
Record Restriction Services in Alpharetta, GA
Helping Clients in Cumming, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Fulton County & Forsyth County
If you have ever been arrested or charged with a crime, you may be concerned that your record will affect your future. Even if you were not prosecuted or convicted, a criminal record could have an impact on your job, relationships, and reputation. The good news is that Georgia allows for record restrictions. If eligible, you can keep your criminal record from public scrutiny, giving yourself a chance at a fresh start. Brian Hansford Law can help you protect your reputation.
Ask our Alpharetta criminal defense attorney to guide you through the record restriction process. Call us today at (678) 647-6444 or contact us online.
Understanding the Record Restriction Process
Record restriction (previously called expungement) means that aspects of your criminal history become unavailable to the public and can only be accessed by law enforcement. After your record is restricted, a potential employer would not be able to view your criminal history. However, if you are later charged with a different crime, officers of the law may review your full record.
Some records are eligible for restriction, and some are not. Most felony convictions are not eligible, but an arrest for a felony charge that was not referred for prosecution may be.
Record restriction for eligible records happens automatically if you were arrested after July 1, 2013:
- Two years after a misdemeanor
- Four years after most felonies
- Seven years after a violent crime or sex offenses
Some drug charges may be restricted after five years if you complete a drug court program. For arrests before July 1, 2013, you must apply for record restriction.
How Our Alpharetta Team Can Assist You
Depending on your record, your case’s final disposition, and various other factors, record restriction can be complicated. Our Alpharetta criminal defense attorney understands the impact your record has on your life. We can advise you of your options, walk you through the process, and even file petitions for restriction for you.
Ready to start clearing your name? Don’t wait. Ask Brian Hansford Law to handle your record restriction.
Contact our offices at (678) 647-6444 and speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney today.

You deserve an advocate who will fight aggressively to protect your rights. Attorney Brian Hansford has decades of experience working in the criminal justice system. We understand that being accused of a crime does not make you a criminal. We are prepared to do everything possible to raise doubts about allegations made by the prosecution. Get an aggressive advocate to protect your future. Call now and get started.

What Sets Us Apart
4 Reasons that Make Us the Right Choice
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First Class RepresentationAt Brian Hansford Law, you get a defense team that will give you their undivided attention to your case. We take the time to understand your situation and meticulously prepare your case in an effort to achieve the best possible result.
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Former ProsecutorHaving been a former prosecutor, Brian Hansford understands both sides of the criminal justice system. This experience helps him design an effective defense for his clients.
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Fierce Trial AttorneyMany attorneys are afraid to go to trial - NOT US! We aggressively prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
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25 Years of ExperienceThere's no substitution for experience. With 25 years of practicing law, our team has handled all kinds of charges from misdemeanors to some of the most complex and serious crimes.


Client Reviews
Don't Take Our Word For It
At Brian Hansford Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Brian Hansford is an extraordinary criminal defense attorney. He represented me in the most professional manner. He was respectful and considerate of my feelings during a difficult situation. Brian addressed my concerns, explained everything to me, and provided the appropriate legal direction. Brian was available to me 24/7 and responded to my text messages immediately. He put my mind at ease with his calm demeanor and knowledge of the judicial system. I completely trusted Brian, and he got my charges reduced. I am FOREVER GRATEFUL to Brian.
Also, I would like to comment on Brian's assistant, Erin Bell. Erin always answered my calls and responded to my emails immediately and explained what was going on with my case. I am extremely thankful for all her support and compassion towards me.
I highly recommend Brian to anyone that is seeking the BEST criminal defense attorney. He is honest and will keep your best interest at the forefront.
- Lynette -
I am so glad we hired Mr. Hansford to represent our family. He was always very professional and thorough providing feedback along the way and keeping us up-to-date all details of our case. His office personnel is also very courteous, helpful, responsive and best of all very professional. I would definitely hire Brian again for any legal representation.
- Vicky -
Mr. Brian Hansford was hired to represent my 20-year-old son with a felony drug charge and misdemeanor charges of shoplifting and underage possession of alcohol. This particular case was more difficult due to the fact my son was having emotional issues that led him to act out in anger that was getting him in trouble with our family and law enforcement. Our family was becoming a battle zone, with no end in sight. Mr. Hansford’s approach was to help the whole family through a troubling time from a legal stand point as well as an emotional one. Brian first directed us to counselors that helped us understand the deeper issues that were triggering my son to lash out. That process alone gave the whole family direction and hope again for the future. We could see immediate results in my son’s behavior. In addition, Mr. Hansford negotiated sentences that were directed more at rehabilitating my son and not ruining his future. Mr. Hansford is a valuable asset to have on your side. I will continue to recommend him to anyone needing a good knowledgeable lawyer and particularly to families that are also struggling with teenagers in the home.
- Doug -
My son, who is now 16 years old, faced some serious charges. We expected the worst. This case involved felony charges, and the prosecutor was being tough. She did not want to work with us to settle, but Brian and his team worked a miracle in our favor. Brian is persistent, strategic, and resourceful. He thinks outside of the box on how to resolve difficult issues. We were impressed with his diligence. Brian is always calm under pressure. He did not waiver or give up or settle for less. He will fight to make sure you are given a fair shake. We were beyond pleased with the result. Brian and his team deserve all the credit for making sure my son will be able to go on with his life without these charges holding him back. I also have to mention Erin Bell, who was there every step of the way. She was a huge help to us on so many occasions. Erin was always patient when we were going through frustrations or roadblocks. I appreciate all Brian and Erin did for us. I highly recommend you give them a call!!
- Frankie -
Mr. Brian Hansford advised me of my legal liability regarding a vehicular accident I was involved in. I was ticketed and summonsed to appear in court. The ticket stated I failed to obey a traffic signal resulting in an accident with another party. In reality, I had been distracted by a police operation (lane closure, three police cars with flashing lights, officers on the road arresting someone) that was occurring at this same intersection at the same time. I had been distracted by this and took my eyes off the traffic signal not noticing a light change. Mr. Hansford was successfully able to have the charge downgraded. I did not have to appear in court and I paid a very small fine with no points recorded against my license. Having the accident and a resulting ticket plus the impending court appearance caused me a great deal of anxiety and stress. Mr. Hansford put my mind at ease. He was a good listener, courteous and a pleasure to deal with. His legal assistant Erin was also great to deal with, highly efficient and very respectful. I am now VERY careful around intersections but I would not hesitate to use Mr. Hansford again should any future legal need arise. I am grateful for his counsel and would highly recommend him.
- Sarah -
I hired Brian Hansford for a DUI case. He and his paralegal Erin both worked very hard on my case and stayed in constant communication with me. Brian is really good in the courtroom and my case was concluded favorably. I highly recommend Brian Hansford.- Jason
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Mr. Hanford and firm are the best people and attorneys as far as my family is concerned. Very compassionate, diligent, and experienced. Would use Mr. Hanford again and highly recommend them. However I hope my family will never need their services in the future.- Gerrie and Julian T.
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I would like to start off by saying Brian Hansford and his assistant Erin are amazing. Brian represented me and I could not have asked for a better outcome in my situation. They were always there to answer all my questions. If you ever need any legal help please call on Brian Hansford, you will NOT be disappointed.
- Previous Client
