Expunging criminal record information can be like removing ants from under your refrigerator. Just when you think you’ve eliminated all the ants/information, there’s another trail. That’s how a talented attorney in this field described the process in her article of the same name here. It’s also an apt description for figuring out the legal requirements, procedures, and forms for obtaining an expunction, in North Carolina and elsewhere. Here’s my latest effort, the 2017 Guide to Relief from a Criminal Conviction in North Carolina. The guide incorporates the changes made by the North Carolina General Assembly during its 2017 legislative session, including expanded opportunities for expunging dismissals and older nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors. The guide also describes other mechanisms for obtaining relief from a criminal conviction, such as certificates of relief. Note: The guide provides links to North Carolina statutes on the General Assembly’s website, which does not yet incorporate all of the 2017 statutory changes, but a link is provided in pertinent places in the guide to the main 2017 legislation that amended the expunction statutes. I hope the guide is helpful. Please let me know if I missed any ants.
- AboutAs the largest
university-based local
government training,
advisory, and research
organization in the United
States, the School of
Government serves more
than 12,000 public officials
each year. - Browse by RoleThe School provides
content and resources for a
wide array of local
government and judicial
officials in North Carolina.Select your role to explore
all related content.Local and State Government - Browse by TopicThe School provides content
and resources on a wide array
of topics in local government
and judicial administration in
North Carolina.Select a topic to explore all
related content.Local and State Government- State Government
- Planning and Development Regulation
- Community and Economic Development
- Environment
- General Structure and Authority
- Health and Human Services
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Intergovernmental Relations
- Leadership and Management
- Local Government Finance
- Open Government
- Other Local Government Functions and Services
- CoursesThe School of Government
offers up to 200 courses,
workshops, webinars, and
professional conferences
each year. - PublicationsThe School of Government
publishes essential books,
manuals, reports, articles,
bulletins, and other print and
online content related to state
and local government. - BlogsFaculty write for a number
of School of Government
blogs providing timely
updates on emerging issues. - ResourcesThe School of Government
offers information and
services related to a wide
range of topics relevant to
government and judicial
officials—in-person and on a
variety of platforms.- Blog Posts
- Centers and Services
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Knapp Library
- Legal Summaries
- Listservs
- Microsites
- Tools and Apps
Timely updates on emerging issuesSpecialized training/research hubs and consulting servicesAggregated answers to common questions on a variety of topicsPrint and online materials and research expertiseBrief descriptions of legal cases, bills, or legislative activityInformation exchanges for peers and faculty expertsIn-depth or aggregated content for local government and judicial officialsOnline and mobile tools for employees on-the-go - Master of Public
Administration ProgramThe UNC MPA program prepares public service leaders. The program is offered in two formats: on-campus and online.For more information, visit mpa.unc.edu - GivingThe School of Government depends on private and public support for fulfilling its mission. Your gift will make a lasting impact on the quality of government and civic participation in North Carolina.
- Knapp LibraryThe Joseph Palmer Knapp Library houses a large collection of material on state and local government, public administration, and management to support the School's instructional and research programs and the educational mission of the Master of Public Administration program. Reference and research services are available to all residents of North Carolina, and additional assistance is available to state and local government personnel, both elected and appointed.


