Our criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth addresses dealing with expunging a criminal record and what the process involves.

If you or your child were previously arrested or convicted of a crime, you might find that you face an uphill battle when it comes to finding work or an apartment. Potential employers and landlords often ask questions about prior convictions – or even an arrest – and could deny you a job or housing based on your answer. However, you might be able to have these charges expunged or removed from your record.

Expungement Defined

Expungement means that your record of an arrest and/or a conviction is sealed and cannot be accessed. The process by which this occurs varies between states.

Questions to Qualify for Expungement

If you want to qualify for an expungement, you can ask the following questions of the criminal court, the arresting law enforcement agency or your defense lawyer.

  • Does this offense qualify for expungement? In some locations, only arrests or misdemeanors are eligible.
  • How long do I need to wait to apply for an expungement?
  • What is the step-by-step process that I must take? You might be able to fill out basic forms without hiring an attorney.
  • Once my record is expunged, will anyone ever be able to access it?

Juvenile and Drug Offenses

The courts generally take a more lenient view of juvenile or drug offenses.

  • Juvenile crimes – A juvenile usually needs to wait until he or she turns 18 to seek an expungement. The person must remain law-abiding in order to qualify.
  • Drug crimes – The courts sometimes offer diversion programs, and completing such a program often allows for expungement of your record.

A final option might be to seek a “Certificate of Actual Innocence” or a document that demonstrates that you are completely innocent of the alleged crime and should not have been charged.

Call Our Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Worth at (877) 208-3382

To find out if your case is eligible for expungement, contact our Fort Worth criminal attorney at the Law Office of Bryan P. Hoeller.