Expunction in Texas

The Benefits of Expunging Your Criminal Record: A Fresh Start for Everyone

Having a criminal record can follow you for years, even after you've paid your dues. Whether you were arrested, convicted, or just had a mistake on your record, a criminal history can affect many areas of your life—from getting a job to finding a place to live. The good news is that expunging or sealing your criminal record can help you move on and open up new opportunities.

If you're looking for a way to clear your past and move forward, expunging your record might be the answer. In Texas, you have options to either expunge or seal your criminal record, which can give you a fresh start. Let's break down how expungement works and how it can benefit you, no matter where you are in life.

How a Criminal Record Affects Your Life

Even if your criminal record is from years ago, it can still have a big impact today. A criminal history can make it harder for you to:

• Get a Job: Most employers will do background checks before hiring. If you have a criminal record, it will probably stop you from getting hired, even for jobs you're very qualified for.
• Rent a Home: Landlords will sometimes run background checks. A criminal record could be the reason you are denied rental housing, or you may be forced you to pay higher deposits.
• Move on from the Past: Having a criminal record can carry a social stigma, affecting your reputation and personal relationships.

Even if you've changed and moved forward, your record can keep holding you back. Did you know you can clear it and start over?

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the process of erasing your criminal record. After an expungement, it's like the offense never happened. If you qualify for expungement, you can legally say you don't have a criminal record, and it won't appear on background checks.

There's also an option called an Order of Non-Disclosure, which seals your record instead of erasing it. With a non-disclosure, your criminal record won't show up on most background checks, but it still exists in some government databases.

Both expungement and non-disclosure can help you in different ways, depending on your situation. So, let me explain to you how each one works and how it can help you.

The Benefits of Expunging Your Criminal Record

Here's how clearing your criminal record can benefit you:

1. Easier to Get a Job

One of the biggest barriers for people with criminal records is finding a job. Most employers run background checks, and a criminal record can disqualify you from getting hired. But if your record is expunged, it's as if the crime never happened. You can legally say you don't have a criminal record, making it much easier to get the job you want.

2. Improved Housing Opportunities

Finding a place to live can be tough if you have a criminal record. Landlords sometimes run background checks, and a past conviction could result in a denial. If your record is expunged or sealed, you won't have to worry about your criminal history showing up when applying for housing.

3. No More Social Stigma

People with criminal records often face a social stigma, which can affect relationships and community involvement. Even if the offense was minor or occurred years ago, others may judge you based on your criminal history. Expunging your record can help remove this stigma, letting you move forward with a clean slate and no judgment from others.

4. Peace of Mind

Living with a criminal record can cause stress and anxiety, always wondering if it's going to hold you back from something important. Expunging your record gives you peace of mind, knowing that your past is no longer controlling your future.

Who Can Qualify for Expungement?

Not everyone qualifies for expungement, but many people do. In Texas, you may be eligible for expungement if:

• You were arrested but never charged with a crime.
• Your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty.
• You completed a deferred adjudication program (probation), and the charges were later dismissed.
• Certain misdemeanors or felonies can be expunged, depending on the details of your case.

If you don't qualify for expungement, you may still be eligible for an Order of Non-Disclosure, which can seal your record.

Expungement vs. Non-Disclosure: What's the Difference?

While both options can help clear your record, they work differently:

• Expungement: This completely erases your criminal record. After your record is expunged, it's as if the crime never happened. No background check will show it.

• Non-Disclosure: This seals your record from public access, so it won't show up on most background checks. However, it still exists in some government databases. You can legally say you have no criminal record, but certain agencies or employers might still see it.

An attorney can help you decide which option is best for your situation.

How Can Joey Tellez Help?

If you're considering expunging your criminal record, Joey Tellez, a criminal defense attorney in Laredo, Texas, can help guide you through the process. With years of experience, Joey has helped hundreds of people expunge or seal their records, giving them a second chance.

Here's how Joey Tellez can help:

• Consultation: Joey will review your case and explain if you qualify for expungement or non-disclosure.
• Filing the Petition: Joey will help file the necessary legal paperwork to clear your record.
• Representing You in Court: If a hearing is needed, Joey will represent you and work to ensure your petition is approved.
• Clearing Your Record: Once your petition is approved, Joey will work to make sure your record is expunged or sealed with all the relevant agencies.

Take the First Step Toward a Fresh Start

If you're ready to clear your criminal record and take the next step in your life, contact Joey Tellez today. With his years of experience, you can find out if you qualify for expungement and take action to clear your record.

Call 956-717-8200 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future.