Getting a qualifying record removed
South African law allows certain criminal records to be expunged from the SAPS Criminal Record Centre under Section 271B of the Criminal Procedure Act and related provisions.
The rules are specific: how long ago the conviction was, what the offence was, and whether there have been any further convictions all matter. We do the eligibility assessment up front so you don't waste time on an application that won't succeed.
Once eligibility is confirmed, we prepare the application, submit it to the Department of Justice, and follow through until the expungement certificate is issued.
What's included
Every report is a clear, dossier-style PDF with supporting evidence and a recommendation.
Eligibility assessment
Honest yes/no on whether the record qualifies, before any application fee is spent.
Fresh SAPS record extract
Current AFIS check to confirm exactly what's on the record.
Application preparation & submission
All Department of Justice forms, supporting affidavits and documents prepared and lodged.
Follow-through to certificate
We chase Justice, keep you updated, and hand over the expungement certificate at the end.
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Frequently asked
What does criminal record expungement mean in South Africa?+
Expungement is the legal removal of a qualifying criminal record from the SAPS Criminal Record Centre. Once expunged, the record no longer appears in criminal record checks or police clearance certificates.
Who qualifies for expungement?+
In broad terms: adults whose conviction is at least 10 years old (with no further convictions in that period), certain minor offences, and cases where a fine below a defined threshold was imposed. We assess eligibility as the first step.
How long does expungement take?+
From application to certificate, most cases run 6–12 months, driven by the Department of Justice's own turnaround. We manage the whole process and keep you informed.
How much does it cost?+
We charge a flat professional fee for the assessment and application, plus disbursements. Send us your details via the contact form for a firm quote.
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