Expungements in Alabama

Expungements provide greater access to opportunities for employment, housing, and education. 

In Alabama, individuals with certain misdemeanor or felony charges may be eligible to apply for an expungement. Individuals with certain misdemeanor convictions may also be eligible. Felony convictions always require a pardon in order to be expunged. 

An expungement wipes information about the case from public records, though law enforcement may retain access to the files in limited circumstances.

Only certain charges and convictions are eligible for expungement, and there are time restrictions that apply depending on how the charge was resolved or the type of offense. If you have questions about whether your charge or conviction is eligible, please consult with an attorney. 

In order to file, an individual needs: 

1. Your certified criminal history record, obtained through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information. This requires a set of fingerprints and costs $25. Additional information is contained within the form. (linked below)

2. One of the following: A certified record of the case action summary from the court, a certified record of arrest, or a certified record of disposition. You must go in person to the appropriate court or law enforcement agency to obtain the record.

3. An Affidavit of Substantial Hardship (ASH) if you are unable to afford the $500 filing fee (linked below) 

4. The Petition for Expungement of Records (linked below) 

AlabamaLegalHelp.org (this website) offers legal information, NOT legal advice. This website is intended to provide information on your rights and options under the law. However, the site does not apply the law to your personal facts. For legal advice, you should call a lawyer. To apply for free legal services in Alabama, call us toll-free at 1-866-456-4995 or apply online HERE.