Expunctions and Non-Disclosures

Do you have a criminal record that could be preventing you from achieving your goals? Too often I have heard from clients who were unable to gain employment in their desired field or even unable to rent an apartment because of a criminal record.

Texas law allows the expunction (removal) of criminal records in particular situations, typically when a case has been dismissed. The effect of an expunction is to remove the records of that charge from any law enforcement database. Additionally, an expunction allows the person granted an expunction to legally deny they were ever charged with that offense.

If your case was not outright dismissed, but you did successfully complete deferred adjudication on the charge, a different option to consider is a non-disclosure. A non-disclosure prohibits law enforcement agencies from disclosing to the public any criminal record information relating to that charge. However, a non-disclosure does not completely remove the charge from one’s record.

If you believe you may be eligible for an expunction or a non-disclosure on any charges, you should contact an attorney right away.  It is important that you have a clean criminal record to avoid missed opportunities that could affect you both professionally and personally.