For some of us, having a blotch on our background is like carrying a weight. The appearance of a criminal record in your background is never a good thing.
Criminal records can lead to decreased economic options and even keep you from living in some neighborhoods. In some situations, having a criminal background can mean higher leasing fees and insurance premiums. Even contractors and professionals can experience trouble as a result of the appearance of a criminal record during background checks.
However, Texas law offers a beacon of hope in the form of expungement. This process is also called criminal record sealing. If you qualify, this option can be just what you need to clear your criminal record. Although not everyone qualifies to have their criminal records sealed, we’re able to help those that do.
Since 1991, we’ve helped people fight criminal charges and keep their backgrounds clean. If you need to speak with a defense lawyer about criminal charges or clearing up criminal records, contact our law firm today. We can be reached at 713-659-0909.
Ask for either Attorney Tad Nelson or Amber Spurlock.
Expungement in Texas
Expungement is often referred to as criminal record sealing. It’s the process of getting the criminal justice system to erase certain criminal records.
Expunction is outlined in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01. Individuals are eligible for expungement only under certain circumstances. Eligible individuals may have been acquitted, received a pardon, or had their criminal charges dismissed.
Are You Eligible for Expunction?
To qualify for expungement in Texas, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements vary depending on the severity of the criminal charges. Other factors may play a part in your eligibility too.
Acquittals and Pardons
If you were acquitted of criminal charges, the record could be expunged. People who received a pardon following a conviction are also eligible for an expungement as documented in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01(a)(1).
Dismissed Charges
If your criminal charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible for expungement. However, there are exceptions.
If you were convicted of a felony within five years of the dismissed charge, there may be complications in your expungement case. However, it depends on your situation. To get you a clear answer, we’ll need to review the circumstances of your case.
Certain deferred adjudication cases can also be expunged along with no-billed cases. If you have questions about your particular situation, give us a call.
Waiting Periods
For certain offenses, you’ll have to wait a period before you can apply for an expungement. The length of the waiting period depends on the nature of the offense.
The Expungement Process
Getting the courts to expunge a criminal record isn’t a walk in the park. The expunction process involves meticulous preparation, extensive paperwork, and a working knowledge of Texas law. The following outlines the usual steps in the process.
Confirming Eligibility
This first step is to make sure you qualify. We’ll review your case and criminal history to make sure you’re eligible for expungement.
Preparing the Petition
The expungement process starts when a petition for expunction is filed with the court. This document outlines the details of the record you wish to expunge. We’ll also have to list each agency that has a record of the offense to notify them of the expunction. These agencies may include the county of arrest, TXDPS, DA’s offices, law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the Texas Education Agency. It may also include other government agencies in addition to private companies that may have purchased the information from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Hearing
After the petition is filed, a judge will review the request, then schedule a hearing. If the court is convinced that you meet the criteria, they’ll order the expungement of your record.
Enforcement of the Order
Following the court’s order, all agencies holding records of the expunged offense must remove the record.
Expunction should not be confused with Certificates of Non-Disclosure. Non-Disclosure is a different type of criminal record sealing which hides criminal records from public view.
Taking Advantage of Expunction
If you’re a professional with pending charges, a criminal history or an arrest record, it’s wise to consider expungement. Even college students and contractors can benefit by hiding their criminal records. Don’t ruin your future or be denied the renewal of your professional license. Let our legal team help you hide your criminal records.
We’ve built a strong reputation in the Houston area for providing excellent legal representation to our clients. If you’re working with our law firm, we’ll represent you with the same energy.
Need To Hide Criminal Records?
Talk with a Houston Expunction Lawyer Today!
If you’re looking for legal representation, our law firm can help you. Houston criminal defense attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock are just a phone call away at 713-659-0909. If you have questions, call us.
We take pride in our commitment to our clients in addition to the results we get for them. If you’re ready to get started, let’s work on getting your criminal records erased. If we can get this done, you can have a new lease on life. Get started today.
We assist with expunction cases in Harris County & Galveston County. If your case is outside of these counties, it doesn’t mean we can’t help you. Contact our law firm to get any of your questions answered today.
