Expunction
Expunctions And Expungement Of Criminal Records
If you’ve ever been arrested, then you have an arrest record that will likely follow you for the rest of your life, unless you act to clear it. An expunction can clear that criminal arrest record.
What Is An Expunction?
An expunction is an order signed by a judge granting an eligible person’s request for the destruction of records related to the person’s arrest. The expunction process begins with the filing of a petition for expunction. The petition is set for a hearing before a judge to determine the person’s eligibility for the expunction. Following the hearing, the judge may sign an order granting the expunction. The expunction order generally has the following effects:
- Criminal history information related to the person’s arrest is ordered destroyed
- The release of information related to the person’s arrest is thereafter prohibited and
- The person becomes legally entitled to deny that they were ever arrested
The court process related to an expunction can take several months. Additional time may be required for the expunction to take full effect with regard to all the private entities that possess and provide criminal history information. If you believe that you may be entitled to an expunction or expungement of your record, don’t wait until you need it. Take advantage of that opportunity now. Contact us today for your FREE consultation and find out if you are eligible for an expunction.
Am I Eligible For An Expunction?
Eligibility for an expunction is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. You may be entitled to an expunction if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions:
- Did your case go to trial and result in a “not guilty” verdict or acquittal?
- Were you convicted but subsequently pardoned?
- Were your charges dropped or perhaps never even filed?
- Has the statute of limitations run following the original arrest?
- Was your case reduced to a Class C misdemeanor?
If you believe the answer to any of these questions may be “Yes,” then you should contact an attorney immediately for a FREE consultation to find out if you are entitled to an expunction. Don’t wait for an employer to tell you that they can’t hire you or can’t keep you because of your criminal arrest record. We want to help you expunge your misdemeanor or felony criminal record.
IMPORTANT: If you were placed on deferred adjudication probation and if you successfully completed your deferred adjudication, you may be eligible for a nondisclosure. A nondisclosure is similar but not the same as an expunction. Please visit our Nondisclosure page to determine if you may be eligible.
Why Do I Need An Expunction?
If you have ever been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony, then you most likely have a criminal record. It doesn’t matter that the charges were dropped or the case was dismissed or never filed. That record still exists. The extent to which your criminal record is available to the public may vary. You may not even find that the arrest record is public until you apply for employment, school admission or loans, housing or some other matter that requires a criminal history background check. Unfortunately, when the criminal history check is performed, you may find the nightmare of that original arrest has not yet ended. An expunction or expungement of your criminal record can prevent this from happening and end that nightmare. Contact Texas expunction attorney at The Price Firm, PLLC, today for your FREE consultation. Find out if you are eligible for an expunction. Let us expunge your criminal record.