If you need a McAllen, Texas expungement lawyer to help you clear your name, you’ve come to the right place. Read on and contact the Law Office of Angel Davila to learn more about expungements in Texas and how we can assist you.
Do I Need a McAllen, Texas Lawyer to Get an Expungement?
A criminal record can prevent a person from getting certain jobs, renting certain places to live, and more. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, you’re most likely wondering whether you may qualify to have your record expunged. With the help of a Hidalgo County, Texas criminal defense lawyer, there is hope for your future.
Can I Have My Record Expunged in Texas?
The first thing you should understand is that not everyone is eligible to have their records expunged. Here in Texas, you may only have your record expunged under the following circumstances:
- You were charged with a crime, but the charges were dismissed
- You were arrested for a crime but never faced formal charges
- You committed a qualifying juvenile offense
- You were a minor who committed a qualifying alcohol offense
- You were convicted of a crime that was either acquitted by a trial court of the Criminal Court of Appeals, or you were pardoned by the Governor of Texas of the President of the United States
If you do not meet any of these qualifications, you are most likely ineligible for expunction. Additionally, if the following is true for you, you will also be ineligible for expunction:
- You are currently facing pending charges for another alleged criminal act
- You were convicted of a felony within 5 years of the arrest for the crime you’re looking to have expunged
- You received deferred adjudication/probation
- You are trying to have an offense expunged that was part of a “criminal episode”
That being said, depending on the circumstances of your criminal record, you may still be eligible to have your record sealed.
Can I Have My Record Sealed in Texas?
Having a record sealed is known as an order of non-disclosure, and while this is not the same as an expungement, wherein your criminal record will be destroyed, it is still far better than having your criminal record available to the general public. When someone gets their record sealed it essentially makes it so prospective employers, the general public, and private investigators will not be able to see your criminal record. This makes it far easier for people to get jobs and move on with their lives. To have your record sealed in Texas, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were placed on, and completed, deferred adjunction for the criminal offense you’re looking to have sealed
- The statute of limitations for the given offense has not elapsed
- You weren’t placed on deferred adjudication or convicted of another crime
You should also note that there are certain crimes that automatically disqualify a person for having their record sealed. For example, if you were ever convicted of murder, capital murder, aggravated kidnapping, stalking, domestic violence, child endangerment, injury to a child or an elderly/disabled person, violation of a court order, or any offense that requires you to register as a sex offender, you will not qualify for having your record sealed.
Contact a McAllen, Texas Expungement Lawyer
We understand all that’s at stake when it comes to having your name tarnished by the burdens of a criminal record. This is why you have our pledge to do everything in our power to help you go on to live a productive, record-free life. Contact a McAllen, Texas expungement lawyer here at the Law Office of Angel Davila today.
