Paul Seckel

⭐ Updated Webpage: Alabama Expungement Law (2025 Update)

By Paul A. Seckel, JD, MBA | Updated 2025 | Guntersville Law, LLC

Everyone makes mistakes — but your past shouldn’t define your future. If a prior arrest, charge, or conviction is standing between you and a better job, schooling, or professional license, Alabama’s expanded 2025 expungement law may give you a real second chance.

At Guntersville Law, LLC, we help clients across Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Huntsville, Scottsboro, and all of North Alabama clear their records and rebuild their lives.

📞 Call (256) 571-1529 to schedule your $100, 30-minute expungement consultation.

What Is Expungement and How Does It Help You?

Expungement is the legal process that removes eligible arrests, charges, and certain convictions from your official criminal record. Once expunged, the law treats the event as if it never occurred.

This means:

  • The matter no longer appears on standard background checks.

  • Courts and agencies must state that no record exists, with very limited exceptions.

  • You do not have to disclose the expunged matter on job, housing, or loan applications.

A successful expungement restores your good name and opens doors that were previously closed.

⭐ The 2025 Alabama Expungement Law (Updated)

Alabama’s expungement rules are found in Ala. Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-6. In 2024–2025, the Legislature expanded eligibility, reduced waiting periods, and added new protections for people seeking to clear their criminal record.

Here is what you need to know under the current law:

What Charges Can Be Expunged in Alabama (2025 Rules)

✅ 1. Arrests & Charges — Misdemeanors, Violations & Municipal Offenses

You may petition for expungement if:

  • The charge was dismissed with prejudice

  • The charge was dismissed without prejudice and:

    • 1 year has passed for misdemeanors/violations (previously 2 years)

    • The charge has not been refiled

    • You have no new convictions

  • You completed a diversion, deferred prosecution, or treatment court program

  • You were found not guilty

  • A grand jury returned a no bill

⭐ 2025 Update: Certain dismissed charges now qualify for automatic expungement after a waiting period unless the prosecutor objects. A petition is still recommended to ensure processing.

✅ 2. Non-Violent Felony Charges (Pre-Conviction)

A non-violent felony charge (not conviction) may be expunged if any of the following apply:

  • Dismissed with prejudice

  • No-billed by a grand jury

  • Acquittal at trial

  • Dismissed after successful completion of a pretrial or diversion program (1-year wait)

  • Dismissed without prejudice more than 3 years ago (previously 5 years)

⭐ 2025 Update:

  • Wait times are shorter.

  • More diversion programs now qualify.

  • Prosecutors have new deadlines for objections.

🔥 Expungement of Convictions (Most Significant Change)

Beginning with the 2021 amendment and strengthened in 2024–2025, Alabama now allows the expungement of certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, including more Class C and Class D felonies.

### Eligible Convictions Include:

Non-violent:

  • Misdemeanors

  • Violations

  • Municipal ordinance convictions

  • Traffic offenses

  • Certain Class C & D felony convictions (non-violent, non-sexual)

### Requirements (Updated 2025):

You may be eligible if:

  • You completed all terms of your sentence

  • You have paid all fines, fees, and restitution

  • You have no pending charges

  • You have no violent or sexual offense convictions

  • Required time has passed since completion of the sentence:

⏳ Waiting Periods (2025):

  • Misdemeanors: 2 years (previously 3 years)

  • Class C & D Felonies: 3 years (previously 5 years)

  • Multiple convictions may be expunged if they arise from the same incident

⭐ New in 2025:

  • Certain youthful offender felony convictions may now be expunged

  • Some felony property offenses are now eligible

  • Courts may waive waiting periods for “extraordinary circumstances”

⭐ Why Hire Guntersville Law, LLC for Your Expungement?

The expanded expungement law creates new opportunities — but also new procedural requirements, forms, and deadlines.

A mistake can result in delays or outright denial.

Guntersville Law, LLC provides:

  • Eligibility review under the latest 2025 rules

  • Collection of all court, arrest, and agency records

  • Preparation and filing of your Petition for Expungement

  • Communication with prosecutors and law enforcement

  • Representation in any required hearing

  • Follow-through to ensure all agencies properly clear your record

We know what local judges expect, and we know how to get results.

The Expungement Process in 2025

  1. Case Review
    We evaluate every charge under the updated eligibility rules.

  2. Record Collection
    Certified court records, arrest reports, and statewide background checks.

  3. Petition Filing
    Filed in the Circuit Court where your case originated.

  4. Prosecutor Notification
    The District Attorney may consent, remain silent, or object.

  5. Hearing (if required)
    Some cases qualify for streamlined approval; others require a full hearing.

  6. Court Order & Agency Compliance
    If granted, all applicable state agencies must remove the record.

⭐ Get a Fresh Start — Begin Today

Your past shouldn’t control your future. If an old arrest or conviction is holding you back, Alabama’s expanded 2025 expungement law may finally give you the clean slate you deserve.

📞 Call (256) 571-1529 to schedule your $100, 30-minute expungement consultation.

We proudly serve clients throughout Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Huntsville, Scottsboro, and surrounding North Alabama communities.

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