A criminal record can follow you around everywhere you go for the rest of your life. You may be asked about it on job applications, applications for housing, and even if you’re pulled over for speeding on the interstate.
Fortunately, Texas provides legal remedies for those with a criminal past and gives people the chance to clear their records through expungement and orders of nondisclosure.
That said, there is a big difference between these two procedures that are important to understand. Here’s what you need to know.
Expungement vs. Non-Disclosure
In Texas, you can seal your record in two different ways. The first way is called expungement. Having your record expunged essentially wipes away your criminal record rather than simply sealing it.
Records of your arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, penalties, etc. are removed from criminal history databases never to be reviewed again.
The second way to clear your name available in Texas is known as a non-disclosure agreement. It basically seals your record so that it will not show up on a background check.
Your criminal history becomes hidden from the general public. However, the records are still available and may be accessed by government and public agencies, such as professional licensing boards.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement?
You can have your record expunged if your case did not result in a final conviction and it is not currently pending in any court. Also, you may ask for expungement if the case against you was dismissed because you completed a diversion program, the indictment lacked probable cause, or if the case is voided.
Another requirement, you cannot be on deferred adjudication or on court-ordered probation stemming from that charge. Additionally, you can have your record expunged if the case was dismissed prior to an indictment being filed in the case.
When Its the Prosecutor’s Decision
If in the case against you, the indictment was presented, then the prosecutor must recommend to the court that an expungement be granted. If you are acquitted after a trial, you can also ask for an expungement.
Waiting Periods
There are also certain time requirements that must be abided by. For Class C misdemeanors, for instance, you must wait 180 days since the charge to ask for expungement. For Class B or Class A misdemeanors, you must wait at least one year. Felonies require a three-year waiting period before you can ask for expungement.
You can ask for expungement of your records if the statute of limitations has passed for the crime and no indictment has ever been filed against you.
Who Qualifies for Non-Disclosure?
Non-disclosure, or the sealing of a criminal record, is the next best thing to an expungement. To be eligible for non-disclosure, you must not have taken a conviction. Only a dismissal of the case or a deferred case makes you eligible.
For most deferred misdemeanor crimes, non-disclosure can be filed after or upon the dismissal of the case. Some more serious misdemeanors require you to wait two years before you can ask for sealing of your records and felonies require five years before you can file.
Some crimes may not be eligible for sealing, such as sex offenses, murder, family violence, and aggravated kidnapping. Explore your options if you think you may qualify for record clearing. There’s no reason not to!
About the Author:
After getting his Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center, Jeff Hampton began practicing criminal law in Texas in 2005. Before becoming a defense attorney, he worked as a prosecutor for the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office – experience he uses to anticipate and cast doubt on the arguments that will be used against his clients. Over the course of his career, he has helped countless Texans protect their rights and get the best possible outcome in their criminal cases. He has been named one of the 3 Best DUI Lawyers in Fort Worth, recognized by Expertise, National Trial Lawyers, Avvo, and others, and he is Lead Counsel rated.
