If you are someone who has committed a crime, though you have now learned from your mistakes, you are most likely hoping to have that crime expunged, or removed from your record, as there are few things more damaging to a reputation than possessing a criminal record. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Houston criminal defense attorneys to learn more about expungements and how we may be able to help you receive one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What crimes are eligible for expunction in Texas?
Fortunately, there are various circumstances wherein an individual may have their record expunged. Some qualifying scenarios for expungement in Texas are as follows:
- You may have your record expunged if you were convicted of a crime that was acquitted by a trial court or the Criminal Court of Appeals
- You may have your record expunged if you were convicted of a crime that was pardoned by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States
- If you were charged with a crime, though the charge was later dismissed, you may have this expunged.
- If you were arrested for a crime, though you were never charged, you may have this expunged.
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses may be expunged after a period of time.
- Certain alcohol offenses for underage persons may be expunged after a period of time.
- If you were convicted of failing to attend school, this may be expunged.
What crimes are not eligible for expunction in Texas?
You may not have your record expunged if:
- The offense you wish to have expunged was part of a “criminal episode.”
- You currently have charged pending against you for another crime.
- You received deferred adjudication or probation.
- You are charged with another felony within 5 years of committing a certain felony offense.
What crimes can be sealed in Texas?
Fortunately, if you are someone whose crime is not eligible for expunction, it may still be sealed. This means that though your record will not be destroyed, it may not be viewed by just anyone. For example, with a sealed record, employers, private investigators, and the general public will not have the right to know about your past conviction. That being said, law enforcement, hospitals, schools, and certain state hiring authorities can still view your record. To have your record sealed in Texas, you must meet various criteria, including the following:
- You were placed on deferred adjunction for the offense you wish to have sealed
- Deferred adjunction was then completed
- The statute of limitations for the crime you wish to have sealed has passed.
Finally, you should note that you may not have your record sealed for any crime if you have certain offenses on your record already. Some disqualifying offenses are stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, murder, aggravated kidnapping, child endangerment, and more.
Contact our experienced Houston firm
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.