A felony conviction in North Carolina carries long-lasting consequences that extend beyond fines or prison time.
One of the most significant concerns for individuals with a felony is how long it will remain on their criminal record. This affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and personal reputation.
At Martine Law, we help clients understand the implications of felony convictions, including record retention, and guide them on navigating legal and practical challenges.
How North Carolina maintains criminal records
North Carolina criminal records are maintained by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Clerk of Court in the county where the conviction occurred. Felony convictions are classified under North Carolina General Statutes, and records typically include:
- Case information
- Charges and degree of felony
- Conviction date and sentence
- Probation, parole, or supervised release information
Key facts about felony records:
- Felony convictions are permanent on your criminal record unless you pursue post-conviction remedies, such as record sealing or expunction (note: some serious felonies cannot be expunged).
- Employers, licensing boards, and certain governmental agencies can access these records.
Do felonies ever “fall off” your record?
Unlike minor offenses, felonies do not automatically disappear after a set period in North Carolina. Some key points:
- Permanent record
- Felonies generally remain on your record for life unless legally removed.
- Expunction eligibility
- Some felonies may be eligible for expunction under specific conditions, such as:
- Felony charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts
- Certain non-violent felony convictions with completion of sentence and probation
- Martine Law does not handle expunction cases, but understanding the permanence of a felony record is critical for planning your next steps.
- Some felonies may be eligible for expunction under specific conditions, such as:
- Impact of time passed
- While the record remains, the practical impact on background checks may lessen over time if there are no subsequent convictions and the individual demonstrates rehabilitation.
How felony records affect your life
Employment opportunities
- Many employers conduct background checks for felony convictions, and a felony record can influence hiring decisions, especially for positions requiring trust or security clearance.
- Certain industries, such as healthcare, law enforcement, or finance, may have strict regulations regarding felony convictions.
Professional licensing
- Felony convictions can prevent or revoke professional licenses in regulated fields, including healthcare, law, education, and finance.
Housing and loans
- Landlords and lenders may review felony convictions, which can affect eligibility for housing, mortgages, or other financial products.
Civil rights
- Convictions can impact voting rights, firearm ownership, and other civil liberties depending on the type of felony and sentence served.
What should you do if you have a felony on your record?
- Consult a criminal defense attorney
- An experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney can review your record and explain your options.
- Understand disclosure obligations
- Know when and how you must disclose felony convictions to employers, landlords, or licensing boards.
- Demonstrate rehabilitation
- Completing probation, maintaining employment, and engaging in community service can show rehabilitation, which may improve employment or licensing opportunities.
- Maintain accurate records
- Keep documentation of court orders, completion of sentence, and other legal matters to support your case in professional or personal applications.
Common outcomes
- Felony record remains permanent without legal intervention.
- Background checks reflect felony convictions, affecting employment, housing, and licensing.
- Time and rehabilitation may reduce practical barriers even if the record is still legally present.
- Certain felonies may qualify for expunction under strict legal conditions.
Key takeaways or legal advice
- In North Carolina, felony convictions generally remain on your criminal record permanently.
- The impact extends to employment, professional licensing, housing, and civil rights.
- While some felonies may qualify for expunction, most require legal assistance to understand eligibility.
- Consulting a skilled criminal defense attorney ensures you understand your rights, obligations, and potential strategies for mitigating the impact of a felony conviction.
At Martine Law, we help clients understand felony records, protect rights, and plan for life after conviction. Call us for a confidential consultation or learn more on our criminal defense page.