When you are arrested and charged with a crime, a record of that arrest is made and disseminated to various governmental departments and databases, at both the state and national levels. The police, courts, and DPS all have access to this information. Essentially, it becomes public. It stays that way forever unless something is done to change it. Simply put, an Expunction deletes your criminal history, while an Order of Non-Disclosure seals it.

The Impact Of A Criminal Record

Any type of arrest or criminal disposition can become disastrous for your future. Even an arrest without a conviction can affect you. If you apply for a job, chances are a background check will be conducted. Universities and colleges may have access to your criminal records. Landlords will run a background check when you apply for a lease. If you ever decide to pursue a career in education, law enforcement, or some other career requiring a state license, you will likely be rejected. This is why it is important to hire an attorney and do what you legally can to either eliminate or prevent the dissemination of your criminal background.

Expunctions: Am I Eligible?

When your charges were dropped, you were found not guilty by a judge or jury, if your case was not indicted, or if you received a deferred disposition on a Class C misdemeanor.

Benefits: If you receive an expunction on a case, you can legally say that you were never arrested for that crime. All information regarding that crime — the arrest, jail paperwork, court information, DPS information — is erased from all state and federal records.

Orders Of Non-Disclosure: Am I Eligible?

You have successfully completed deferred adjudication probation and your case has been dismissed. The dismissal of your case does NOT automatically delete your arrest and charge from public records. Once the required waiting period has elapsed, a petition for non-disclosure must be filed before it is granted.

Benefits: If granted, all information regarding that crime is sealed from public view. However, the information is still disclosed to certain state licensing agencies as well as governmental agencies.

We Can Help You Expunge Or Non-Disclose Your Criminal Record

If you believe you may be eligible to expunge or non-disclose your criminal record, or if you simply have questions, call our office at (817) 222-0000 or use our Contact page to reach our office in Fort Worth, TX. Consultations with a lawyer are free and confidential.