How to Expunge a Felony in Columbia, South Carolina
- 1). Visit the court that handled your case, which could be the Columbia city court or a county-level court there, and obtain your case file. The file should include a signed order from a judge noting that the case was dismissed or that you were found not guilty of the charge. The complaint from the arresting police agency should also be there. The court clerk can also go over the criteria for expungement, and advise you whether you would be eligible.
- 2). Obtain an Expungement Objection Transmittal form. You should be able should be able to get this from any criminal court clerk. Complete that form to note your contact information, dates of arrest and court appearances, and the outcome of the case. A court's decision will be noted on that same form after you submit it through the proper channels.
- 3). Submit the form and the required fees to the 5th Circuit Judicial Court Solicitors, which is located in Columbia. The 5th Circuit covers Columbia and the surrounding Richland County. Fees include a $250 administration charge for the solicitors' office and a $25 charge from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which will research your criminal record before signing off on your request and forwarding it to a 5th Circuit judge, who will have final say on the matter.
