455-1730 to speak with a knowledgeable Baldwin County expungement lawyer.
“There’s no better way to start over than with a clean background check.”
What is an Expungement?
In Alabama, expungement is the process by which public records relating to an arrest or incident are erased or eliminated.
Is my case eligible for an Expungement?
There are certain specifics that a case must meet to be eligible for an expungement. Non-violent criminal offenses may be eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:
How does the expungement process work?
To have a case expunged in Alabama, a petition is filed with the circuit court where the charge occurred. The District Attorney’s office will review the case for eligibility and notify any victims for objection. The DA’s office and the victims have 45 days to file a petition opposing the expungement. If no one objects, the court will review the petition and make the ruling without a hearing.
With a law office conveniently located in Fairhope, lawyer Michael A. Pylant handles expungement cases throughout Baldwin County, Mobile County, and Escambia County, Alabama. Contact our office today to start the process of clearing your criminal history!
What happens to my case once it’s expunged?
If a court grants expungement of a case, all public records held by any agency or official, including law enforcement, relating to the arrest and court hearings will be removed. After the court grants the petition, the agencies have six months to complete the expungement process.
Are felony offenses eligible for expungement in Alabama?
Non-violent felony charges may be eligible for expungement if specific restrictions are met.
I successfully completed PTI, pre-trial intervention. Is my case eligible for expungement?
Yes, individuals who have successfully completed PTI can apply for expungement after one year of completion of the program.
I was arrested at Hangout Music Fest. How can I have my record erased?
If you were arrested at the Hangout Music Festival and successfully completed the PTI program, you can apply for expungement after one year of completion of the program.
I successfully completed a deferred program (i.e. Drug Court, Veteran’s Court, Mental Health Court, etc.). Is my case eligible for expungement?
Yes, individuals who have successfully completed Drug Court, Veteran’s Court, Mental Health Court or other type of deferred program are eligible to apply for the expungement of their public records after one year of completion of the program.
If I didn’t complete PTI, Drug Court, Veteran’s Court, or Mental Health Court, can my felony case still be expunged?
Possibly. An individual with a non-violent felony charge that was dismissed without prejudice more than five years ago, was not refiled, and has not been convicted of any other crime during the previous five years may be eligible for expungement.
Individuals with a non-violent charge that was dismissed with prejudice, no-bill, acquittal, or nolle presequi may also be eligible for expungement after ninety days have passed.
Can my case be expunged if I still owe money to the court?
No. All terms and conditions, including court ordered restitution, court costs, fines, or statutory fees have to be paid in full before applying for expungement.
How do I get my picture removed from the jail website?
If your case is successfully expunged, all photos related to the arrest will be removed from the jail website.
How much is the expungement filing fee?
In Alabama, the expungement filing fee is $300. This fee is an addition to any court costs or attorney fees.
Should I hire an attorney to file my petition for expungement in Alabama?
It is highly recommended that an individual hire an attorney to petition the court for expungement. While there are no guarantees that a case will be expunged, an experienced criminal defense attorney can increase your chances of a successful expungement.