Clear Your Criminal Record With an Expungement Lawyer in Plano
A criminal record can follow you for life, affecting job opportunities, housing, education, and even your ability to obtain a professional license. If you’ve been charged with a crime but weren’t convicted or successfully completed deferred adjudication, you may be eligible for expungement or an order of nondisclosure. An expungement lawyer in Plano can help you navigate the expunction process and fight to clear your name.
At Chris Lewis & Associates P.C., our experienced attorneys understand the impact that a criminal record can have on your life. We work diligently to get your record sealed or expunged, giving you the fresh start you deserve. Our legal team knows how to challenge the system, file the necessary paperwork, and advocate for your right to a clean slate.
What Is an Expungement in Texas?
Expungement, also called expunction, is a legal process that allows certain arrest records, charges, and convictions to be removed from public view. Once your record is expunged, it will no longer appear on background checks, and you are legally allowed to deny the existence of the charge in most situations.
In some cases, an order of nondisclosure may be an option. While it doesn’t erase the record, it seals it from public access, making it invisible to most employers and background checks. This is common in cases involving deferred adjudication or deferred adjudication community supervision.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement or an Order of Nondisclosure?
Not all offenses are eligible for expungement, but you may qualify if you meet certain circumstances, including:
- The criminal charge against you was dismissed by the state.
- You were arrested but not convicted of a crime.
- You completed deferred adjudication and satisfied the court’s conditions.
- The appropriate court grants an order of nondisclosure after a waiting period.
More serious crimes, like aggravated kidnapping, capital murder, continuous trafficking, and offenses requiring registration as a sex offender, are not eligible for expungement. However, an experienced attorney can help you determine if you’re eligible for an order of nondisclosure, which is available in certain circumstances where full expunction is not an option.
The Expunction Process in Texas
The expungement process in Texas can be complex, with specific rules and procedures that must be followed. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Filing a Petition: Your attorney will file a petition for expunction with the district court.
- Notification to Government Agencies: Agencies like police departments, courts, and other government agencies involved in your case must be notified of your expunction request.
- Hearing Date: The court sets a hearing date where your attorney will present evidence to support your eligibility for expunction.
- Court Decision: If the court grants your expunction, all related records will be destroyed or erased from public access.
If you’re pursuing an order of nondisclosure, a similar process is followed, but instead of erasing the record, it is sealed from public view. Our criminal defense attorneys are ready to guide you through every step of this process.
How an Expungement Lawyer in Plano Can Help You
The process of sealing or expunging records in Texas involves complex legal procedures that are best handled by experienced expunction attorneys. Here’s how an attorney can support you:
- Determine Eligibility: Your lawyer will review your criminal record and determine if you qualify for expungement or an order of nondisclosure.
- File the Petition: Your attorney will file the necessary paperwork with the court and notify all government agencies.
- Represent You at the Hearing: At the court hearing, your attorney will present arguments to the judge on your behalf.
- Advocate for Sealing Your Record: If expungement isn’t an option, your attorney can help you pursue an order of nondisclosure to get your record sealed.
Don’t face the expungement process alone. Our law firm will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and your future is secure.
How a Criminal Record Affects Your Life
A criminal record in Texas can affect your ability to find employment, obtain housing, and even attend school. Many employers conduct background checks on potential employees, and a conviction or even an arrest can prevent you from getting hired. Even if you were charged with a crime but never convicted, that arrest record may still appear on your criminal histories.
Additionally, having a criminal record can impact your eligibility for certain licenses or certifications, such as those required for teachers, nurses, and other professions. By working with an expungement lawyer in Plano, you can take steps to protect your future and restore your ability to move forward with your life.
Can You Get an Order of Nondisclosure in Collin County?
If you are not eligible for expungement, you may still qualify for an order of nondisclosure under certain circumstances. This order seals your criminal record from public view, making it inaccessible to most employers, landlords, and schools.
Under Texas Government Code, people who successfully complete deferred adjudication community supervision may be eligible for a nondisclosure order after a waiting period. Your lawyer will file the request with the court and argue for your eligibility. If granted, this order will shield your record from public access while still allowing certain government agencies, like law enforcement, to see it.
Crimes Not Eligible for Expungement or Nondisclosure
Not all offenses qualify for expungement or an order of nondisclosure. Offenses such as capital murder, aggravated kidnapping, and certain family violence crimes may not be eligible. Other disqualifying crimes include sexual assault, human trafficking, and any offense requiring registration as a sex offender.
However, each case is unique. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact a criminal defense attorney to review your options.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Record Sealed or Expunged?
The time it takes to get a record expunged or sealed can vary. The waiting period for an order of nondisclosure depends on the type of offense and the terms of deferred adjudication community supervision. For example, Class C misdemeanor charges may have a shorter waiting period than more serious offenses.
If you’re eligible for expunction, your attorney will file the petition with the court and notify the necessary government agencies. The court may schedule a hearing date where the judge will decide on your petition. If successful, your records will be erased from public databases.
Call an Expungement Lawyer in Plano Today
Don’t let a past mistake control your future. If you’re ready to clear your criminal record or seal it from public view, our experienced expunction attorneys are here to help. We’ll guide you through every step of the expungement process, from determining your eligibility to representing you at the hearing.
Learn more about expungement lawyer in Plano. Call Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. at (214) 665-6930 to schedule your free consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward protecting your rights and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I expunge my record if I was found not guilty?
Yes, if you were found not guilty or if the case was dismissed, you are eligible to have your arrest record expunged.
2. How do I know if I’m eligible for an order of nondisclosure?
If you completed deferred adjudication or deferred adjudication community supervision, you may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure after a specific waiting period. Your attorney can review your case to see if you qualify.
3. How long does it take for the court to seal my record?
The waiting period depends on the type of offense. Once you file the petition for an order of nondisclosure, the court may set a hearing date. If granted, the court receives notice to seal your record from public view.
4. Can I clear my juvenile records?
Yes, in many cases, juvenile records can be sealed or expunged. This can prevent them from appearing on background checks as you move forward in life.
5. Will my record show up on background checks after it’s expunged?
No, once your record is expunged, it is no longer accessible to employers, landlords, or the public. You can legally deny the existence of the record, except in limited situations required by government agencies.
If you want to clear your record or seek an order of nondisclosure, contact an expungement lawyer in Plano today. Take control of your future by protecting your rights and fighting for a clean slate.
