A DWI charge in North Carolina can impact your job, housing, and future. It’s natural to wonder if it can be cleared from your record. The answer depends on how your case ended. Some charges can be expunged, others cannot. Knowing your options is the first step forward.
If you’re unsure where you stand, speaking with a Greensboro, NC criminal defense attorney at Schlosser & Pritchett can help you understand what’s possible and how to move forward with confidence.
What Does DWI Expungement Mean in North Carolina?
Expungement is a legal process that erases a charge or arrest from your record. If successful, it’s like the charge never happened. It won’t appear on most background checks, and you typically won’t have to mention it when applying for jobs or housing.
But not every charge is eligible. And when it comes to North Carolina DWI expungement, the rules are much more limited. A Greensboro, NC expungement lawyer can help determine what qualifies under state law.
Can You Expunge a DWI Conviction in North Carolina?
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145.5, DWI convictions in North Carolina cannot be expunged. The law allows expungement for some nonviolent misdemeanors and felonies, but DWI is specifically excluded, even for first-time offenders.
Courts treat impaired driving as a public safety concern, not a minor mistake. So if you pled guilty or were found guilty, that conviction will most likely stay on your record permanently. A Greensboro criminal defense lawyer can help clarify if any part of your record might still be eligible.
When Can a DWI Be Expunged in North Carolina?
There is one major exception. If your DWI case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, that charge can usually be expunged. In that case, you can file a petition to remove the charge from your record.
However, the process isn’t automatic. You’ll need to:
- Gather proper documentation
- Meet eligibility requirements
- File a petition with the court
- Possibly attend a hearing
A Greensboro, NC expungement lawyer can assist with each of these steps to avoid delays and ensure everything is accurate and complete.
Why North Carolina Doesn’t Allow DWI Expungement After Conviction
More than 20,000 DWI charges are filed each year in North Carolina, according to the Department of Public Safety. State lawmakers have responded by creating strict penalties, including rules that keep DWI convictions off the list for expungement.
While that may seem harsh, especially for people who’ve made real changes, it is currently the law. A Greensboro, NC criminal defense lawyer can help you explore any alternatives or related relief options.
Options If You Can’t Expunge a DWI in North Carolina
Even if your DWI conviction stays on your record, you still have ways to move forward. You may be able to:
- Be honest about the charge during job interviews
- Share proof of treatment or rehabilitation
- Apply for limited driving privileges, if allowed
Other charges, especially dismissed ones, might still qualify for expungement. A Greensboro criminal defense attorney can review your full record and help correct any errors or remove what can be cleared.
Talk to a North Carolina Expungement Lawyer Today
Even if your DWI conviction can’t be erased, other parts of your record might be. A skilled Greensboro, NC expungement lawyer can explain your options, correct any errors, and guide you through the process.
At Schlosser & Pritchett, you’ll find experienced Greensboro criminal defense attorneys who understand North Carolina DWI expungement laws and how to help you move forward.
Call (336) 292-4076 or contact us online to take the next step.
