skip to Main Content

Columbia Expungement Lawyer

Home » Columbia Expungement Lawyer

South Carolina Expungement Attorney Near Me

An expungement is a court order for the destruction of criminal records related to an arrest or conviction. If you are eligible for expungement in South Carolina, a court order will remove the arrest and/or conviction from your criminal record.

South Carolina state law allows for the expungement of certain criminal offenses and non-convictions. This guide will help you decide whether you should seek to have a criminal charge or conviction expunged.

 

Why File an Application for Expungement?

A criminal record — including arrests and convictions — can have a negative impact on your ability to find a good job, obtain a professional license, or be approved on a loan application. An expungement can give you a fresh start by having a second chance at a clean criminal record.    If you are eligible for a South Carolina expungement, why wouldn’t you ask to remove arrests or a conviction from your criminal record?

Couple complaining on false claims.

What Arrests or Convictions Can Be Expunged from My Criminal Record in South Carolina?  

Non-convictions are charges that have been dismissed, were not prosecuted, or returned not guilty verdicts. You can expunge non-convictions in South Carolina (including the record of arrest). 

Criminal charges that have been dismissed pursuant to a plea agreement are treated differently, and include the following scenarios:

  • Criminal charges that have been dismissed by the prosecutor because you successfully completed the Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI)
  • Criminal charges that have been dismissed by the solicitor because you successfully completed the Traffic Education Program (TEP)
  • Criminal charges that have been dismissed or not prosecuted by the solicitor because you successfully completed the Alcohol Education Program (AEP)
  • First offense misdemeanor conviction for a bad check (i.e., a single conviction for a fraudulent check); you cannot have an additional criminal conviction within one year from the date of that conviction 
  • First offense simple possession of marijuana when you consent to a conditional discharge and have successfully complied with the terms of that sentence 
  • First offense for a crime carrying a penalty of not more than thirty days imprisonment and/or a fine of $500; you cannot have an additional criminal conviction within three years from the date of the first conviction; only your first offense is eligible, and the law specifies that the offense must be a single crime
    • Exception: For a first offense conviction of criminal domestic violence (CDV), you must wait five years before filing an expungement application 
  • Under the Youthful Offender Act (YOA), a first offense if you were between seventeen and twenty-four years old at the time of conviction; the crime must not have been a violent offense as described in Section 16-1-60 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, you must be 17-24 years old at the time of conviction, and you cannot have any additional criminal convictions within five years of completing your probation or parole supervision
  • Misdemeanor first offense for failure to stop for blue light; you cannot have any additional convictions within three years of completing the sentence
  • Juvenile offenses when the offense was non-violent, the defendant is eighteen years or older, the sentence is completed, and there is no prior conviction for an offense that would carry a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment or more if committed by an adult 

How Much Does an Expungement Lawyer Cost?  

You may be wondering “how much do lawyers charge for expungement?” The cost and fees of expungements in South Carolina are listed below: 

  • Non-conviction: there are no fees unless the dismissal is part of plea agreement
  • Plea agreement:  a $250.00 fee to the solicitor’s office 
  • Fraudulent check conviction: a $250.00 fee to the solicitor’s office, a $25 fee to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for a background check, and possibly a $35 fee to the clerk of court 
  • Conditional discharge: a $250.00 fee to the solicitor’s office and possibly a $35 fee to the clerk of court
  • First offense conviction: a $250.00 fee to the solicitor’s office, a $25 fee to SLED for the background check, and possibly a $35 fee to the clerk of court 

Before applying for an expungement, please consider the following information: 

  • Filing an application for expungement does not guarantee that the charge will be removed; it is only after there is consent from the Solicitor’s office, SLED, and the appropriate judicial officer that an expungement order will be granted 
  • The processing fee to the solicitor’s office and SLED is non-refundable regardless of whether the application is granted or denied
  • The solicitor’s office will not be able to discuss your eligibility for an expungement
  • South Carolina expungements only erase charges and convictions in South Carolina
  • You must submit a signed application

Many arrests and convictions cannot be expunged, including traffic offense convictions, Title 56 offenses, felony convictions (excepting first offense convictions for YOA and failure to stop for a blue light), and general sessions convictions. In those situations, another option is to file an application for pardon in South Carolina. A pardon forgives all legal consequences of a conviction.

Contact a South Carolina Expungement Attorney Near You

Jeffcoat team of lawyers

An attorney is not required to file an application for expungement. However, the process of filing an application for expungements can be confusing and time-consuming. An expungement attorney can file the application for you to ensure that it is done properly. 

Our Carolina Defense Lawyers are committed to helping Columbia residents navigate complex legal matters, particularly with the law on expungements. If you need help applying for an expungement of an arrest or conviction from your criminal record in Columbia, contact us to discuss your eligibility during a free and confidential consultation.

Disclaimer: You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney in any legal matter. If you move forward without an attorney, it may negatively affect your legal rights. If you have questions about your legal rights or the law that affects your case, please consult with an attorney.

Jeremy Nason

I was arrested for a DUI in Kershaw County SC. I immediately hired the Jeffcoat law firm specifically Mr. Bell. Due to his specific knowledge and his professionalism he found that the charges where not correct. All charges where dismissed. I would recommend Mr bell 100 times over.

G. C.

There aren’t proper words to describe the talents, professionalism, responsiveness, or reassurances of Taylor Bell. He answered my first call to him while doing yard work … on a weekend… to assure me that he could and would help me with my case. And he did. His knowledge, expertise, and calm but straight forward approach to me personally and my issue most importantly will NEVER be forgotten. This man, and the entire staff at the Jeffcoat Firm, are an asset to the community needing legal representation at large. There aren’t enough stars to rate what I thought about their professionalism, rapid response, great communication, and their successful defense of me in court. If you’re looking for a fair, honest, pleasant, intelligent, and talented attorney, I urge you to look no further than Taylor Bell and the team at The Jeffcoat Law Firm. They quite literally saved my career and my life!!!

Sara Pariseau

Taylor Bell genuinely cares about your well-being. He will respond to any questions or concerns you may have as quickly as possible. Totally worth it to have him on your side in any court situation. I definitely appreciate his support and directness during the duration of my case. Awesome dude! He should be president.

Tasia S.

The Jeffcoat Firm went above and beyond for my case! The staff and assigned attorney Taylor Bell were not only instrumental in the success of my case, but kept me well-informed of the court process and proceedings throughout the duration [of the case] so that I was cognizant of what was occurring. Their knowledge, talent, and implementation of the law is truly awe-inspiring! I cannot recommend a better firm that will have your overall best interest and well-being not only as a client, but as a person. They genuinely desire seeing [the client] succeed.

Troy Palmer

I was charged with a dui in July 2021. Immediately called the jeffcoat firm, right out the gate they where understanding, compassionate, and extremely friendly, the entire staff! Tayler Bell took my case got it dropped to a reckless driving charge, dui dropped! He gave me his personal cell and would call me keeping me updated on the case. Because I didn’t blow in the breathalyzer that was automatically 6 month license suspension. Even tho the criminal part is over he’s still fighting that. He works for you! Period! Great people, great staff, if you need a lawyer don’t hesitate to call these guys you won’t regret it!

Brendon Cromer

This is by far the greatest team of people to handle your case. They constantly check up on you and your well-being. They are out to do what is best for you. I’d leave 100 starts if I could and recommend them to anyone.

Jason Brown

The Jeffcoat law firm is amazing, very professional and communication is great. Mike Hemlepp Represented me and he was very helpful and answered every question I had. The entire staff from Mr jeffcoat to the ladies that work the front office were very helpful throughout my time using them. If your looking for the best lawyers reach out to the Jeffcoat firm they are the best!

Dylan Dukes

The Jeffcoat Firm helped me in an honest, professional way throughout my time with them. I am appreciative of all of their hard work and dedication to their craft.

Troy Palmer

I was charged with a dui in July 2021. Immediately called the jeffcoat firm, right out the gate they where understanding, compassionate, and extremely friendly, the entire staff! Tayler Bell took my case got it dropped to a reckless driving charge, dui dropped! He gave me his personal cell and would call me keeping me updated on the case. Because I didn’t blow in the breathalyzer that was automatically 6 month license suspension. Even tho the criminal part is over he’s still fighting that. He works for you! Period! Great people, great staff, if you need a lawyer don’t hesitate to call these guys you won’t regret it!

Eve Sparger
I found Jeffcoat firm while searching through The computer looking for someone to represent me. I had had an incident with the South Carolina state board of nursing several years ago and then it reared its ugly head again five years later, this is when I obtain legal advice.

I hired the Jeffcoat firm after meeting with them on a Saturday which I thought was exceptionally nice to meet me and they are based in Columbia South Carolina.
Everything turned out OK and I had no fear that this law firm would get the job done and I certainly would hire them again should the need ever arise.

Pedro Cahua

The JeffCoat Law firm is the go to place to have all your legal needs answered. They’re quick to respond and the whole team are nothing but professionals. Mr. Taylor Bell helped me so much with me case and has the accolades to prove why he is the best lawyer in South Carolina. If I have anymore legal troubles (I hope not) the JeffCoat law firm will be the first number I will call! I highly recommend!

Every case is different. You should not believe your case will get the same result.

Contact Us Today!

FREE CASE EVALUATION:

It's free to speak with us about your case.

Awards &
Associations

Our Locations

The Jeffcoat Firm

1333 Main St #512,
Columbia, SC 29201

803-258-6070

! NOTICE ! No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You need to contact a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal issues problems.

Michael Jeffcoat, 1333 Main Street, Suite 510 Columbia, SC 29201

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Back To Top
Loading...