Expungement and Record Restriction Lawyers in Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Surrounding Counties

Records That Usually Don't Qualify

Not every record can be cleared, and it's better to know that up front.

• Most felony convictions, unless a pardon has been granted
• Serious violent felonies and certain sex offenses, even with a pardon
• Misdemeanors on the law's excluded list, which includes certain family violence and sex-related offenses
• More than two misdemeanor convictions
• Cases with a new arrest or conviction during the waiting period, or a charge that's still pending

If your record falls into one of these groups, there may still be steps worth discussing, such as applying for a pardon. We'll tell you what we see.

Why Clearing Your Record Matters

A record can affect everyday life in ways that are easy to underestimate. Many people pursue this because of:

• Job applications and background checks
• Housing applications, since landlords often screen applicants
• Professional licenses in fields like nursing, real estate, and education
• College and scholarship applications
• Volunteer roles, such as coaching or working with children
• Peace of mind after a hard chapter

People sometimes assume a dismissed charge disappears on its own. It usually doesn't. Unless the record is restricted, a dismissed case can still appear on a background check.

How the Record Restriction Process Works

The steps vary by situation, but most requests move through something like this:

1. Records Review – We gather your GCIC report and court records to see exactly what's on file and how each case ended.
2. Eligibility Check – We compare each entry against Georgia's rules, including waiting periods, charge types, and any past convictions.
3. Filing – Depending on the case, the request goes through the arresting agency, the prosecutor's office, or a petition filed with the court.
4. Review by the Other Side – The prosecutor gets notice and may agree or object. A hearing can be requested in some situations.
5. Court Decision – A judge decides whether to grant the request. For convictions, the decision is discretionary, which means the judge weighs the facts.
6. Follow-Through – Once an order is signed, it has to reach the right agencies and the clerk of court so the records are updated.

The timeline varies. Some requests wrap up in a few months, and others take longer depending on the court and the agencies involved.

What Restriction and Sealing Can and Can't Do

Having realistic expectations is an essential first step when seeking to clear your record in Georgia. Understanding the legal limits of restriction and sealing helps you make informed decisions about your future.

What Record Restriction and Sealing Can Do

• Protect Private Employment and Housing Opportunities – Keep restricted criminal history off most routine background checks requested by private employers, landlords, and commercial screening agencies.
• Remove Records from Public Access – Seal official court files so the public, nosy neighbors, or online searchers can no longer view or pull documents related to your case.
• Provide Peace of Mind – Allow you to move forward without past arrests continually surfacing on everyday background searches.

What Record Restriction and Sealing Can't Do

• Erase Records for Government or Law Enforcement – Courts, police departments, prosecutors, and specific state regulatory or licensing boards can still access restricted files.
• Instantly Clear Pre-Existing Commercial Data – Private background check companies that compiled data prior to restriction may still hold outdated information, which can require additional steps to update or dispute.
• Override Federal Immigration Requirements – Record restriction does not alter how federal immigration authorities evaluate criminal history. Non-U.S. citizens should always consult an immigration attorney before taking action.

How We Support You Through the Expungement Process

Most people who call us about their records feel a mix of hope and nerves. They want to know if it's worth trying. We start with an honest look at your records and tell you whether your situation fits within the law. If it doesn't, we say so and talk through other options. If it does, we handle the paperwork, explain what to expect at each stage, and answer questions as they come up. We can't predict how a judge or prosecutor will respond, but we can make sure your request is complete and clearly presented.