What is the process for expunging criminal records in Georgia?

The process for expunging criminal records in Georgia involves filing a petition in court to seal or restrict access to those records. This procedure allows individuals who have certain qualifying convictions, such as misdemeanors or offenses that resulted in a not guilty verdict, to have their criminal records hidden from public view.

This process is particularly important because it helps individuals move forward without the stigma of their past offenses impacting their employment, housing opportunities, or other aspects of daily life. Once the petition is granted, the records are sealed, meaning they are no longer accessible to most entities, although they may still be available to law enforcement under specific circumstances.

The other options presented are less accurate regarding the current expungement process in Georgia. For instance, a public hearing to determine eligibility is not typically part of the expungement process, and no minimum sentence must be served before expungement is considered. Additionally, there isn't an automatic removal of records after a specified time period; proactive steps must be taken by the individual to initiate the expungement process.