Georgia Conviction Record Clearing Eligibility Tool

What is the Georgia Conviction Record Clearing Eligibility Tool?

The Georgia Conviction Record Clearing Eligibility Tool (“Tool”) helps you figure out if one or more of your Georgia convictions are eligible for record clearing (restriction and sealing). A conviction is any case where you pled guilty, no contest, nolo contendere, or were found guilty after trial. In Georgia, records are not "expunged"/destroyed; instead, eligible records can only be restricted and sealed, which hides/removes them from public view. This means that most employers/housing providers will not be able to see the conviction, but law enforcement will still be able to see your record. 

This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice.

If you need help restricting and sealing a non-conviction (a case that ended in dismissal, nolle pross, successful completion of Conditional Discharge/Pre-trial diversion, not presented to the grand jury, acquittal, or was a county ordinance violation), this Tool cannot help you. Please see GJP’s Resources here for more information. 

If you are currently serving a first offender sentence or successfully completed your first offender sentence and need your record restricted and sealed, this tool cannot help you. Please see our resource here for more information on first offender. 

Who can this Tool help?

This Tool can help anyone who wants to learn more about record-clearing eligibility for convictions that occurred in one of Georgia's 159 counties. It does not cover convictions outside of Georgia or federal cases.

  •  This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice. We can only provide general information about eligibility to restrict and seal convictions; this Tool is not designed to determine if you are, in fact, eligible, because many factors go into that determination. This Tool will help you understand basic eligibility requirements and provide the next steps to learn more. We recommend consulting an attorney for specific legal questions.
  • This Tool is NOT an application for GJP services. Anyone can use this Tool to learn more about record-clearing eligibility. But not everyone who is eligible for record clearing is also eligible for GJP services. GJP assists individuals who cannot afford an attorney. As a small non-profit with limited resources, unfortunately, we cannot help everyone. Completion of this Tool does not submit an application for GJP services and does not guarantee representation. If we cannot directly assist, we have self-help resources and a private attorney list available upon request.

How long will it take to complete the Tool?

This Tool should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. If you have multiple convictions, you will need to complete the Tool separately for each case to learn about record-clearing eligibility for individual convictions. We recommend you start with the conviction that is currently causing you the most issues. Even if you have an ineligible conviction on your record, you may have other convictions that are eligible. 

What happens if the Tool says I’m eligible for record clearing?

If the Tool says you are eligible, you will have the opportunity to sign up for GJP’s First Friday presentation, which is the first step in applying for GJP’s record-clearing intake. GJP is a small non-profit that assists individuals who cannot afford an attorney. If you believe you do not qualify for our services based on your income, we can connect you with additional self-help resources, including a list of private attorneys.

Do I need to know any information about my case/conviction?

You will not need case numbers or exact details, but you should know if your conviction was a felony or misdemeanor, approximately when you were convicted, and how long ago you completed your sentence. 

Can everything be cleared from my record? 

Not all convictions in Georgia are eligible for record clearing. Also, you may not be eligible right now, but your eligibility may change with the passage of time or new laws. This Tool will help give you an idea of whether your case(s) are eligible now. For more information about eligibility, view our FAQ here.

How can I find out exactly what is on my Georgia record?

If you're uncertain about what is on your record, you can obtain an official background check from the state of Georgia, known as a GCIC Purpose Code U background check.

IMPORTANT WARNING: If you've missed a court date or believe there may be a warrant for the police to arrest you, DO NOT go to the police/sheriff to get your record. Instead, contact an attorney immediately to help you understand your options and avoid unnecessary arrest or complications.

If you are sure that you do not have any outstanding warrants, you can contact or visit your local Georgia police department to request a copy of your GCIC Purpose Code U (for personal use). Please be aware that there is a fee for this service.

PLEASE NOTE: All personal information you provide using this Tool will remain confidential and will not be shared outside of our organization. We hope this Tool provides you with helpful information. 

If you are ready to use the Tool, please click Next Page below to get started.
Email Address

Providing your email address allows us to send a copy of your responses to you and helps GJP track the number of people using this Tool. Please note that providing your email is optional, and your responses will remain confidential even if you choose to do so.


If you do not want to provide your email, you can click "Next Page" below to proceed.


Reminder: If you have multiple cases that ended in convictions, answer the following questions about one case at a time. You can take this Tool again to learn about options for other cases.
Criminal Case or Warrant

Pending Case or Warrant

It is not possible to restrict and seal a conviction while you have a pending case or warrant.

If you do not already have a defense attorney for your pending case and the charges are out of Fulton or DeKalb Counties, you can apply for GJP's defense services or contact the public defender's office where the case is pending.

Please click "Submit" below so we can record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Thank you for using this Tool. You can use this Tool multiple times if you would like to get information about a different case in Georgia.

Note: This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions about your charges/eligibility, we recommend you consult an attorney.

For more information on record clearing in Georgia, please see our Record Clearing FAQ.
 
We wish you the best of luck!
Probation


On Probation
An active sentence can sometimes impact eligibility for record clearing.
 If you have already completed three years of felony probation, you may be able to terminate your probation early under a law passed in 2021. Read our guidance on probation for more information. If you are serving a first offender sentence: Your case can be restricted and sealed even while the sentence is still pending, as long as your First Offender status has not been revoked. Please see our resource here for more information on first offender. Please click Next Page to see if you qualify for other forms of relief for this conviction.
Georgia Cases

Out-of-State Cases
Unfortunately, this Tool cannot help with convictions that did not happen in Georgia.

Recommended next steps: If your case is from another state, you can contact the public defender or legal aid organization in the state where your case took place. If your case is a federal conviction, you can contact the Department of Justice for information on presidential pardons. 
Please click "Submit" below so we can record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Thank you for using this Tool. You can use this Tool multiple times if you would like to get information about a different case in Georgia.

Note: This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions about your charges/eligibility, we recommend you consult an attorney.

For more information on record clearing in Georgia, please see our Record Clearing FAQ.
 
We wish you the best of luck!
The Survivors First Act
Georgia law has a specific type of record clearing for survivors of sex and labor trafficking.

Survivors of trafficking can include anyone who has been exploited or controlled by another person for profit, power, commercial gain, or other benefit. You do not have to have been moved across state lines to have been "trafficked." 

For example, you may be eligible if you experienced any of the following situations, either before, during, or after your arrest:
  • Being forced or pressured to work or provide services against your will;
  • Feeling unable to leave a job, living situation, or relationship freely;
  • Feeling forced into sexual activity in exchange for money, housing, food, drugs, or protection; 
  • Experiencing verbal threats (against you or loved ones), physical harm, or having your ID/documents taken away from you.

I'm not sure
Many people are unsure if this law applies to them. We recommend that you continue with this Tool to determine all possible eligibility. If you would like more information about this form of relief, please check out our website here and/or apply for GJP services to see whether you qualify for this form of record clearing. The first step to apply for GJP services is to attend a First Friday session. You can register for a First Friday session here.

Please continue to the next page.
Yes
If you believe that you may be a survivor of sex or labor trafficking, we recommend that you apply for GJP services to see whether you qualify for this form of record clearing. The first step in applying for GJP services is to attend a First Friday session. You can register for a First Friday session here.

Please note that sharing this information and ultimately pursuing this relief is entirely your choice. Usually, we will need information about your experience to determine if you qualify.  If you would like more information about this form of relief, please see our Record Clearing for Survivors of Human Trafficking one-pager.

Please continue to the next page.
First Offender/Conditional Discharge Sentence
Under Georgia’s First Offender Act/Conditional Discharge law, a person charged with a felony or misdemeanor can avoid having a conviction on their criminal record as long as they successfully complete their sentence.

Note: First Offender Act/Conditional Discharge can only be used one time, and not all charges qualify. Additionally, First Offender does not have to be used on your very first case, unless your first case was a felony conviction.

Informed About First Offender

Not Informed About First Offender Act
You may be eligible for a type of record clearing called "retroactive first offender." This means that you can ask the court to remove/undo your old conviction. Many factors are considered when determining if you qualify for this type of relief, and it is not guaranteed, as the court decides whether to grant this request. We recommend you talk to an attorney or apply for GJP services to find out if you qualify for retroactive first offender status.

For more details, you can find more information here. 

Please continue using this Tool to see if you qualify for other forms of relief for this conviction.
Revoked First Offender/Conditional Discharge

Sealed First Offender Act Case
If the court did not take away your First Offender Act/Conditional Discharge and your sentence is complete, it's not a conviction and you can contact our intake team for information about how to make sure it has been restricted and sealed.

If your First Offender/Conditional Discharge case has already been restricted and sealed, there is nothing more you need to do for this case.

If the arrest in your First Offender/Conditional Discharge is over 7 years old or if you have already sealed the clerk's file, this case cannot appear on private background checks anymore. Please see our background check one-pager for more information.
Please click "Submit" below so we can record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Thank you for using this tool. You can use it multiple times if you would like to get information about multiple cases. If you would like more information on record clearing generally, please see our Record Clearing FAQ.
 
You may also choose to contact an attorney if you would like help reviewing your record and applying for relief.

We wish you the best of luck.
Misdemeanor or Felony

Felony Case

Pardoned Felony Convictions
Felony convictions may be eligible for restriction and sealing if they have been pardoned by the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Pardoned felony convictions are generally eligible for restriction and sealing unless the conviction was for a serious violent or serious sexual offense. You also cannot have had a conviction for anything other than a non-serious traffic offense after having received the pardon. For more information on eligibility for restriction and sealing of pardoned offenses, you can review our information sheet here.
It is generally required to attend a GJP "First Fridays" session before applying for GJP's services. These sessions occur on the first Friday of every month. You can learn:
  • How to read your record
  • What is eligible for record clearing in Georgia
  • How to apply for a pardon
  • How to apply for GJP's services
Pardons
Generally, a pardon is the path to record clearing if you have multiple felony convictions or when retroactive first offender is not available.

To qualify for a pardon, five years must have passed since you completed your last sentence (including reporting and non-reporting probation). In exceptional cases, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles can waive the waiting period. During the waiting period, you cannot have a new arrest. Although a pardon does not automatically restrict and seal your felony conviction, most offenses become eligible for restriction and sealing once they have been pardoned.

Note that if the felony conviction was defined as a serious violent or serious sexual offense, Georgia law does not currently allow for restriction and sealing, even if the case is pardoned.

Here is more information about how to get a pardon in Georgia. 
Misdemeanor Case
Under current Georgia law, you can restrict and seal up to TWO eligible Misdemeanor convictions if:
  • The type of offense is eligible
  • You do not have a pending case
  • You have not been convicted of any crime (other than a non-serious traffic offense) in the last four years 

Ineligible Offenses
  • Family violence simple assault, family violence simple battery, and family violence battery (unless you were under 21 years old at the time of the arrest), OCGA 16-5-20(d); 16-5-23(f); 16-5-23.1(f) 
  • Family violence stalking, OCGA 16-5-90 
  • Violating a family violence order, OCGA 16-5-95 
  • Child molestation, OCGA 16-6-4 
  • Enticing a child for indecent purposes, OCGA 16-6-5 
  • Improper sexual contact by employee or agent, OCGA 16-6-5.1 
  • Public indecency, OCGA 16-6-8 
  • Keeping a place of prostitution, OCGA 16-6-10 
  • Pimping, OCGA 16-6-11 
  • Pandering by compulsion, OCGA 16-6-12 
  • Sexual battery, OCGA 16-6-22.1 
  • Obstructing or hindering persons making emergency telephone call, OCGA 16-10-24.3 
  • Peeping Toms, OCGA 16-11-61
  • All offenses related to minors in violation of OCGA 16-12-100 through 16-12-100.3 
  • Theft in violation of Chapter 8 of Title 16 (unless you were convicted of shoplifting or refund fraud) 
  • DUI and all other traffic offenses in violation of OCGA 40-6-390 through 40-6-397
  • You do not have a pending case 
  • You have not been convicted of any crime (other than a non-serious traffic offense) in the last four years 
Misdemeanor Case

Recent Conviction
Your most recent conviction may have happened too recently for you to apply for record restriction and sealing. 

Once four years have passed from your most recent conviction, you may be eligible to apply for misdemeanor record restriction and sealing.
Please click "Submit" below to record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Thank you for using this Tool. You can use the Tool multiple times if you would like to get information about a different Georgia case. Note: This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions about your charges/eligibility, we recommend you consult an attorney.

For more information on record clearing in Georgia, please see our Record Clearing FAQ.
 
We wish you the best of luck!
GJP Eligibility Screening
Thank you for your responses. This case MAY be eligible for record clearing. 

If you are interested in applying for GJP's services, please answer the following questions to see if you qualify. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE.
Please click "Submit" below to record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Thank you for using this Tool. You can use the Tool multiple times if you would like to get information about a different Georgia case. Note: This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions about your charges/eligibility, we recommend you consult an attorney.

For more information on record clearing in Georgia, please see our Record Clearing FAQ.
 
We wish you the best of luck!
If you change your mind about seeing if GJP can help with your record, it is generally required to attend a GJP "First Fridays" session before applying for GJP’s services. These sessions occur on the first Friday of every month. You can learn:

-How to read your record
-What is eligible for record clearing in Georgia
-How to apply for a pardon
-How to apply to GJP’s services. 

You can register for a First Friday session here.

If your case took place in Cobb, Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Richmond, or Burke County, you can apply for services with our Second Chance Desks directly through here.

Second Chance Desks

You can apply for free help through one of GJP’s Second Chance Desks. These programs assist with record restriction and sealing for eligible cases in these counties.

 

Athens Second Chance Desk (Athens-Clarke & Oconee Counties)

Visit: https://www.accgov.com/10489/Second-Chance-Desk

 

Augusta Second Chance Desk (Richmond & Burke Counties)

Visit: https://www.augustaga.gov/3142/Second-Chance-Desk

 

Cobb County Second Chance Desk (Cobb County)

Visit: https://www.cobbcounty.gov/district-attorney/cobb-second-chance-desk 

Please click "Submit" below to record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Thank you for using this Tool. You can use the Tool multiple times if you would like to get information about a different Georgia case. Note: This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions about your charges/eligibility, we recommend you consult an attorney. 

For more information on record clearing in Georgia, please see our Record Clearing FAQ.
 
We wish you the best of luck!
The following questions will help us determine if you are eligible for GJP's services.
Household size

Household income








Income Limit
Based on the information you entered, you are over our income limit for assistance. We're a small non-profit and must use the federal poverty guidelines to determine who we can assist. If you think this is a mistake, you can contact our office.
  • If you would like to hire an attorney to help with your record clearing, you can email intake@gjp.org for a referral list for private attorneys who handle record clearing cases.
Please click "Submit" below to record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Thank you for using this Tool. You can use the Tool multiple times if you would like ot get information about a different Georgia case. Note: This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions about your charges/eligibility, we recommend you consult an attorney. 

For more information on record clearing in Georgia, please see our Record Clearing FAQ.

We wish you the best of luck!
Concerns about your record

There are several situations our office is unable to help with. If you indicated you are concerned about your record due to out-of-state cases, federal cases, immigration, and/or restoration of firearm rights, here is some additional context about why we are unable to help with your case.  
Out-of-state or federal case
Our office does not assist people who are seeking record clearing for out-of-state or federal cases. If your case is from another state, you can contact the public defender or legal aid organization in the state where your case was resolved to ask if they can assist you.

If your case is a federal conviction, you can visit the Department of Justice's website here for more information regarding the limited pathway of a Presidential Pardon.
Immigration
Our office does not help with record clearing for immigration purposes because there are many special considerations based on someone's immigration status, and we are not immigration attorneys. We recommend you contact an immigration attorney for advice.
Restoration of firearm rights
Our office does not help with firearm rights restoration. If you would like more information about general record clearing eligibility, please see our Record Clearing FAQ. We recommend you contact an attorney who specializes in firearm rights. 
Please click "Submit" below to record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Thank you for using this Tool. You can use the Tool multiple times if you would like to get information about a different Georgia case. Note: This Tool is NOT a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions about your charges/eligibility, we recommend you consult an attorney.  

For more information on record clearing in Georgia, please see our Record Clearing FAQ.

We wish you the best of luck!
Thank you for your responses. You may be eligible for GJP services. 

It is required to attend a GJP "First Fridays" session before applying for GJP's services. These sessions occur on the first Friday of every month. You can learn:
  • How to read your record
  • What is eligible for record clearing in Georgia
  • How to apply for a pardon
  • How to apply to GJP's services

Resources

Housing
You indicated you are concerned about your record due to housing. Here are some Metro Atlanta Housing Resources, including:
  • A list of housing-focused service providers
  • Housing tips for people with a criminal record
Employment
You indicated you are concerned about your record due to employment. Here are some resources for people concerned about their record due to employment:
Identity Theft
You indicated you are concerned about your record due to identity theft.
Please click "Submit" below to record your responses. You will also receive a copy of your responses to your email so you can retain this information for your own use.

Contact Information