In 2020, The Second Chance Act was passed unanimously by the NC General Assembly. The bill expands eligibility for expunging multiple nonviolent misdemeanor convictions, and automates expungement of certain dismissed or “not guilty” charges. The Second Chance Act also allows prosecutors to petition for expungement for dismissed or “not guilty” charges and “youthful convictions”.
Why is this important? At least 1 in 4 North Carolinians have criminal records. This creates devastating collateral consequences that can impact housing, employment, and other opportunities.
