A criminal record can follow you long after a case is closed. It can impact your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, qualify for loans, or even volunteer at your child’s school.
The good news? In South Carolina, certain charges and convictions can be expunged — meaning they are legally erased from your public record.
If you’re in Greenville or anywhere in South Carolina, working with an experienced criminal defense firm like Price Law Firm can help ensure the process is done correctly and efficiently.
What Is Expungement?
Expungement is a legal process that removes a criminal charge or conviction from your record. Once expunged:
The charge is destroyed from public records
It will not appear on most background checks
You can legally state you have not been convicted (in most situations)
It’s important to note: not all charges qualify for expungement.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in South Carolina?
South Carolina law allows expungement in specific situations. Common qualifying scenarios include:
1. Charges That Were Dismissed or Found Not Guilty
If your case was:
Dismissed
Nolle prossed (prosecutor dropped the case)
Resulted in a not guilty verdict
You may qualify for expungement — often without a waiting period.
2. First-Offense Minor Convictions
Certain first-time offenses may qualify after a waiting period, such as:
Simple possession of marijuana (first offense)
First-offense shoplifting
First-offense domestic violence (after a 5-year waiting period)
First-offense fraudulent check (after waiting period)
Waiting periods typically range from 3 to 5 years, depending on the offense.
3. Successful Completion of PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention)
If you completed South Carolina’s Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program successfully, you are generally eligible for expungement.
This is one of the most common paths to clearing a record for first-time offenders.
4. Conditional Discharge for Drug Offenses
Some first-time drug possession cases qualify for conditional discharge. After successful completion of probation, the case may be dismissed and become eligible for expungement.
What Cannot Be Expunged?
Certain offenses are not eligible, including:
Most violent crimes
Serious felony convictions
Repeat offenses
DUI convictions (in most cases)
Eligibility depends heavily on the specific charge and your criminal history.
The Expungement Process in South Carolina
Expungement is not automatic — you must formally apply.
Here’s how the process generally works:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
An attorney reviews your criminal history and confirms whether your charge qualifies.
Step 2: Obtain Disposition Records
You must gather official court documentation showing how the case was resolved.
Step 3: Submit Application to the Solicitor’s Office
The expungement request is reviewed by the prosecutor’s office.
Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees
Fees vary but typically range from $250 to $310 for eligible convictions (dismissed cases may not require payment).
Step 5: Court Approval and Record Destruction
Once approved, the order is sent to all relevant agencies to destroy records.
This process can take several months.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney
While expungement may seem straightforward, common mistakes include:
Filing before the waiting period expires
Misidentifying eligible charges
Submitting incomplete paperwork
Failing to properly serve all agencies
An experienced criminal defense attorney ensures:
You qualify
All paperwork is correct
The process moves as quickly as possible
Your rights are fully protected
If you’re in Greenville, Price Law Firm regularly assists clients with record expungement and understands local court procedures and solicitor requirements.
How Expungement Can Change Your Future
Clearing your record can help you:
Pass background checks
Secure employment
Apply for professional licenses
Qualify for housing
Move forward without the stigma of a criminal record
For many people, expungement is a second chance.
How Long Does Expungement Take?
Most expungements take 8–16 weeks, depending on:
The county
The type of charge
Whether additional review is required
Your attorney can give you a more accurate timeline based on your case.
Take the First Step Toward a Clean Record
If you have a criminal charge in your past, don’t assume you’re stuck with it forever. South Carolina law provides opportunities to clear your record — but timing and eligibility matter.
If you’re in Greenville or surrounding areas, contact Price Law Firm to review your record and determine whether you qualify for expungement.
A clean slate may be closer than you think.