Expungements & Petitions for Relief
CLEARING THE PATH FORWARD
The consequences of a criminal conviction can continue long after a criminal case ends, potentially for decades or even life. At Blau | Hynson, we help clients seek relief from the collateral consequences of criminal convictions, including loss of rights, public stigma, and registration requirements. Our work in this area includes expungements (sometimes called expunctions) of criminal records, petitions for removal from the sex offender registry, and petitions to restore firearm rights under North Carolina and federal law.
We do not take these petitions lightly. Our firm thoroughly evaluates every request to determine eligibility, legal viability, and the long-term benefit to the individual. This is not a volume practice. It’s a precise, high-impact extension of our post-conviction focus.
What Is an Expungement?
An expungement is a legal process that seals or erases records of eligible criminal charges or convictions. In North Carolina, expunction eligibility depends on factors such as:
- Type of offense
- Disposition of the offense
- Date of conviction
- Age at the time of offense
- Individual criminal history
Not all convictions are eligible for expungement. However, for those who qualify, it offers a critical second chance. A successful petition can remove the record from public view, opening up possibilities for individuals to move forward with employment, housing, and education opportunities.
Removal from the Sex Offender Registry
For those required to register as sex offenders, petitioning for removal is often the only path to reclaiming privacy and freedom. This process is complex, highly regulated, and available only under specific statutory conditions, such as:
- Passage of the required registration period
- No new offenses
- Completion of treatment or supervision, where applicable
We help individuals assess their eligibility, prepare thorough petitions, and present persuasive arguments grounded in both law and fact.
Restoration of Firearm Rights
North Carolina allows eligible individuals to petition for the restoration of their firearm rights under N.C.G.S. § 14-415.4. This is a limited remedy and applies only to specific nonviolent felony convictions after a 20-year waiting period, among other requirements. The process includes background checks, affidavits, and court hearings—and mistakes can delay or derail the petition. Even if you do not qualify under these stringent requirements, there may still be ways that we can help you reclaim your firearm rights.
Blau | Hynson provides comprehensive support to evaluate individual eligibility for relief, whether this relief is appropriate, and to present the case in its strongest form.
Take the Next Step
Legal relief from the consequences of a conviction is not automatic—but it is possible. Whether you are seeking an expunction, removal from a registry, or restoration of firearm rights, Blau | Hynson brings experienced legal insight and strategic clarity to every petition we prepare and file.
📞 Contact us today at (919) 256-3606 to schedule a consultation.
Key Points
- Expunctions are available for eligible dismissals and limited convictions in North Carolina.
- Removal from the sex offender registry is governed by strict statutory timelines and eligibility factors.
- Firearm rights may be restored only under limited circumstances after a 20-year waiting period.
- Blau | Hynson provides individualized guidance and comprehensive legal support for each type of petition.
- Relief is not guaranteed—careful evaluation and precise legal strategy are essential.
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What Our Clients Say
Dan went above and beyond handling my case: Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury. He kept me informed every step of the way, got me in contact with a private investigator and even had the news groups remove my address from their websites. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, my case was dismissed!
From Avvo - Anonymous, June 2013
Dismissed!!!
I hired Dan Blau after I lost my case in the Supreme Court of North Carolina. He explained that we had a chance to win my case on a motion for appropriate relief. They are generally difficult to win but he was able to get all of my convictions overturned and dismissed. He was always great about keeping me updated and informed. I highly recommend him!
From Avvo by Anna 4/2018
Charges Dismissed!
After much searching online and multiple consultations face-to-face, I decided to hire Dan Blau as my attorney. Dan's commitment to providing informative, well-thought outlegal counsel; consistent communication and patience in answering any and all questions I had along the way; and effectiveness in generating the best possible outcome for my case are truly appreciated.
From Avvo by Will, July 2017
Top Quality Service and Best Results Possible
Dan has been always responsive and gave me real information on my case & did the needful to get the positive outcome.I would certainly recommend Dan.
From Avvo - Anonymous, June 2013
Responsive
My wife received a citation in an accident, and Dan took care of everything, getting the ticket dismissed. I've referred several friends and clients of mine to him and have always gotten great feedback from them.
From Avvo by Steve, October 2013
Great Job Handling Ticket
Dan Blau is a wonderful attorney. He was on our side from the beginning. He continually kept us informed. He did such a great job fighting for my Uncle's freedom. HE WON OUR APPEAL and helped reduce my uncle's sentence from 30 years to max 5 years. I highly recommend him.
From Avvo by Renee, June 2013
WE WON OUR APPEAL THANKS TO DAN BLAU
THOUSANDS OF CASES | DOZENS OF APPEALS | QUALIFIED SUCCESS
Sentence Reversed
CASE: State v. T.S., 2023 N.C. App. LEXIS 83 (2023) FACTS: Client was convicted by a jury of multiple sex offenses and was sentenced to 634 months in prison. RESULT ON APPEAL: Sentence reversed due to violation of Client’s constitutional right to trial; Client re-sentenced to 216 months in prison.
Conviction Reversed; Client Resentenced
CASE: State v. J.M., 14 CRS 217434 (2023) FACTS: Client was convicted by a jury of multiple sex offenses and was sentenced to 600 months in prison. RESULT ON APPEAL: Convictions reversed due to ineffective assistance of counsel; Client re-sentenced to 125 months in prison.
New Trial Ordered
CASE: State v. T.W., 2021 N.C. App. LEXIS 365 (2021) FACTS: Client was convicted by a jury of felony drug charges and was sentenced to jail and probation. RESULT ON APPEAL: Convictions vacated and new trial ordered due to violation of Client’s constitutional right to counsel.
Resentenced
CASE: United States v. A.G., 20-4519 (4th Cir. 2021) FACTS: Client was convicted by a jury of federal drug charges and was sentenced to 136 months in prison. RESULT ON APPEAL: Sentence reversed due to illegal conditions of supervision; Client re-sentenced to shorter prison term.
Improper Jury Verdict
CASE: State v. R.H., 2020 N.C. App. LEXIS 216 (2020) FACTS: Client was convicted by a jury of a crime against nature and received a prison sentence. RESULT ON APPEAL: Conviction reversed due to improper jury verdict.
Convictions Vacated, Charges Dismissed
CASE: State v. A.L FACTS: Client convicted of six counts of possession with intent to sell or distribute a controlled substance. The client was sentenced to 26-50 months of imprisonment, suspended upon 30 months of supervised probation. RESULT ON APPEAL: Client’s convictions vacated due to violation of the client’s constitutional right to effective assistance of…
Released 219 Months Early
CASE: State v. D.T. FACTS: Client convicted in three counties of obtaining property by false pretenses and in two of those counties was sentenced as a habitual felon for a cumulative sentence of 355 to 448 months imprisonment. RESULT ON APPEAL: Client’s conviction for obtaining property by false pretenses was vacated in one county, resulting…
Conviction Vacated, Charges Dismissed
CASE: State v. J.S. FACTS: Client was convicted of stalking and received a 12-month probationary sentence. RESULT ON APPEAL: Conviction vacated due to violation of the client’s constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel and charges dismissed.
Sentence Vacated
CASE: State v. E.S. FACTS: Client was convicted of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance, and intentionally maintaining a vehicle for keeping or selling a controlled substance. The client was sentenced to 8 to 19 months’ imprisonment. RESULTS ON APPEAL: Sentence vacated due to improper prior record level determination…
Habitual Felon Status Vacated
CASE: State v. S.G. FACTS: Client was convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, and attaining habitual felon status. The client was sentenced to 438 to 564 months’…
These are examples of prior cases in which we have obtained a positive result for our client. Every case is different, and we cannot guarantee a specific result in your case.
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