If you were arrested for a crime and the charges were either dismissed or you were found not guilty, those charges can still show on your record. Regardless of the outcome, arrest records are public records, and potential employers, landlords, significant others, and anyone looking for information about you can access them. It’s crucial that you clear your record of criminal offenses so you can get on with your life with a clean record.
At Blass Law, we are committed to protecting your rights and your name. A Houston criminal defense lawyer on our team can review methods to clean up your record depending on the outcome of your arrest and ultimately work toward expunging the arrest.
A Houston Criminal Records Expungement Attorney on Our Team Can Help You
Navigating the criminal justice system can seem like a giant maze. The expungement process can seem especially intimidating. Don’t try to understand these complex laws when you should focus on your personal and professional life. Instead, have our Houston record expunction lawyers complete these tasks for you.
Our Houston criminal defense lawyers can work to help expunge a charge from your record by:
- Determining which statute of limitations applies to your case;
- Advising you on your legal options and implications;
- Filing the petition for expunction in court;
- Serving all of the involved agencies;
- Representing you in court proceedings.
If you ever have questions regarding the expunctions process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Houston criminal record expungement lawyer.
Our Track Record Speaks to Our Commitment to Our Clients
Our firm has been serving Houston for years, and we work to get each of our clients justice. Some examples are as follows.
- A client was charged with criminal trespass after bringing a gun to school. These charges were dismissed.
- After being charged with a DWI and driving more than 20 miles over the speed limit, we were able to get the client’s case dismissed.
- Law enforcement stopped our client in their car after they saw them break into another vehicle and steal valuables. Under our representation, the case was dismissed.
As you can see, all of these charges were dismissed, so our clients were eligible for expunction. We want to hear your story to help expunge your charges from your record.
An Overview of Criminal Record Expunction in Houston
Before we get started on your case, here are some key questions you might have. The answers will give you a better idea of how a criminal record expungement attorney in Houston can have your record cleared.
Why Should I Have My Record Expunged?
Having a criminal record can impede all areas of someone’s life. To name a few examples, they could have trouble:
- Getting loans from the bank
- Being accepted into the school of your choice
- Securing job opportunities
- Purchasing a vehicle
- Renting or buying property
- Participating in certain events, particularly those involving children
Don’t let past criminal charges keep you from living the life you want.
Am I Eligible for a Criminal Record Expunction?
There are a few situations in which you qualify for expunction. They include:
- You were arrested but never charged with a crime.
- The charges you faced were dismissed.
- You received a “not guilty” verdict when you went to trial.
- The Governor of Texas or the President of the United States pardoned you.
- Someone stole your identity.
If you completed probation, deferred adjudication probation, or even if you have a conviction, you could be eligible for a nondisclosure. A nondisclosure will seal your arrest and charges from everyone except the government. Private companies or entities will not know about your arrest or the charges.
What if I was Charged with a Crime, but the Charges Were Dropped, or I Wasn’t Convicted?
If you faced a misdemeanor or felony charge and the case was dismissed, this arrest and charge still appear on a background check. Even if you were found not guilty, numerous agencies have records of the arrest because the charges aren’t simply erased from your criminal record.
It will always show up on a background check until it is expunged. You can file a lawsuit to sue all agencies that have records relating to your arrest and force them to destroy these records. The sooner you contact a Houston record expunction lawyer to start the process, the sooner you will be enjoying the benefits of a spotless record.
What Disqualifies Me From a Criminal Record Expungement in Texas?
In Texas, certain crimes disqualify an individual from being eligible for an expungement. These include:
- Felony Convictions: Generally, felony convictions are not eligible for expungement.
- Deferred Adjudication for Felonies: If you were placed on deferred adjudication for a felony offense, you are not eligible for expungement. However, some misdemeanor offenses under deferred adjudication may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure.
- Certain Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Sexual Offenses: Crimes such as sexual assault or indecency with a child.
- Family Violence: Offenses involving family violence.
- Child Endangerment: Offenses related to child endangerment or injury to a child.
- Murder: Homicide or attempted homicide offenses.
- Pending Charges: If you have any pending criminal charges, you may not be eligible for expungement until those charges are resolved.
- Multiple Convictions: Multiple convictions, even for minor offenses, can disqualify you from expungement.
- Certain Traffic Offenses: Convictions for serious traffic offenses, including driving while intoxicated (DWI) and hit-and-run, typically cannot be expunged.
Additionally, there are specific conditions under which even otherwise eligible offenses might be disqualified for expungement. It’s important to consult with a legal professional to understand the nuances of your particular case and determine eligibility.
If you don’t qualify to have a crime expunged from your record, don’t lose hope – we might have other options. As such, if you file a nondisclosure petition with the court, they might allow your record to be permanently sealed. Once that happens, you can legally deny any criminal allegations brought against you.
Can I Qualify If I Plead Guilty or No Contest?
If you are convicted of the crime, you aren’t eligible for an expunction, but you could be eligible for a nondisclosure and have your record sealed.
If the charge is your first offense, you may be entitled to have your record sealed after two years. The circumstances of the case and your prior convictions and charges have a bearing on your eligibility.
How Far Back Can My Record Be Expunged?
There is no limit on what you can get expunged. It’s never too late to clean up your record. It’s even possible to clean up someone’s record if they have passed away.
The statute of limitations varies, but we have successfully gotten immediate expunctions for many of our clients. The faster you initiate the expunction process, the better, as you do not want criminal charges on your record any longer than necessary.
How Long Do I Have to Wait Before I Can Get My Record Expunged?
That depends on the statute of limitations for the offense. Most misdemeanors have a one- to two-year waiting period, and most felonies have a three- to five-year waiting period. In some cases, the district attorney can agree to an early expunction.
In any case, it will be worth the wait. Once the process is complete, public agencies cannot access these records.
Is It Expensive to Get My Criminal Record Expunged?
The seriousness and how long it’s been since said crime can influence the cost of getting it expunged from your record. However, don’t let the price discourage you from taking action. Making this investment will significantly help your personal and professional opportunities in the future.
Call a Houston Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer Today
If you want to clean up your criminal record, our Houston criminal record expungement lawyer is ready to help. Call us today for your confidential initial consultation.