A criminal record can have a serious effect on your life. When a potential employer carries out a background check, they’ll see your criminal history. The same goes for a loan, an educational program, and many forms of housing. Worse, criminal charges and arrests can remain on your record even if you were never convicted or you went through deferred adjudication. Why should a criminal record continue to haunt you if you were not guilty of a crime?
Fortunately, you could be able to clear your record through a process known as expunction. Eligibility for this procedure is limited and contingent upon several factors. However, even if your circumstances do not qualify you for expunction, you may still be able to receive an Order of Non-Disclosure, which means that your record will be sealed.
To find out if you can have your criminal record expunged, contact an Austin expungement lawyer at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C. We can review your case and answer any questions you have during an initial consultation.
Houston Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer
Having a record expunged is not as simple a process as it should be, and the waiting time for expungement in Texas can vary. This is why it is important to work with attorneys who have significant experience in helping clients complete the expungement process.
When you contact a seasoned Austin expungement lawyer at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C., you get someone with the knowledge, skill, and experience to help you smoothly navigate the Texas expunction process. We’re ready to review your case to determine if you’re eligible for expunction and, if so, help you complete all the necessary steps to clear your name.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will assess how to expunge your record in Texas, optimize your chances for record sealing, or explore the best options for expunction.
Dwi Expunction Attorney
An expunction (also sometimes called an “expungement”) is the legal process of removing the record of a criminal offense. After a court has put an expunction order into effect, the person has the legal right to deny the occurrence of the incident that led to their arrest. Furthermore, they may even deny the existence of the expunction order itself, except if they are questioned about the arrest in a criminal proceeding.
There are specific limitations to who is eligible to receive an expunction and what crimes – whether a felony or a misdemeanor – can be expunged in Texas. You may qualify if you:
If you were convicted of the crime and do not fall under any of the above circumstances, your case is not eligible for expunction.
Plano Expunction And Non Disclosure Lawyers
Some cases are eligible for an Order of Non-Disclosure from the court, which will have the effect of “sealing” the individual’s record. This means that while criminal justice agencies are the few who can still see expunged records in Texas, the general public will not be able to see them. Therefore, these records will not appear in most background checks, including for employment.
Furthermore, a person whose criminal history has been sealed through an Order of Non-Disclosure may legally deny the associated arrest and criminal case, except in very particular circumstances.
While it is not as absolute as an expunction, this is often the best available alternative for people whose cases do not qualify to be expunged.
West Chester Dui Expungement Lawyer
The first step in having your criminal records relating to a case removed is to file an expunction petition with the court. Following this, there will be a hearing where the court will decide whether your record should be expunged.
This process will involve legal arguments, evidence, and testimony regarding the merits of your petition. You may have an Austin criminal defense attorney present at the hearing to represent you.
If your case does not meet the strict criteria necessary for expunction, it will likely be denied. If that happens, you may be disqualified from filing further expunction petitions for that case. This is why it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, as they know how to present your case for expunction clearly and effectively.
Grand Prairie Expunction And Non Disclosure Lawyers
Texas law allows people who pleaded guilty or no contest and then completed deferred adjudication to apply to have their case records sealed. They must, however, have received a discharge and dismissal of their probation. First-time misdemeanors dismissed and discharged after August 31, 2017, should be automatically given an Order of Non-Disclosure six months after the applicant was placed on deferred adjudication.
Most misdemeanors can be sealed as soon as the applicant completes deferred adjudication or serves their sentence. In cases of more serious misdemeanors, however, they may have to wait until two years after completion of deferred adjudication.
Those charged with a felony offense must wait five years after they have completed deferred adjudication. After five years, they may apply to have their record sealed.
Tarrant County Expunction Lawyer
Obtaining an Order of Non-Disclosure is similar to the process of an expunction petition. You must file the petition or motion for non-disclosure in the same court that originally heard your case. Once you have filed, you will receive a hearing date.
Your expungement attorney may be present to represent you at this hearing and argue in favor of granting the non-disclosure. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court will decide whether to grant the order.
It is important to note that judges are not required to grant a non-disclosure order. They can deny the petition if they believe justice would not be served by granting the order. This is a major way in which non-disclosure differs from expunction. With expungement in Texas, you either meet or do not meet the requirements. Non-disclosure, on the other hand, is discretionary.
What Exactly Does Expunction Of Records Mean?
This is one of the main reasons why choosing a criminal defense attorney with experience obtaining non-disclosure orders for their clients is important. The lawyers at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C. have helped many clients obtain Orders of Non-Disclosure, so we know what it takes to put forward strong cases for our clients.
Those who are ultimately convicted of a crime are generally ineligible for expunction, whether the conviction resulted from a guilty plea, a no contest plea, or a trial. In Texas, a no contest plea has the same impact as a guilty plea. Unless you receive a pardon from the governor of Texas or the president of the United States, you will not be able to expunge your record.
The one other exception to this rule is that you may be eligible for expunction if you were convicted of an Unlawful Carrying Weapons (UCW) offense before September 1, 2021.
Expunction & Non Disclosure Order
Having charges on your criminal record can have serious long-term repercussions. Fortunately, an expungement or a non-disclosure order can allow you to clean the slate and move past certain mistakes you may have made. If successful, the process can remove the stigma of a criminal record, which can give you immense relief. You can also access better jobs, housing, and educational opportunities because background checks will not disclose the arrest or charge. Furthermore, you can have peace of mind knowing that friends, family, or colleagues will never discover your history through a background check.
An experienced Austin expungement attorney at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C. understands how life-changing an expunction or a record sealing can be for those who have had criminal charges brought against them. We are passionate about helping people in our community move forward in their lives and get the fresh starts they deserve. We pride ourselves on total commitment to our clients and valuing people over profits. This principle has driven our success with thousands of cases over the last 50 years.
To find out if you could be eligible for expunction or non-disclosure, contact the team at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C. today, online or by phone.Highly recommend! Colin thank you so much for your dedication. Thank you for actually wanting to sincerely help and give us the best outcome we can get. You are by far one of the best. You helped my bf reschedule a court date after it was missed and was able to give him the same plea deal. Thank you again Colin.
Houston Expunction & Non Disclosure Lawyer
Absolutely wonderful! Collin was fantastic. He really fought for me and I am very happy with the outcome of my case. He really fought for my case to have a positive outcome and was supportive, easy to get ahold of when needed and walked me through everything. I would definitely recommend him to anyone and everyone!!
I would highly recommend Hoeller McLaughlin. They helped my husband on a probation violation case and did an excellent job. Dustin Trammel was our attorney and he communicated with us and was supportive and helpful throughout the process. Very good legal service and would recommend this firm.
Colin by far has been one of the BEST attorneys in Ft. Worth. His dedication and attentiveness really shows not only in court but with the client and family. Great communication, easy web portal and friendly staff. 5 stars are NOT enough. Thank you Colin
Highland Park Expunction And Non Disclosure Lawyer
I can not say enough about how grateful I am that Dustin Trammel was my attorney! Having
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