Having an arrest on your record can affect your life well after the ordeal has ended. A criminal record can make it harder to buy a house or get a job, which could affect the well-being of your entire family. If you think you might be eligible for expunction, we can help.
At the Law Offices of Robert Gregg, we have extensive experience representing clients who face charges involving drug crimes, DWI and other criminal offenses. We can also assist with the expunction process if you have already faced your charges. If you want to know more about the expunction of criminal records, call us today at 214-559-3444 to speak with a criminal attorney in Dallas.
Not everyone is eligible for expunction, and navigating through the ins and outs of the legal process can be difficult. Read on for more information:
Expunction Eligibility Depends on Criminal History
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, expunction eligibility depends on the individual’s criminal history. The TDPS encourages those seeking expunction to consult legal counsel because it can be a complicated process. If you are seeking expunction, you can start by obtaining a copy of your criminal history.
A criminal lawyer will be able to go over your history and determine if you are eligible for expunction. You may be able to clear an arrest from your record if the plaintiff never filed charges or if a judge dismissed them after he or she filed them.
If a judge acquits you, pardons you or otherwise grants relief based on your innocence, you are eligible for expunction. You are also eligible if the case never even goes to trial and the prosecutor recommends expunction. People with class C misdemeanors, like traffic violations, may be eligible for expunction, as well.
The Benefits of Expunction
Applying for expunction might seem like a hassle, but there are many benefits to it if you are successful. With an expunction, you can essentially erase your criminal history from your record. Once the state expunges your record, you do not have to tell potential employers about your criminal history.
After expunction, local, state and federal officials will not be able to see your conviction on your record. For juveniles with a criminal history, sealing the records may also be an option. If an individual is eligible for the sealing of juvenile records, he or she may file the application in a juvenile court in the county in which the proceeding occurred.
Much like expunction, sealed juvenile records no longer appear on the criminal history database. If you want to apply for either sealing or expunction, a qualified criminal attorney may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Robert Gregg, we understand local laws, and we know how to structure cases to fit our clients’ best interests.
If you want to erase your criminal history and start over, we can help. Call us today at (214) 891-7536 to arrange an initial consultation.