DWI Record Sealing #2
Getting a job that you want can be a difficult task. Getting a good job with a criminal record can sometimes seem impossible. This is the unfortunate reality that nearly a third of the U.S. population faces. Though you may have made a momentary mistake to drive while intoxicated, it can reverberate through most aspects of your life for quite some time. This is especially true of your career. Fortunately, you may be eligible for a Fort Worth DWI record sealing. Though this will not totally erase your record, it can make it much more difficult for anyone to see it. This includes potential and current employers. The legal term for having your record sealed is a “non-disclosure order”.
Once this order is granted by the courts, it is disseminated throughout the government entities that maintain criminal records. After they have received the order, they will no longer disclose the criminal history on your record that has been sealed. It should be noted that once you petition the court for an order of non-disclosure, they will only make one decision. It cannot be appealed. This is why it is imperative that you connect with an experienced Fort Worth DWI lawyer before you begin the process. At Cole Paschall Law, we have been helping our clients with Fort Worth DWI record sealing for almost three decades.
Contact Cole Paschall Law to schedule your initial consultation today.
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Is There a Difference Between Having Your Record Sealed and Expunged?
Yes. If you get a conviction expunged, it is literally erased from the record. However, if you have it sealed, it will still be on your record, it will just not be visible to most entities that are running a background check on you. However, it should be noted that government agencies will still have access to it. This means that if you apply to a job with a government agency, they will still see your record when your background check is run.
Who is Eligible For Fort Worth DWI Record Sealing?
Fort Worth DWI Record Sealing will not always be granted. Since House Bill 3016 otherwise known as “The Second Chance Bill” was enacted, citizens of Texas that have convictions for low-level offenses are eligible to have their records seals. If you have been convicted of a DWI, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) or result of a breathalyzer must have been lower than 0.15.
- There must not have been an officially declared accident with another person
- All court costs, fines, etc. must be paid in full
- You are not allowed to have prior criminal convictions on your record, sans traffic tickets
- Complete the “waiting period” which can range anywhere from two to five years depending on the terms of your conviction.
What is the Process To Get a Record Sealed?
If you meet the aforementioned requirements, you will be ready to request that your DWI record be sealed. The process to request a Fort Worth DWI record sealing is not particularly complex. However, any misstep could cost you the opportunity to have your record sealed. Remember, the judge’s conclusion is final. There is no appeal process associated with their decision. Furthermore, when you and your Fort Worth DWI lawyer petition to have your record sealed, it is advisable to provide the courts with proof that you have been an upstanding citizen. This can help to increase the likelihood of a judge finding merit in your request.
Why It’s Important to Work With a Fort Worth DWI Lawyer
In many cases, your criminal record from a few years ago is not congruent with the person that you are today. Having a criminal record can negatively affect your finances, relationships, housing, etc. If you are ready to apply for your Fort Worth DWI record sealing, it is recommended that you connect with a Fort Worth DWI lawyer that knows what they are doing. You will have just one shot to make a good impression on the judge presiding over your case. So why not take that shot with an attorney that has successfully done it before? At Cole Paschall Law we have been helping our clients to obtain Fort Worth record sealing approval for many years. Give us a call to schedule your initial consultation today.
