If you previously had a DUI or drug charge that was dismissed in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, Alabama, you may now be eligible to petition the proper court to have the record of your arrest expunged (removed) by court order.
Thousands of people every year visit the white sand beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast in Baldwin County. While others are fortunate enough to call this beautiful part of Alabama home. From the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, to the cities of Fairhope, Foley, Bay Minette, Daphne, Spanish Fort, among others, Baldwin County is great place in Alabama to live or visit.
Unfortunately, sometimes visitors and locals alike find themselves in the position of being charged with a crime that relates to alcohol or drugs – including: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), possession of marijuana or a controlled substance, public intoxication, among other misdemeanor and non-violent felonies.
In certain cases, depending on different factors, the person (or defendant) charged may have the charges disposed of without a conviction – such as a dismissal (either per agreement or by lack of prosecution); a dismissal after the completion of a court referral or drug court program, a no-bill by a grand jury, or a finding of “not guilty” by a either a judge or jury. In these cases, the person charged will still have the Record of the Arrest for the charge on their criminal record, even though there was not a conviction.
In 2014, Alabama’s Expungement law became effective with the purpose of allowing for a remedy to these situations. In Baldwin County and every other county in Alabama, the expungement law serves the purpose of allowing qualifying persons to be able to petition the proper court to order that an arrest record for a qualifying previous charge (that did not result in a conviction) to be expunged (removed or cleared) from the person’s criminal background record.
If you previously were charged with a DUI, certain drug charges, a misdemeanor or a non-violent felony in Baldwin County, Alabama and your case did not result in a conviction, you may qualify to petition the court for an expungement of your arrest records. Having your arrest record expunged or cleared by a court order is a very important remedy for people making application for certain jobs, job promotions, credit or loan applications, and many other reasons where a criminal background check may be performed on you.
If you are interested in finding out more details regarding your particular situation and whether you may qualify to have your Baldwin County, Alabama arrest record expunged – call Alabama Expungement Attorney, Jordan M. Copeland at (251) 545-3637 or email us at [email protected]