Having a criminal record can have a significant impact on your future. It can limit your job prospects, your ability to rent an apartment, and even your ability to obtain a loan. If you have a criminal record in Texas, it is essential to understand how it can affect your future and what you can do to minimize the impact.
In Texas, a criminal record can be expunged or sealed under certain circumstances. Expungement means that your criminal record is erased as if it never existed, while sealing means that your record is hidden from the public but still exists. The process of expungement is not automatic, and it oftentimes requires the assistance of a criminal defense attorney.
Expungement is available to individuals who have been arrested for a crime but were not charged, had their case dismissed due to lack of evidence (and so long as the statute of limitations has run), or were acquitted of the charges. If you were convicted of a crime, you may be eligible for expungement if you received a pardon or if you were declared actually innocent of the crime, but those are extremely limited exceptions.
The process of expungement in Texas involves filing a petition with the court that handled your case. The petition must include your full name, date of birth, and social security number, as well as information about the offense for which you were arrested. You must also provide proof that you are eligible for expungement, such as a court order dismissing your case.
Once your petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing to consider your request for expungement. If the court grants your petition, your criminal record will be erased, and you will be able to legally deny that you were ever arrested or charged with a crime (the only limitation involves situations where you are testifying under oath regarding the allegation and expunction).
If you have a criminal record in Texas and are interested in expungement, it is essential to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can review your case, determine whether you are eligible for expungement, and guide you through the process.
Our team of experienced attorneys have a thorough understanding of Texas expungement laws and can help you navigate the process. We offer personalized representation and will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you clear your criminal record and move forward with your life.