Getting a Misdemeanor Expunged from Your Record in Texas
There is a wide variety of crimes that can be charged as a misdemeanor in Texas. Convictions for things like drugs, theft, assault, and prostitution can be charged as a misdemeanor, which will remain a permanent stain on your criminal record. This can have consequences for many aspects of your life because background checks are now commonly part of the process of applying for a job, a mortgage, or college. Even if you allegedly committed the crime years ago when you were less mature, it can keep punishing you well into your future. Fortunately, the Texas legal system allows for the possibility of getting a record expunged if certain conditions are met. If you have a misdemeanor on your record, speak with a skilled San Antonio, TX criminal defense lawyer about whether you are eligible for expunction.
Which Misdemeanors Can Be Expunged?
Under certain circumstances, there is a possibility of getting your misdemeanor expunged from the record. That means it is essentially removed from the record, and if there is a background check, it will seem like you were never convicted of any crime. However, this is not an option for all people and for all misdemeanors. Your misdemeanor might be considered for expunction if:
- It is one of the eligible misdemeanors
- Your request is submitted after the required waiting period
- There are no criminal cases other than for traffic violations currently pending against you.
Which Misdemeanors Cannot Be Expunged?
Regardless of any mitigating factors and other extenuating circumstances, some misdemeanors are never eligible for expunction. These include misdemeanors for:
- Domestic violence
- DUI, unless you were younger than 25 at the time of conviction
- Sex crimes other than prostitution
- Dog fighting
- Battery of an unborn child
- Anything that would place you on the Sex Offender Registry
Even if you were charged for any of these inapplicable violations, if your charges were dropped or dismissed or you were found not guilty, expunction is an option for you.
Schedule a Consultation with a Texas Expungement Lawyer
If you are interested in getting a misdemeanor expunged from your record, contact a qualified San Antonio, TX criminal defense attorney for help navigating the process. While you are legally entitled to attempt this without an attorney, it can be complicated, and mistakes can easily happen when you do not have experience filing for an expunction. At Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, we do not think you should be punished for the rest of your life for a mistake from your past. Call us at 210-226-0965 to schedule a consultation.
