Alpharetta Record Restriction Lawyer
Serving 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.
How Record Restriction Works
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 We Can Help
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 case 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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Mr. Brian Hansford was hired to represent my 20-year-old son with a felony drug charge and misdemeanor charges of shoplifting and underage possession of alcohol. This particular case was more difficult due to the fact my son was having emotional issues that led him to act out in anger that was getting him in trouble with our family and law enforcement. Our family was becoming a battle zone, with no end in sight. Mr. Hansford’s approach was to help the whole family through a troubling time from a legal stand point as well as an emotional one. Brian first directed us to counselors that helped us understand the deeper issues that were triggering my son to lash out. That process alone gave the whole family direction and hope again for the future. We could see immediate results in my son’s behavior. In addition, Mr. Hansford negotiated sentences that were directed more at rehabilitating my son and not ruining his future. Mr. Hansford is a valuable asset to have on your side. I will continue to recommend him to anyone needing a good knowledgeable lawyer and particularly to families that are also struggling with teenagers in the home.
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We were not prepared for the legal situation we found ourselves in with our daughter and wasn't really sure if we needed an attorney or not. But after a consultation with Brian, we knew we needed help. Brian was amazing to work with. He listened, answered all of our questions, phone calls, and emails with grace and always right away. He and Erin, his legal assistant, made a terrible situation, not so terrible. We knew we had someone on our side who was looking out for our child in a way no one else would. Brian is well connected in the legal community here in the Forsyth County and was able to offer insight as to how juvenile court operates that we would never have known. He kept in close contact in regards to our case and made sure we knew what to expect every step of the way. And I'm thrilled to report, got us to the best legal outcome we could have hoped for for our daughter. But Brian often spoke to us parent to parent...offering not just legal advice, but options and ideas for our child's future. He even called us a week after our court appearance to check on us and the whole family and to see how everyone was doing and if there was anything we needed help with. We are so grateful for his legal ability as well as his compassion and grace during what has been a very challenging time for our family. If you or your child is in need of help, do reach out to Brian. You will be so thankful that you did.- Previous Client
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We were in need of finding an attorney from out of state. Our good fortune was to find Brian Allen Hansford to represent our grandson. We received immediate, thorough, thoughtful and very professional representation. We were not left in the blind for one moment throughout the process. Everything was thoroughly explained, followed up on in a very timely manner with a personal touch. His staff is superior.- Kathleen
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I sought Brian's help for a DUI charge. Even though I was a first offender with no prior arrests, I faced some serious charges due to the circumstances of my offense. Brian counseled me on the steps to take before my court appearance in order to make my case as strong as possible. He was also able to get my most serious charge dismissed, which enabled me to obtain a limited driving permit for work, child's transportation to school, etc. Brian's office also provided information that allowed me to complete much of my sentence before my plea, including DUI school, substance abuse assessment, and all of my community service. The sentence resulting from my plea agreement was the best I could have hoped for, given the circumstances. Brian and his assistant Erin Bell kept me updated throughout the progress of my case and responded quickly to all of my questions. I always felt like I knew exactly where my case stood, and what to expect next. Since my arrest, I have spoken with others charged with DUI who have been amazed by the assistance I received from my attorney. Many told me that they had trouble contacting their attorneys, or scheduling appointments, and some received harsher sentences. I feel extremely fortunate to have had Brian and Erin on my side throughout this process. Brian's services may be more expensive than that of some others, but he is definitely worth it. I greatly appreciate his help during this difficult time.- Previous Client
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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
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Brian and his team did excellent work on defending our son in a criminal case. They were attentive, understanding, and thorough in the research and execution of defense. They communicated with us and our son throughout the entire process and handled our delicate situation professionally and personally. We needed their guidance on our case and they truly helped us. We will always use Brian's firm for any legal needs we have. We truly believe God put Brian and his team in our lives when we needed help the most.- Previous Client
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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 was faced with an unexpected situation with my teenager and felt helpless and completely out of my depth. Brian was fantastic at putting my mind at ease, talking me through what needed to be done to reach the desired end result. He mapped out a plan and got it done. I wouldn’t go to anyone else.- Previous Client