This is the next post in my series on the handling of misdemeanor charges in Laredo and other south Texas areas. My last article discussed defending against Class “B” misdemeanor charges. If you have been charged with a crime then it is important to understand that you face the threat of jail time, even though the matter is not a felony. A conviction can also have long-lasting effects on your future. These effects can include difficulty passing a background check and more. This article expands upon my prior posts by discussing the process of sealing or expunging a misdemeanor from your record. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
Texas misdemeanors can be cleared through an expunction or sealed through non-disclosure
Texas provides two different methods for clearing a criminal history. The first, known as an “expunction,” is commonly referred to as an “expungement” in other jurisdictions. This option results in the complete erasing of an arrest and conviction from your record. This means it is as if the event never occurred and it cannot be viewed by law enforcement, court officials, or government agencies. Expunctions can only be granted under limited circumstances. The second option for dealing with one’s criminal history is to gain a “non-disclosure” of the record. This is commonly referred to as “record sealing” in other jurisdictions. Gaining a non-disclosure means that the record will not show up on most background checks and will not need to be disclosed on job applications. It will, however, still be visible to the police, to judges, and other governmental entities.
Texas misdemeanor arrests can be expunged only under certain circumstances. These include situations where a defendant was charged, but not convicted. They also include instances where one was arrested and no charges were filed. In addition to these circumstances, as well as others, Class “C” misdemeanors can be expunged if they resulted in deferred adjudication. Misdemeanor charges which do not meet these limited criteria can still be dealt with through the obtaining of a non-disclosure. Obtaining a non-disclosure is possible for some Class “A” and Class “B” misdemeanors as long as the defendant meets the requisite criteria. A certain amount of time will also need to have passed since the defendant completed their various requirements. Determination of whether or not you are eligible for a non-disclosure can become complicated. Retaining an experienced attorney can assist you with determining the particulars of your situation.
Retain a Laredo attorney to seal or expunge your Texas misdemeanor
There are several steps involved with sealing or expunging a Texas criminal record. While the process may seem straightforward, failing to follow one of these steps can result in your Petition being denied. Retaining an experienced lawyer can help you to a) determine whether or not you are eligible for expunction or non-disclosure and b) ensure that the process is properly followed. I am a Laredo expungement and record sealing attorney who assists with such matters. Contact us online or by telephone to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.