So You Want to Become Georgia's Next Invisible Man (or Woman)? Your Guide to Expunging Your Felony Record
Let's face it, in the age of social media background checks, a felony on your record can feel like a flashing neon sign that screams "DON'T HIRE ME!" But fear not, my friend from Georgia, for there's a light at the end of the tunnel (and it's not an oncoming train – unless you have some truly unique circumstances surrounding your felony, but let's not get ahead of ourselves). That light is called expungement, and it's basically like hitting the "delete" button on your criminal past (though with a slightly more bureaucratic process).
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| How To Get A Felony Expunged In Georgia |
But First, Some Bad News (Sorry, Not Sorry)
Expunging felonies in Georgia? Not a thing. Yep, you read that right. As of today, June 10th, 2024, getting a full-on expungement for your felony is about as likely as convincing your grandma that TikTok isn't just for teenagers. Don't despair though, there is a path to a somewhat-similar outcome! Hold on to your hats (or fascinators, depending on your grandma's TikTok style), because we're about to delve into the wonderful world of pardons and record restriction.
The Two-Step Shuffle to Restricted Records (Because Apparently, Expungement is Too Easy)
Here's the deal: There's a two-step process to getting your felony record restricted in Georgia. Step one: the pardon. Basically, you gotta convince the state Board of Pardons and Paroles that you've turned over a new leaf. Think of it like applying for parole for your past mistakes. You'll need to show you've been squeaky clean for a while (depending on the offense, think 5-10 years), haven't gotten into any further trouble, and are a productive member of society (think volunteer work, gainful employment, not forgetting to return your library books on time).
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Step two: restriction time! Once you've got that pardon in hand, you can petition the court to restrict your record. This means most people won't be able to see it, which is pretty darn close to expungement (although some employers and law enforcement might still be able to access it).
Remember, this is just a whistle-stop tour. There's a bunch of paperwork and legal hoops to jump through, so consulting an attorney is a wise move.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (with Short Answers because Lawyer Talk can Put You to Sleep)
How to know if I'm eligible for a pardon? Check with an attorney, but generally, you'll need to be crime-free for a while and show you're rehabilitated.
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How long does the whole process take? Patience is a virtue! It can take anywhere from 6 months to a a year or more.
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
How much does it cost? Lawyer fees can vary, but budgeting is key.
Can I do this myself? Technically yes, but a lawyer can make things smoother and increase your chances of success.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
What if my felony isn't eligible for a pardon? There might be other options depending on the specifics. Talk to an attorney!
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