• We advocate on your behalf when needed.

• We have attorneys and volunteers to answer your questions and provide guidance.

• We host FREE Second Chance Thursday Clinic’s -check our calendar for upcoming dates.

• We can help provide you with all the documents and forms that you need.

• When available we have funds available to help offset or cover the fees involved for those who are in need of financial assistance.

1. Check eligibility. The types of records eligible for expungement are defined by state law and include non-convictions and certain first-offense convictions.

• Dismissed or not-guilty charges: Charges that were dismissed, "nolle prossed" (not prosecuted), or ended in a not-guilty verdict are generally free to expunge. However, there are fees if the dismissal was part of a plea agreement.

• Diversion programs: Records can be expunged after successfully completing programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or Alcohol Education Program (AEP).

• First-offense convictions: Certain first-offense convictions may be expunged after a waiting period, as long as there are no subsequent convictions. These can include:

  • Misdemeanors carrying a sentence of 30 days or less.

  • Drug possession charges.

  • Fraudulent checks.

  • Failure to stop for a blue light.

• Youthful offender convictions: First-offense convictions under the Youthful Offender Act may be expunged five years after completing the sentence.

2. Obtain expungement application from the COUNTY where the charge originated. You must obtain and complete their specific application packet.

3. Pay the fees. Unless the expungement is for a dismissed charge (not as part of a plea deal), you will likely have to pay a set of fees:

• $250 non-refundable administrative fee to the Solicitor's Office.

• $25 non-refundable verification fee to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

• $35 filing fee to the Clerk of Court.

4. Submit the application. You must deliver or mail the application, required documents, and money orders for fees to the Solicitor's Office.

5. Wait for the process to complete. The Solicitor's Office will send your application to SLED for eligibility verification. The Solicitor's Office then obtains all necessary signatures and files the order with the Clerk of Court. The process typically takes a few months.

1. Check Eligibility

• Successful Supervision: You must have successfully completed at least five years under supervision.

• Discharge Date: You can apply at any time after discharge if you successfully completed the maximum parole period.

• Restitution: All restitution must be paid in full.
  

2. Gather Application Materials

• Pardon Application

• Letters of Reference: Obtain three letters from individuals not related to you by blood or marriage.

• List of Convictions: List all your convictions on the application.
  

3. Submit the Application

• Pay the Fee: Include a $100 non-refundable filing fee with your application.
  

4. What to Expect

• Application Processing: The entire process can take seven to nine months from the date the application is received.

• Pardon Hearing- We encourage clients to attend the Hearing in-person.

• Application Revisions: If you are not pardoned, you can reapply and look for ways to improve your application by addressing missing information or getting new reference letters.

No, you cannot apply for an expungement in South Carolina while on probation.

No New Convictions: During this waiting period, you cannot have any new convictions, including out-of-state offenses.

Pay Fines and Restitution: Ensure all court-ordered fines and restitution have been paid in full.

Yes, you can apply for a pardon yourself for a federal offense through the U.S. Department of Justice or for a South Carolina offense through the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

You or your chosen representatives, such as witnesses, attorneys, or even the victims of the crime, can speak at a South Carolina pardon hearing to advocate for or against the pardon.