An expunction is a court order where federal and private agencies seal or delete any record of arrest from their files. This occurs post-trial and requires you to complete the required applications and file them timely.

Have you been charged with a criminal offense and would like your record sealed? Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC can review your case to see if you qualify. Proving you qualify can be difficult and stressful, so let your lawyer help make your case as easy as possible. 

Acquittal by the Court or Later Acquitted 

Not all convictions qualify for an expunction. However, there are certain cases, such as acquittals, where you may be eligible to have your record expunged, or removed from police databases. That can help you recover without facing the indirect penalties of a criminal record. 

The legal term acquitted means to be found not guilty of a crime. Acquittals are made after all of the evidence is presented and considered by a judge or a jury. A motion for judgment of an acquittal can be made due to a significant lack of evidence. An acquittal can occur for a variety of reasons and may pertain to some or all of your charges. 

In some cases, you may be acquitted after the fact. You may even be acquitted after serving your sentence. Fortunately, expunction or record sealing can help you avoid facing those future penalties and focus on recovery. 

Certain Misdemeanor Juvenile Offenses

The Juvenile Justice Code defines delinquent conduct as the behavior of a minor that violates the penal law of the state of Texas. These infractions occur when a person is at least ten years old but not yet seventeen at the time the crime was committed. 

The juvenile justice system in Texas operates differently than that of the adult justice system. You are able to review your eligibility for an expunction once you are eighteen and have completed your sentence.

Arrested for a Crime but Never Charged

In some cases, you may have been arrested for a crime you didn’t commit, but you were later released without any charges. Unfortunately, having an arrest on your criminal record may look bad to potential employers, lenders, and landlords, hurting your future. 

If you’ve been arrested but never charged, talk to a lawyer about whether you qualify for an expunction. Your attorney can help you remove the arrest from your record and secure your future. 

Let a Lawyer Guide You Through the Expunction Process

Changes made to the Texas Expunction law in 2021 expand the eligibility of those who may qualify for an expunction. The eligibility rules remain strict, and the process of petitioning the court for an expunction may be complicated. Don’t risk your future by attempting this alone, errors and omissions on required forms will jeopardize the approval of your request.

Texas law allows for someone to remove information about an arrest, a conviction, or a charge from their permanent record. If you qualify, the next step is to file the official paperwork. Partnering with us will ensure your documentation is thorough, timely, and complete. Contact Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC at 817-334-7900 today to review your case and see if you qualify.