FAQ
How long does it take to get a records restriction done?
Once a petition is filed, if the prosecutor wants a hearing it has to be requested and held within 90 days. The entire process should be completed in under 6 months.
How long does a pardon take?
The pardon process typically takes 6-9 months to complete.
How long does retroactive first offender take to complete?
It depends on whether you have the cooperation of the prosecutor, but generally somewhere between 3-9 months.
Can you guarantee that you can get this charge off of my record?
We don’t guarantee anything, and we recommend you stay away from any lawyer who does. All of these processes are discretionary, meaning that it’s up to the judge to decide. Our goal is to put you in the best position to get a favorable outcome, but we cannot force the prosecutor to not object, just as we cannot force the judge to grant a records restriction / retroactive first offender, or force the Board of Pardons and Paroles to grant a pardon.
What will be required of me?
If you go through our eligibility check and find that you are eligible, you will be given a price for the service recommended to you. If you would like to hire us, you would need to sign a contract, pay the retainer, sign releases allowing us to pull your criminal history and driving history, and complete a client questionnaire. Only when we have all of that complete can we get to work on your case. The sooner we can start, the sooner we can finish.
Will I have to go to court?
Unlikely, most of this is done through “paper practice,” through motions and the like. In the event the judge wants a hearing, recent advances in courtroom technology should allow you to appear by Zoom, WebEx, or some other mobile platform.
Where is this done?
For record restrictions and retroactive first offender, the petition is filed in the county and court of original conviction. Pardon applications are filed with the Board in Atlanta.
