New Alabama Law Clears Criminal Records

Circuit clerk offices in Alabama have been swamped since the new law went into effect Monday. 

 

The law will let you clear your record of misdemeanors and non violent felonies.

 

“We’ve had hundreds of calls down in the clerks office requesting information,” said Montgomery Circuit Clerk Tiffany McCord. 

 

It costs $300, but at the end of the day the court does not have to approve the the application.

 

“This act does not create a right in a person who has been charged with a crime and not convicted to have that record expunged. It’s totally up to the court based on the facts and circumstances submitted by the applicant,” said attorney Al Agricola.

 

But it’s still a valuable service. Some in Montgomery think that a chance like this can make a big difference, especially for those who have learned from their mistakes. 

 

“You make some mistakes back in your past and everybody has a chance to change, so, If I change, you know, I had a felony back in my day when I was younger. Now I’m a little older and experienced and wiser so it would be nice to get it off your record so you don’t have people judging you from your past,” said Montgomery resident Charles Lee.

 

This act won’t clear up all mistakes though. Violent crimes do not qualify and will stay on your record. District Attorney Daryl Bailey says one of the reasons is to protect victims. 

 

“A lot of times with violent crimes, you don’t have enough DNA. A lot of times we may not have enough evidence, but then DNA is located in the future which will allow us to bring these cases back, so that’s another reason,” said Bailey. 

 

District Attorney Bailey said that you don’t need a lawyer to get through this process. The clerk’s office is ready to help those looking to expunge their records. 

 

The process takes at least two weeks to clean the crime off your record.