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For many people with a criminal record, even a dismissed or acquitted charge can linger in the background—affecting job opportunities, housing, and peace of mind. As Lawyer Monthly explores this growing area of criminal law, Mississippi attorney Tangi Carter shares her insight on expungement—the legal process of erasing or sealing a criminal record—and how it has helped many of her clients rebuild their lives.
Carter, a veteran defense lawyer and founder of The Law Firm of Tangi Carter & Associates, has spent over 25 years helping clients navigate Mississippi’s complex criminal justice system. Here, she explains what expungement means, who qualifies, and why the process offers more than just a clean record—it offers a genuine second chance.
“An expungement,” Carter explains, “is a mechanism by which an individual can petition the court to have a criminal record removed.” Once approved, that individual may legally state on job or school applications that they have never been convicted or arrested for the expunged crime.
Many people don’t realize that even if a charge is dismissed or a jury returns a not-guilty verdict, an arrest record still exists. Only a formal expungement order removes the record from all relevant local, state, and federal databases.
The process depends on the type of charge and the sentence imposed. “Some cases—like violent felonies—are not eligible,” says Carter.
Generally, a person must first complete their court-ordered sentence, then file a civil petition to expunge in the same court where they were charged. Because the process can be complex, most applicants benefit from legal representation.
Once the petition is approved and signed by both the judge and prosecutor, the clerk forwards the order to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center, which removes the record from all applicable systems.
According to Carter, expunging a DUI conviction can be life-changing. “Many employers and licensing boards won’t hire or approve someone with a DUI on their record,” she explains. “Beyond that, removing the stigma of a DUI helps restore a client’s confidence.”
For many, it’s one of the most embarrassing events of their lives—and expungement provides both emotional and professional relief.
Under Mississippi law, individuals can expunge only one felony conviction, though they may expunge multiple arrests that did not result in convictions.
For felony or DUI convictions, applicants must typically wait five years after completing their sentence before petitioning for expungement.
“Expungement law is nuanced,” Carter notes. “Different statutes apply to different charges and sentences.” An experienced attorney ensures that petitions are properly filed and that every agency involved in recordkeeping receives and processes the expungement order correctly.
Even when a charge cannot be expunged, Carter’s firm often helps clients petition to restore firearm rights or regain other privileges. “We’ve helped hundreds of clients move forward with their lives,” she says. “Expungement or not, there’s always a way to advocate for a second chance.”
Carter’s passion for law began early—her family’s deep ties to the Mississippi legal community inspired her career path. After serving as an Assistant Public Defender in Florida and later with the Federal Public Defender’s Office, she founded her own firm in 2013.
Today, she represents clients across Mississippi and Louisiana, and is admitted to practice in Tennessee and Florida. She has been recognized among the Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers in Mississippi and named a Mississippi Leader in Law by the Mississippi Business Journal.
“I never want my clients to be just another name on the docket,” Carter says. “To tell their story effectively, I have to truly know them.” She views each case as a collaboration—often involving clients’ families and friends to prepare the best defense possible.
Her philosophy is simple: “This is my client’s life on the line. I’m here to serve them—not to be the smartest person in the room.”
With over two decades in practice, Carter continues to expand her firm. In January, she hired associate attorney Lindsay Arevalo, bringing new energy to the team. Supported by her experienced paralegals and staff, Carter’s goal is to make her firm the leading criminal defense practice in Mississippi—while maintaining the personal touch that defines her work.
“I love being a criminal defense lawyer,” she says. “I want to keep fighting for people—and still have time to travel with my husband, Mark. The goal is a firm that runs smoothly so I can focus on what matters most: our clients and their stories.”
The Law Firm of Tangi Carter & Associates
912 W Pine St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA
Tel: +1 601-544-1313 | E: tangi@tangicarterlaw.com
