Expungement Guidance

1. An expungement check list may be obtained from the Circuit Criminal Division of the Etowah County Circuit Clerk's office located at 801 Forrest Avenue, Suite 202, Gadsden, AL 35901
2. Petitions for expungement of records from either the Etowah County District Court or any municipal court located in Etowah County must be filed in the Circuit Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk's office.  Effective July 1, 2021, the filing fee was increased from $300.00 to $500.00 which is due upon the filing of an expungement petition. (See Acts 2021-286 & 2021-482 for new laws on expungements)
3. Petitions for expungement of records (Form 65) may be found at E-Forms (Criminal Forms). Request for criminal history forms may be found at www.alea.gov (Criminal Records Expungement - Kit, Orders & Forms)
   Note: USE ONLY THE PETITION FOR EXPUNGEMENT FORM FROM THE ALACOURT.GOV WEB SITE ONLY. 
4. Both the Expungement Check List and the Petition for Expungement of Records reflect the requirements of the petitioner, however, if necessary, you may choose to consult an attorney to assist in filing an expungement petition on your behalf.
5. Upon 45 days from the filing of the expungement petition, if no objection has been made from the district attorney or municipal prosecuting attorney, the petition will be sent to a circuit judge for ruling. If an objection is filed, a hearing should be scheduled no sooner than 14 days from the objection filing date. The judge may rule on the petition with or without a hearing if no objection has been filed. Please allow up to 60 days to receive notification of ruling.