Attorneys Work to Obtain Expungements for South Carolina Clients
Firm can help you get your life back on track by clearing your criminal record
Even a minor legal problem or an arrest that never amounted to anything more can haunt you later in life. If you’re concerned that something on your criminal record might unfairly affect your ability to get a job, a home or something else that you deserve, expungement might be a useful solution. Acker Lambert Hinton P.A. in Pickens provides comprehensive counsel on South Carolina expungement matters, explaining the complex eligibility rules and making sure the requirements are met for clients who seek this form of legal relief.
How expungement works under South Carolina law
Through an expungement, you can have an arrest that did not result in conviction or certain convictions removed from your record. The specific process differs slightly depending on the outcome of your case. Our firm advises clients regarding the relevant rules and prepares the necessary filings for the relevant court or Solicitor’s office. A fee must be paid with the filing, which pays for a review by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), among other things. Both the relevant court and SLED must approve the application before the court issues an expungement order.
Types of criminal convictions that can be expunged
Not every criminal conviction is eligible for expungement, so speaking with an attorney who is well versed in South Carolina criminal law can help you understand if relief is available. Records on proceedings that did not result in a conviction or charges that were eventually resolved through pre-trial intervention can be removed from public view. Certain first-time drug possession counts can also qualify for expungement if you attend substance abuse treatment and satisfy other requirements. Generally, a conviction is eligible for expungement if the sentence for the crime does not exceed 30 days in jail or a $500 fine, if it is a first offense and if three years or more have passed without the individual committing another crime.
Pickens firm seeks to clear records of juvenile offenses
A youthful mistake can often be cleared from a person’s record once they have reached age 18, even if they were adjudicated as delinquent. Juvenile charges that do not result in adjudication are eligible for expungement, along with one adjudication for a non-criminal status offense, such as truancy. Adjudications associated with non-violent criminal activity might also be removed under certain circumstances. If you have a question about expunging your juvenile records, our attorneys can evaluate your situation and guide you through the expungement process if you are eligible.
Can traffic violations be expunged?
Most traffic offenses cannot be expunged under South Carolina law. This includes convictions for driving under the influence, where penalties can increase sharply for multiple offenders. However, pre-trial intervention does exist for reckless driving counts, and if you abide by the terms of your PTI program, the reckless driving charge would not go on your record. You can also obtain expungement after being convicted for failure to stop for a law enforcement vehicle if it is a first offense, no injury occurred and you were not convicted of any other crimes for at least three years.
Contact a thorough lawyer for a confidential consultation on South Carolina expungements
Acker Lambert Hinton P.A. advocates for clients who seek to have their South Carolina criminal records expunged. You can set up a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys by calling 864-668-1013 or contacting us online. Our office is in Pickens and we serve clients in Greenville, Easley, Clemson and other locations.
