AL HB261

Courts must automatically order expungement of criminal records when a person is acquitted, the charge is dismissed with prejudice, no billed by a grand jury, or nolle prossed without conditions, provided the charge is not refiled within 14 calendar days

Applies to felonies, misdemeanors, violations, traffic violations, boating violations, and municipal ordinance violations

Individuals receiving automatic expungement are not required to pay any fees or court costs associated with the expungement order

Expunged criminal records remain available for use by attorneys and courts in related civil matters, with references to be redacted after the civil matter concludes

Effective date: October 1, 2026