
Record Restriction Services in Alpharetta, GA
Helping Clients in Cumming, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Fulton County & Forsyth County
If you have ever been arrested or charged with a crime, you may be concerned that your record will affect your future. Even if you were not prosecuted or convicted, a criminal record could have an impact on your job, relationships, and reputation. The good news is that Georgia allows for record restrictions. If eligible, you can keep your criminal record from public scrutiny, giving yourself a chance at a fresh start. Brian Hansford Law can help you protect your reputation.
Ask our Alpharetta criminal defense attorney to guide you through the record restriction process. Call us today at (678) 647-6444 or contact us online.
Understanding the Record Restriction Process
Record restriction (previously called expungement) means that aspects of your criminal history become unavailable to the public and can only be accessed by law enforcement. After your record is restricted, a potential employer would not be able to view your criminal history. However, if you are later charged with a different crime, officers of the law may review your full record.
Some records are eligible for restriction, and some are not. Most felony convictions are not eligible, but an arrest for a felony charge that was not referred for prosecution may be.
Record restriction for eligible records happens automatically if you were arrested after July 1, 2013:
- Two years after a misdemeanor
- Four years after most felonies
- Seven years after a violent crime or sex offenses
Some drug charges may be restricted after five years if you complete a drug court program. For arrests before July 1, 2013, you must apply for record restriction.
How Our Alpharetta Team Can Assist You
Depending on your record, your case’s final disposition, and various other factors, record restriction can be complicated. Our Alpharetta criminal defense attorney understands the impact your record has on your life. We can advise you of your options, walk you through the process, and even file petitions for restriction for you.
Ready to start clearing your name? Don’t wait. Ask Brian Hansford Law to handle your record restriction.
Contact our offices at (678) 647-6444 and speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney today.

You deserve an advocate who will fight aggressively to protect your rights. Attorney Brian Hansford has decades of experience working in the criminal justice system. We understand that being accused of a crime does not make you a criminal. We are prepared to do everything possible to raise doubts about allegations made by the prosecution. Get an aggressive advocate to protect your future. Call now and get started.

What Sets Us Apart
4 Reasons that Make Us the Right Choice
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First Class RepresentationAt Brian Hansford Law, you get a defense team that will give you their undivided attention to your case. We take the time to understand your situation and meticulously prepare your caseĀ in an effort to achieve the best possible result.
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Former ProsecutorHaving been a former prosecutor, Brian Hansford understands both sides of the criminal justice system. This experience helps him design an effective defense for his clients.
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Fierce Trial AttorneyMany attorneys are afraid to go to trial - NOT US! We aggressively prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
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25 Years of ExperienceThere's no substitution for experience. With 25 years of practicing law, our team has handled all kinds of charges from misdemeanors to some of the most complex and serious crimes.


Client Reviews
Don't Take Our Word For It
At Brian Hansford Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Brian Hansford has represented several of my immediate family members over the past five years, multiple times. He is intelligent, dedicated, and wise. Brian has always been very thorough and fully committed to bringing about the best outcome possible in each of these cases. So much so that I don't even consider another criminal defense attorney for my family's needs. He explains your options very carefully and gives you his assessment of how each scenario is likely to play out. Brian is also a judge for a local municipality which gives him another perspective when considering strategies for a case. His legal assistant Erin is absolutely top-notch and keeps communications flowing smoothly between all of the parties involved. She is truly a valuable asset to his operations and I cannot overemphasize her importance. I truly could not be more pleased with both Brian and Erin. I enthusiastically give Brian an A+ for his efforts and for his solid results. Brian is not a discount-priced attorney, but he is also not unreasonable with his rates. I am happy to pay him because I know what I am getting. This attorney is a solid choice! I thank him for all he has done for my family!- Jason
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My case was a tough and stressful one that Mr. Hansford completely guided me through with the greatest of ease handling everything for me so I could focus on my everyday life instead of stressing nonstop. He had charges dropped for me and the one I did end up getting stuck with, he got me the bare minimum on. I am forever grateful to this attorney and would hire him again in a split second!!! He was amazing!!!
- Jessica -
Brian and Erin are amazing! They are caring and always there for you. I bombarded them with questions and they had an answer for me every time. Even got back to me on weekends, which I never expected. If I have another need I will use them and their office again.- Previous Client
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I was frantic trying to find an attorney, and me being out of state, it was proving to be difficult for the situation at hand. I reached out to the firm on a Sunday evening and received a response that night, as well as a follow-up the next day to confirm the details of the case. By the end of the week, and after speaking to multiple firms, I chose Mr. Hansford. Mr. Hansford, and his assistant Ms. Bell, were beyond helpful in our situation. They were very accessible and returned emails/calls ASAP. They kept us informed every step of the way and answered all questions in a thoughtful, and timely, manner. I highly recommend this firm for your legal issues. Best part is, we avoided even having to make a trip to GA thanks to Mr. Hansford and Ms. Bell.- Brandy
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Brian Hansford is an extraordinary criminal defense attorney. He represented me in the most professional manner. He was respectful and considerate of my feelings during a difficult situation. Brian addressed my concerns, explained everything to me, and provided the appropriate legal direction. Brian was available to me 24/7 and responded to my text messages immediately. He put my mind at ease with his calm demeanor and knowledge of the judicial system. I completely trusted Brian, and he got my charges reduced. I am FOREVER GRATEFUL to Brian.
Also, I would like to comment on Brian's assistant, Erin Bell. Erin always answered my calls and responded to my emails immediately and explained what was going on with my case. I am extremely thankful for all her support and compassion towards me.
I highly recommend Brian to anyone that is seeking the BEST criminal defense attorney. He is honest and will keep your best interest at the forefront.
- Lynette -
I hired Brian Hansford for a DUI case. He and his paralegal Erin both worked very hard on my case and stayed in constant communication with me. Brian is really good in the courtroom and my case was concluded favorably. I highly recommend Brian Hansford.- Jason
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I met Brian Hansford shortly after having been arrested based on a personal recommendation from a friend. From the first moment, Brian did everything he could to assist -- both with Legal advice and practical issues such as helping find arrangements for my family to provide bail.
The legal representation during my felony case was excellent. The fees were straight-forward and as expected. Brian worked hard both in and out of the courtroom (such as working hard to win over prosecutors) and we received a favorable plea deal. Within a few months, I was able to start putting my life back together. In the years since (including just a few weeks ago), I have voluntarily gone back to court twice to clear related issues. Both times I retained Brian and am pleased with the results.
I also retained Brian's firm for a civil matter a few years ago. Again, excellent, caring representation and a good result.
- Previous Client -
Brian and team were reassuring and certainly prepared to take my case! They were on top of my case from day one and followed through when some court-related documentation were not processed correctly. I would like to especially thank his paralegal Erin who was instrumental in keeping me informed and updating Brian when needed. Brian is honest and has years of experience with the Georgia court system. When I started this process he was just a name on a list at the end of this journey he will always be someone that I will always trust and provide a reference when needed.- Previous Client
