If you're seeking assistance with criminal records in Alabama, whether it's for expungement, sealing records, or navigating background checks, there are resources and organizations that can help. Here's a detailed guide: --- ### **1. Alabama Law on Criminal Record Expungement** - **Alabama Expungement Law**: - Allows certain criminal charges (e.g., dismissed charges or non-convictions) to be removed from public records. - Includes non-violent felony charges under specific conditions. - **Code Reference**: **Ala. Code § 15-27-1** - **Eligibility**: - Charges that did not lead to a conviction. - Convictions for certain youthful offenses. - Non-convictions after successful completion of diversion programs. - **How to Proceed**: File a petition for expungement in the circuit court where the charge was filed. --- ### **2. Alabama Legal Help** - **Legal Services Alabama (LSA)**: - **Purpose**: Provides free or low-cost legal assistance for low-income individuals. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-866-456-4995** - **Website**: [legalservicesalabama.org](https://www.legalservicesalabama.org) - **Services**: - Guidance on expungement eligibility. - Help with filing expungement petitions. - Legal representation in court. --- ### **3. Alabama Justice Initiative** - **Purpose**: Advocates for criminal justice reform and provides resources for expungement and record sealing. - **Website**: [alabamajustice.org](https://www.alabamajustice.org) - **Details**: - Free or reduced-cost legal clinics. - Educational resources on the expungement process. --- ### **4. Alabama Nonprofit Legal Aid** - **The Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP)**: - **Purpose**: Connects eligible individuals with pro bono attorneys for civil legal matters, including expungement. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-888-857-8571** - **Website**: [alabamavlp.org](https://www.alabamavlp.org) - **Details**: - Free assistance for individuals who meet income guidelines. - Help navigating expungement or criminal record corrections. --- ### **5. National Resources Applicable in Alabama** - **Clean Slate Initiative**: - **Purpose**: Advocates for policies and provides resources to help individuals with criminal records. - **Website**: [cleanslateinitiative.org](https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org) - **National Employment Law Project (NELP)**: - **Purpose**: Offers guidance on fair chance hiring and record sealing. - **Website**: [nelp.org](https://www.nelp.org) --- ### **6. Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI)** - **Purpose**: Provides official criminal record checks for individuals. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **334-517-2400** - **Website**: [www.alea.gov](https://www.alea.gov) - **Details**: - Obtain a copy of your criminal record for review or correction. - Check eligibility for expungement. --- ### **7. Alabama Courts** - **Self-Help Resources**: - Access forms and guides for expungement petitions. - Visit [eforms.alacourt.gov](https://eforms.alacourt.gov). - **Clerk of Court**: - Contact the clerk in the circuit court where your case was handled for information on filing expungement petitions. --- ### **8. Job Assistance and Reentry Programs** - **Alabama Reentry Initiative**: - **Purpose**: Helps individuals with criminal records transition back into the workforce. - **Website**: [reentryalabama.org](https://reentryalabama.org) - **Services**: - Job training and placement. - Record review and guidance on expungement. - **Aletheia House**: - **Purpose**: Provides reentry support, including counseling and job placement for individuals with a criminal record. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-324-6502** - **Website**: [aletheiahouse.org](https://aletheiahouse.org) --- ### **9. Local Community Programs** - Many community organizations and legal clinics offer workshops or free assistance for criminal record-related issues. Check with local bar associations or nonprofit groups in your area. --- ### **10. Steps to Take for Expungement or Record Help** 1. **Obtain a Copy of Your Record**: - Contact the Alabama Bureau of Investigation or use ALEA’s resources for a background check. 2. **Determine Eligibility**: - Consult with a lawyer or legal aid organization to confirm your eligibility for expungement. 3. **File a Petition**: - Work with the circuit court to submit the required paperwork and attend a hearing, if necessary. --- Let me know if you’d like additional details or further guidance!