Expungement Lawyer in Houston, TX

A criminal record can hold you back in many ways. Your career prospects, educational possibilities, living arrangements, and credibility could all be negatively affected if you have to answer “yes” when asked if you have ever been arrested. Clearing a criminal record provides the opportunity for a fresh start, allowing you to confidently respond with a truthful “no” to crucial inquiries on job applications and other related matters.

If you have questions about expunging your criminal record in Houston, talk to a seasoned Houston expungement lawyer at Mary E. Conn & Associates. Our knowledgeable Houston expungement team can assess your situation and determine whether an order of expungement or nondisclosure is an option. Call our Houston office today and get the legal support you need for a new beginning.

Understanding Expungement Laws in Texas

An expungement (also called expunction) is the process of erasing an arrest or conviction from the public record. Even if your case was dismissed, the charge may still affect your daily life by remaining on your criminal record. Expungement is a method to clear offenses from your record, making it easier to pass background checks and find employment.

Subject to certain conditions, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 55.01 states that:

“A person who has been placed under arrest for the commission of either a felony or misdemeanor is entitled to have all records and files relating to the arrest expunged.” 

By expunging your criminal record, you can remove or limit access to specific criminal records, allowing you to inform others that you were never arrested or charged except when testifying under oath.

Who Is Eligible for Expungement in Texas?

There are a few circumstances in which you may qualify for expungement of criminal or arrest records in Texas. In general, you may be granted an expungement if:

• You were arrested but not charged
• Your charges were dismissed
• You were found not guilty at trial
• Your conviction was pardoned or overturned by the Court of Criminal Appeals
• You committed an underage alcohol-related offense and are now 21 or older
• You committed certain juvenile offenses

Additionally, there must not be any pending criminal charges to be eligible for expungement of past arrest or criminal charges. Our experienced legal team at Mary E. Conn & Associates can evaluate your case and determine if expungement is an option for you. Our team of Houston expungement lawyers is dedicated to supporting you in leaving this arrest behind, allowing you to focus on a future unburdened by a criminal history. Call us today for help with your expungement. 

How Does the Expungement Process Work in Houston?

The first step to initiate the expungement process is assessing your eligibility. Eligibility requires completing all sentence terms, including probation or parole, and you must not have any pending charges or convictions. Additionally, the conviction in question must be eligible for expungement.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is filing an expungement petition with the court. Accompanied by a copy of your criminal record, this document should include the following:

• Details of the arrest or conviction
• Sentence terms
• Any other pertinent information

Following submission, the court will review your petition and determine whether to grant the expungement. A successful petition removes the conviction from your record, and you can legitimately say that you have not been convicted of that crime.

It’s important to note there are limits on the number of times you can petition for an expungement, and the decision is ultimately up to the judge. While erasing a criminal offense can be complex, our Houston expungement team guides you through the process, empowering you to move forward with a clear record.

What’s the Difference Between Expunging vs. Sealing a Criminal Record?

If your situation doesn’t qualify for an expungement, you may still be eligible to seal your criminal record through an order of nondisclosure. In contrast to an expungement, an order of nondisclosure prevents most schools and employers from viewing your record. However, law enforcement and some governmental agencies can still consider your arrest and criminal records and share this information with select licensing agencies and public employers. For example, the Texas Board of Nursing and the State Board of Education can still gain access to your criminal record.

When you consult with Mary E. Conn & Associates, our Houston legal team can determine whether expunging or sealing your criminal records may be a viable option.

Consult an Experienced Houston Expungement Lawyer Today

If you have a criminal record and believe that you meet the expungement criteria, contact a skilled expungement lawyer in Houston today. At Mary E. Conn & Associates, our highly experienced legal team can review your case and begin the expungement process if you’re eligible.

You don’t have to go through this challenging process alone. Our Houston expungement team is here to fight for your rights and advocate for your best interests. Since 1985, Mary E. Conn & Associates has harnessed its legal experience to help clients across Houston when their future is on the line. Our legal team understands the complexities of Texas’s expungement process and supports our clients at every stage. Schedule your initial consultation with one of our expungement lawyers at our Houston office today by filling out a contact form or calling (713) 357-4190. Our firm is located just twenty minutes from the Harris County Courthouse.