If you have a criminal record in Texas, there are some options to have it “expunged” from your record, meaning that it is entirely wiped from your record and you can proceed as if it never happened to begin with. In addition to the option of having records expunged, you may also be able to request an “order of nondisclosure” that simply seals the charges so that the information is not publically available. In an instance of an order of nondisclosure, officials such as law enforcement and government agencies will still be able to see these records, but they will not show up on a criminal background check.
If you believe that you are eligible to have part or all of your criminal record expunged in Texas, or would like to learn more about how the team at Cole Paschall Law will help as your expungement attorneys, contact us today. We offer a free initial consultation where you can speak with a legal professional about your criminal record, your legal circumstances, and how we could possibly help with either requesting an expungement or an order of nondisclosure in order to reduce or eliminate the impact that these records have had on your life.
Read more below about the requirements for expunging criminal records in Texas, and contact us immediately to get answers as they specifically relate to your situation.
What is an Expungement?
An expungement, in legal terms, is the act of destroying all records of the arrest and any court records. If you instead have your record sealed, this does not mean that the court exonerates you from the charges, wipes out the crime, or changes the verdict to “not guilty.” It simply means that the record is sealed in order to avoid the continuing negative impacts that the criminal record has on your life.
How Can I Have My Record Expunged?
In order to have your record (or part of your record) expunged in Texas, you must go through a request process by first determining whether or not you are eligible to have your record expunged. However, it is important to recognize that even if you do qualify for an expungement, this is not a guarantee that your request will be granted.
If it is determined that you are able to move forward with your request, your top choice is to partner with an expungement attorney who is experienced with this process and can guide you step by step to increase your chances of a successful outcome. We have a history of success with clients having their records expunged or sealed and will be happy to help you navigate this process for your own situation, as well.
What is an Order of Nondisclosure?
An order of nondisclosure is a different option to have criminal charges sealed from public access, although it is not as complete as an expungement. An order of non-disclosure is a way to hide your criminal record from the public, such as prospective landlords, employers, or other interested parties who may request a criminal background check.
Whereas an expungement means that the previous arrest record is destroyed, an order of nondisclosure does not mean that these charges will not be considered if you are in any future legal trouble. The record still exists but is simply harder to find.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in understanding more about your rights in Texas for having your criminal record expunged or concealed in order to remove this ongoing issue from your daily life, contact us today. During your initial consultation, you will get an opportunity to learn more about our process, your options, and how you can expect to proceed with the expungement request as our client. Again, simply because you qualify for an expungement does not guarantee that you will be approved, meaning your top chances are by working with a team of legal professionals.
