Texas Lawyers Advise on Expungement and Sealing of Criminal Records
Firm in Rockwall and Wylie helps clients avoid unfair treatment
If you’ve ever been cited in connection with an alleged criminal matter, it could haunt you in the future, even if the case was disposed without any finding of guilt. Fortunately, you might be able to protect your reputation by having the relevant records sealed or expunged. At Grob & Associates Law Firm PC in Rockwall and Wylie, we can assess whether you are eligible for the types of relief referred to as expunction or nondisclosure under Texas law. If so, we offer skillful advocacy throughout the process so that you are not unfairly prevented from obtaining the job or home that you seek.
Understanding how expunction and nondisclosure works under Texas law
Criminal record expungement and sealing are two different processes. An expungement, also called expunction in Texas, can permanently remove arrests from a person’s record. Sealing, legally called nondisclosure, hides offenses from public view but leaves them visible to criminal justice organizations and some governmental agencies. When we understand your circumstances and the arrest or offense cited in your record, we’ll advise on whether expunction or nondisclosure is possible, and which is the better option if both are available.
Benefits of clearing your criminal record
Clearing your criminal record can benefit your personal and professional life in numerous ways including:
- Allowing for better job opportunities
- Removing barriers to housing
- Enhancing chances of getting loans and credit
- Improving the likelihood of college or trade school acceptance
- Saving you the social embarrassment of a criminal background
Our lawyers may be able to help you get a fresh start that leads to a more positive future.
Risks associated with keeping a criminal record
If you have an accessible criminal record, you may be denied employment, housing, credit, professional licensing and educational opportunities. You may also face social stigma from family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and acquaintances. Depending on your specific circumstances, you could potentially remove offenses from your record so you can move on to professional and personal opportunities with better peace of mind. We handle the full range of crimes that can potentially be removed or shielded from view, including drug crimes, DUI/DWI offenses and more.
Eligibility requirements for criminal record relief
There are specific eligibility requirements for criminal record removal and sealing as described in the following:
Expunctions — If you are an adult who was arrested but the prosecutor didn’t file charges, your charges were dismissed, you were pardoned, or you were found not guilty at trial, you may be eligible. There is a waiting period to apply for expungement depending on the type of offense. If you were convicted of a crime, you are not eligible.
- Nondisclosure orders — Nondisclosure may be available to individuals convicted of crimes, although people convicted of homicide offenses, sexual offenses requiring sex offender registration, aggravated kidnapping and several other serious crimes are ineligible. There are different kinds of nondisclosure orders with differing eligibility requirements and application procedures.
We can advise you whether you qualify for expungement or nondisclosure orders and represent you throughout the filing process.
Contact us for assistance with expunging or sealing your criminal record
At Grob & Associates Law Firm PC, located in Wylie and Rockwall, we help eligible Texas residents with expunction and nondisclosure proceedings involving criminal records. Call us at 972-777-5701 or contact us online to arrange a consultation with an experienced lawyer.
