Seguin Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney for Expunction in Seguin, TX
When you have been charged with a crime, facing the prospect of a criminal record can be overwhelming and downright scary. However, the process of expunction can offer a lifeline to people who are looking to clear their records and restore their reputations.
At the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. With the robust knowledge and resources we provide, our clients can feel confident that they will be able to move forward with their lives. We offer aggressive representation for clients facing different kinds of criminal charges, including misdemeanors and felonies. For those who have been convicted or who want to avoid the ongoing issues that come with a criminal record, we can assist with expunction.
What Is Expunction?
Expunction is a legal process that allows people to remove certain arrests or criminal convictions from their criminal record. This can be crucial for those who are trying to move forward with their lives, as a criminal record can seriously hinder employment opportunities, housing applications, and even social interactions. Expunction effectively wipes the slate clean, making it as though the incident never occurred, at least in the eyes of the law.
Who Is Eligible for Expunction in Texas?
Specific legal criteria govern eligibility for expunction in Texas. Generally, people may qualify for expunction if:
- Charges were dismissed - If you were arrested but not convicted, records related to your arrest will typically be eligible for expunction.
- Acquittal - If you were found not guilty of charges at trial or on appeal, you can seek an expunction.
- Certain misdemeanor convictions - Some criminal convictions can be expunged after a designated waiting period.
- Deferred adjudication - If you successfully complete a deferred adjudication for a felony offense, you may qualify for expunction after a specified amount of time.
The Expunction Process Explained
The expunction process typically follows several key steps:
- Waiting period - In Texas, you may need to wait a certain amount of time before you will be eligible for expunction. This can be anywhere from 180 days in cases involving class C misdemeanors to three years for felonies.
- File a petition - You will need to file a Petition for Expunction in the appropriate county court. This document outlines your eligibility and details the offenses you wish to expunge.
- Pay the filing fee - Depending on the county, you will need to pay a fee, which is typically between $400 and $500.
- Court hearing - During the hearing, the judge will review the evidence and hear arguments from both sides. If the evidence supports an expunction, the judge will grant the petition.
- Order of expunction - After a successful hearing, the court will issue an order that will be sent to the relevant agencies, instructing them to remove any records related to the offense.
- Record destruction - At this point, any local, state, or federal agencies will destroy criminal records related to the offense in question. This could take up to 180 days.
How Our Lawyer Can Help With Expunction
While it may sound straightforward, the expunction process can be challenging. You will need to meet strict deadlines and procedural requirements, and legal issues may arise during your case. Navigating the expunction process without a knowledgeable attorney guiding you is a recipe for failure. The Law Offices of Sam H. Lock has the experience required to successfully guide clients through each step of the process, providing the support needed to reclaim their lives.
What if You Are Not Eligible for Expunction?
If you have been convicted of an offense that cannot be expunged from your record, do not lose hope. Texas offers another option called "nondisclosure." This can seal certain types of records from public view, but it does not erase them completely. Nondisclosure can still provide significant relief, especially in regard to employment opportunities.
Contact Our Seguin, Texas Criminal Defense Attorney to Pursue a Fresh Start
The journey toward expunging your criminal record is not just about legal paperwork; it is about restoring a sense of dignity and opening doors to future opportunities. Here at the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, we are dedicated to helping you complete the process of expunction effectively, allowing you to focus on pursuing a brighter future. Do not let the past dictate your present; call us at 210-226-0965 or contact us online to schedule a private consultation.
