Quick Overview
- Not every criminal defense attorney specializes in expungement.
- Your attorney's job ends when the court order is served on government agencies.
- The ABA's legal aid and pro bono directory is particularly useful for finding either free help (if you qualify) or affordable options in your area.
Where to Find Qualified Expungement Attorneys
Not every criminal defense attorney specializes in expungement. The process varies significantly by state, and experience with local courts matters - both for knowing procedural nuances and for relationships with prosecutors who may play a role in more complex cases. The most reliable sources for finding a qualified local expungement attorney are: state bar referral services (every state bar association operates one), legal aid organizations, law school expungement clinics, and vetted attorney directories like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell.
The ABA's legal aid and pro bono directory is particularly useful for finding either free help (if you qualify) or affordable options in your area. State bar referral programs typically charge $25-$75 for an initial consultation with a vetted attorney in your jurisdiction - a worthwhile investment before committing to full representation. Learn more about what an expungement attorney does and typical costs on our blog.
Not every criminal defense attorney specializes in expungement. The process varies significantly by state, and experience with local courts matters. Here are the most reliable ways to find a qualified attorney: For more information, visit the ABA legal aid.
State Bar Referral Programs
Every state bar association operates a lawyer referral service. You describe your situation, they match you with an attorney who handles expungement in your jurisdiction. Initial consultations through referral programs are typically $25-$75. This is the most reliable starting point for finding a vetted practitioner. Learn more about expungement vs. record sealing on our blog.
Legal Aid Organizations
If you meet income guidelines, legal aid organizations provide free or reduced-cost expungement help. Many run expungement clinics - group sessions where attorneys process multiple cases in a single day. The Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov) can connect you with your local legal aid office. Learn more about court record removal on our blog.
Law School Expungement Clinics
Law schools with criminal justice clinics often offer free expungement services. Students do the work under licensed attorney supervision. Wait times can be longer than private attorneys, but the service is free and quality is generally high. Learn more about background check reports on our blog.
Online Attorney Directories
Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and FindLaw all list expungement attorneys by state. Filter for criminal defense attorneys who specifically mention expungement, record sealing, or post-conviction relief in their practice area descriptions.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
When evaluating an expungement attorney, ask:
- How many expungements have you completed in this state / county?
- Are you familiar with the specific statute covering my charge and year of conviction?
- What's your fee structure - flat fee or hourly?
- Does your fee include the filing fee, or is that separate?
- What happens after the court order - do you follow up with agencies?
- What is your realistic timeline estimate for my case?
Expungement Attorney Fees by State
| State | Typical Attorney Fee | Court Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| California | $700-$2,500 | $150-$400 |
| Texas | $1,500-$3,000 | $300-$500 |
| Florida | $1,000-$2,500 | $75-$200 |
| New York | $1,500-$3,500 | $85-$200 |
| Illinois | $800-$2,000 | $250-$400 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,000-$2,500 | $125-$250 |
| Ohio | $1,000-$2,000 | $150-$300 |
| Georgia | $800-$2,000 | $100-$300 |
After Your Expungement Is Granted: The Internet Problem
Your attorney's job ends when the court order is served on government agencies. But what about Google? Justia? Background check sites? These platforms are not covered by your court order. They scraped your case before expungement and have no automatic obligation to remove that data. For more information on your rights regarding background check data, see LawHelp.org for state-specific consumer rights resources.
Most people are surprised that their expunged record still appears in Google search results for months or years after the legal process is complete. That cleanup requires separate action targeting each platform individually - a different specialization than what expungement attorneys provide. If your expunged record is still showing online, contact us for a free case review or run a free scan to see everywhere your record currently appears. You can also read our guide on expunged records still showing online.
Your attorney's job ends when the court order is served on government agencies. But what about Google? Justia? Background check sites? These platforms are not covered by your court order. They scraped your case before expungement and have no automatic obligation to remove that data. For more information, visit the LawHelp.
Most people are surprised that their expunged record still appears in Google search results for months or years after the legal process is complete. That cleanup requires separate action targeting each platform individually - a different specialization than what expungement attorneys provide.
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