Every day, Houstonians are arrested, some for crimes they did commit and others they didn’t commit, with the charges later being dismissed or they are found not guilty in court. Even so, these charges can still show on their record. Remember, arrest records are public records, and they can be accessed by potential employers, landlords, significant others, insignificant others, and those looking to dig up dirt on you. At Blass Law, we are committed to protecting your rights and protecting your name. A Houston criminal record expungement lawyer on our team can go over methods to clean up your record depending on the outcome of your arrest and ultimately work toward getting the arrest expunged.
An Overview of Criminal Record Expunction
Before we get started on your case, here are some key questions to keep in mind so you have a better idea as to how the process will go for you:
Are You Eligible for a Criminal Record Expunction?
There are a handful of situations in which you qualify for expunction, which are:
- You were arrested, but never charged, for a crime.
- The charges you faced were eventually dismissed.
- When you went to trial, you received a “not guilty” verdict.
- The Governor of Texas or the President of the United States pardoned you.
- Someone stole your identity.
If you successfully completed a probation or deferred adjudication probation, or even 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. So, new job opportunities and many other things may open up.
Charged with a Crime But the Charges Were Dropped or You Weren’t Convicted?
If you faced a misdemeanor or felony charge and the case was dismissed, this arrest and charge still shows up on a background check. Even if you were found not guilty of a crime, 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.
Why Should You Get 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 the job you want
- 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.
For a legal consultation with a criminal record expunctions lawyer serving Houston, call 713-225-1900
Is It Expensive to Get Your 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 greatly help your personal and professional opportunities in the years to come.
What if You Don’t Qualify to Have the Crime Expunged From Your Record?
Don’t lose hope – we might have other options. As such, if you file a nondisclosure petition with court, they might allow your record to be permanently sealed. Once that happens, you are legally allowed to deny any criminal allegations brought against you.
Can You Qualify If You Plead Guilty or No Contest?
If you are convicted of the crime, then 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 Your Record Be Expunged?
There is no limit on what you can get expunged. It’s never too late to clean up your record! We really mean never – it’s even possible to clean up someone’s record if they have passed away.
The statute of limitations varies, but we have been successful in getting 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 You Have to Wait Before You Can Get Your Record Expunged?
That depends on the statute of limitations for the offense. Most misdemeanors have a one to two-year waiting period. 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. As such, these records will not be attainable by public agencies once the process is complete.
Houston Criminal Record Expunctions Attorney 713-225-1900
How a Houston Criminal Records Expungement Attorney on Our Team Can Help You
Navigating the criminal justice system can seem like a big maze. Don’t spend time trying to understand these complex laws when you should be focusing on personal and professional life. Instead, have our Houston record expunction lawyers take on these tasks for you.
While our Houston criminal defense attorneys trying to help you expunge a charge from your record, they can:
- Determine which statute of limitations applies to your case;
- Advise you on your legal options and implications;
- File the petition for expunction in court;
- Serve all of the involved agencies;
- Represent you in court proceedings.
If you ever have questions regarding the expunctions process, never hesitate to reach out to your Houston criminal record expungement lawyer.
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Our Track Record Speaks to Our Commitment to Our Clients
Our firm has been serving Houston for years, and we work to get each one of our clients justice. With this approach, we have achieved successful turnouts for them.
Some 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 may have been eligible for expunction. Now is the time for us to listen to your story with the criminal justice system so that we can learn how we can expunge your charges from your record.
Complete a Criminal Record Expunctions Case Evaluation form now
Call a Houston Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer Today
If you are looking to get your criminal record clean, our Houston criminal record expungement lawyer is ready to help. To learn more, contact us today at (713) 225-1900.
Call or text 713-225-1900 or complete a Case Evaluation form
