How to Restrict or Expunge a Dismissed Arrest Record in Georgia

Was Your Case Dismissed but the Arrest Still Shows Up on Your Record?

You may think your legal troubles are behind you once your criminal case is dismissed—but that’s not always true when it comes to your official Georgia criminal history. Many people are surprised to learn that a dismissed case can still leave behind an arrest record, which can be seen by employers, schools, and others.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we help teens and young adults clean up their records and protect their futures. If you’ve had a case dismissed and your arrest is still showing up, you may be eligible for what’s known as record restriction (previously referred to as expungement) in Georgia.

⚠️ Important: This post is for general information only. If you want personalized help with clearing your record, contact us for a complimentary defense strategy meeting.

Who Qualifies for Arrest Record Restriction in Georgia?

You may qualify for a restriction if:

• Your case was dismissed, either by the court or through a pretrial diversion program.
• You were not convicted of the crime associated with the arrest.
• The arrest occurred after July 1, 2013 and the case was dismissed, but the record is still showing up inappropriately.
• OR the arrest occurred before July 1, 2013, and you have not yet gone through the restriction process.

Georgia law changed in 2013 to automatically restrict eligible records for arrests resulting in dismissals, but not all agencies are following through. That’s why it’s important to check your Georgia criminal history after your case is resolved.

What Is the Process for Getting an Arrest Record Restricted?

Restricting your record involves several key steps:

1. Obtain and Complete the GBI Record Restriction Form
   • Available from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
   • Must be filled out with accurate legal information about your case.
2. Submit the Form to the Arresting Agency
   • They will review it and send it to the appropriate prosecutor’s office.
3. Prosecutor’s Office Review
   • They determine if your case qualifies under Georgia law.
   • Once approved, the form is forwarded to the GBI.
4. GBI Finalizes the Restriction
   • Once all agencies have approved the restriction, the GBI will update your criminal history.

🔍 Common Mistakes: Incorrect or incomplete forms, sending it to the wrong agency, or not confirming follow-through at each step.

Why Record Restriction Matters

Even if your case was dismissed, the arrest may still:

• Show up on background checks
• Affect job or school applications
• Lead to uncomfortable questions or unfair assumptions

A successful record restriction helps ensure your past doesn’t keep resurfacing in ways that hurt your future.

Ready to Clear Your Dismissed Arrest Record in Georgia?

If you’re unsure whether your arrest qualifies for restriction, or if you’ve already tried and run into problems, our team can help. At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we’re committed to helping people in their teens and twenties move forward with confidence.

Contact us to schedule your defense strategy meeting.