How Can I Get My Record Expunged?

Having a criminal charge or conviction on your record – even a relatively minor one – can have a serious impact on both your personal and professional life. Since prospective employers, schools, landlords, and others regularly perform background checks on individuals prior to making decisions, a criminal charge/conviction that is on your record is sure to show up. In fact, a serious criminal conviction can make it much more difficult, if not impossible, to find a place to live, go to school, or work.

Fortunately, in accordance with the Texas Criminal Code, there are certain criminal charges that are subject to expungement. In the State of Texas, the process whereby a criminal record is expunged is often referred to as an “expunction.” In addition to the expunction process, certain criminal records might be sealed under various circumstances in accordance with a court’s Order of Nondisclosure. In the event a court decides to expunge or seal your criminal record, members of the general public – including potential landlords, educational institutions, and employers – will not be able to view your criminal record online or otherwise.

The skilled Austin criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller PC can help you determine if your criminal record is eligible for expungement or sealing. If it is, we can assist you throughout the entire process. Please speak with us today to discover more about how we could help you get your criminal record expunged or sealed.

What Types of Criminal Records are Subject to Expungement in the State of Texas?

In cases where an individual was arrested on a misdemeanor or felony charge in Texas, the resulting criminal record might be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

• You were granted an acquittal of the underlying criminal offense
• You were convicted of the offense but were granted a pardon later on
• You were convicted of the offense but were later determined to be innocent
• You were arrested for the criminal offense, but you did not incur formal criminal charges – and you have satisfied the required waiting period
• You were formally charged with a crime by way of a criminal information or indictment, but your pending case was later dismissed – and the statute of limitations for the offense has since run

Required Waiting Period for a Texas Criminal Records Expunction

If you were arrested on a criminal offense but were not formally charged with the offense, you must wait for a period of time before your record becomes eligible for an expunction. The waiting period for a felony charge, for example, is three years from your arrest date. The waiting period for a Class A or B misdemeanor is one year from your arrest date, and the waiting period for a Class C misdemeanor is 180 days from your arrest date.

Speak with an Experienced Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Assuming you are eligible, the knowledgeable legal team at Granger and Mueller PC can assist you with your criminal records expungement. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Austin criminal defense attorney, please call us today at 512-474-9999 or contact us online.