An old arrest or charge can follow you for years — showing up in job applications, housing checks, and background screens. The good news: Alabama has steadily expanded who can clear their record, and many people now qualify who would not have a few years ago. Here is the current landscape.
What expungement does
Expungement removes a qualifying arrest, charge, or case from your public criminal record. Once granted, you can generally answer "no" to most questions about that matter, and it should no longer appear on standard background checks.
What has changed
Alabama originally allowed expungement mainly for charges that did not end in conviction — dismissals, acquittals, no-bills, and cases resolved through diversion. More recent reforms broadened eligibility significantly, including a path to expunge certain convictions (for example, after a pardon for some offenses) and the ability to address multiple charges arising from the same case.
Who generally qualifies
- Charges dismissed, acquitted, or no-billed by a grand jury
- Cases resolved through a diversion or deferred program (after completion and waiting periods)
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions that meet the statute's conditions
- Victims of human trafficking, for offenses tied to their victimization
How the process works
1. Confirm eligibility
Pull your record and match each charge against the current rules — eligibility is charge-by-charge, and one item may qualify while another does not.
2. File the petition
You file a sworn petition in the right court with a certified case-action summary and an official background report, and pay the required filing and administrative fees.
3. Hearing and order
The prosecutor and any victim may object. If unopposed or approved after a hearing, the judge signs an order and agencies are directed to expunge the record.
Frequently asked questions
How much does expungement cost in Alabama?
Expect a statutory filing fee plus administrative and court costs, on top of any attorney fees. Confirm current amounts before you file.
How long does it take?
Often a few months, depending on the court's docket and whether anyone objects.
Does an expungement disappear completely?
It is removed from public records, but certain agencies (such as law enforcement and licensing bodies) may retain limited access.