AL HB81

Authorizes persons charged with misdemeanors, violations, or traffic violations to petition for expungement of records when charges are dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by grand jury, or result in acquittal.

Allows persons charged with felonies to petition for expungement under similar circumstances or if charges dismissed without prejudice with no refiling and no other convictions during previous five years.

Permits conviction expungement for violations and misdemeanors after three years (five years for domestic violence third degree), with requirements including completed probation/parole, no violent felony convictions, and not being a registered sex offender.

Permits Class C felony conviction expungement after seven years with similar restrictions, plus excludes persons with convictions for 27 enumerated serious offenses including murder, rape, robbery, drug trafficking, and child-related crimes.

Charges $600 administrative fee ($300 to Fair Trial Tax Fund, $75 to prosecuting authority, $100 to court clerk, $25 to Crime Victim's Compensation, $100 to Department of Public Safety) with indigency hardship exceptions.