Short Take: Expunction

 Posted on March 16, 2023 in Uncategorized

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Texas, you may be concerned about the long-term consequences of having a criminal record. Even if you were never convicted of a crime, the arrest or charge may still appear on your criminal record and impact your ability to get a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.

Fortunately, in Texas, there is a legal process called expunction that allows you to clear your criminal record in certain situations. Expunction essentially erases your criminal record of the arrest or charge, and allows you in most circumstances to legally deny that the incident ever occurred.

Here are some key aspects of expunction in Texas:

1. Eligibility: Not all criminal charges or arrests are eligible for expunction. Generally, you may be eligible for expunction if the charge was dismissed, you were acquitted of the charge, the statute of limitations has expired, or you were pardoned by the Governor of Texas.

2. Process: The process of obtaining an expunction typically involves filing a petition (a civil lawsuit) with the district court. The petition must demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements for expunction, and you may need to provide supporting documentation. A hearing may be scheduled to determine if the expunction should be granted.

3. Benefits: The primary benefit of expunction is that your criminal record will be cleared of the arrest or charge, which can have a significant impact on your future opportunities. You can legally deny that the incident ever occurred on job applications or other legal documents.

If you are interested in pursuing expunction in Texas, it's important to work with a skilled criminal-defense lawyer who can help guide you through the process and advocate for your rights and interests. By pursuing expunction, you can take a proactive step to clear your criminal record and pursue a brighter future.