Why You Need A Houston Expungement Attorney
Criminal Record – A criminal record doesn’t just affect you in the present. It can have lasting consequences in your life as well; especially when it comes to employment opportunities. Thankfully, you have the option to hire a Houston expungement attorney to help. In the state of Texas, it is possible to have a misdemeanor or felony offense (as well as any records pertaining to it) removed from your record. This process is called expungement and it allows an individual to deny that an arrest ever occurred. However, it is important to note, that an individual can only qualify for this privilege if certain criteria are met.
If you were arrested in Houston for a DWI, it may be possible for you to petition the court to clear your criminal record. If this is an option that you wish to pursue, it is essential that you do so according to the state laws of Texas. It is recommended that you seek the help of an experienced Houston expungement attorney to help you wade through the complexities of the law because you only get one chance to have it done correctly.
A Houston expungement attorney can help you determine whether or not you qualify for expungement and help you achieve a positive outcome. For example, it may be possible for your records to be expunged if the case against you was dismissed, if you received a pardon, or if you were acquitted (“Not guilty” verdict at trial).There are some instances where Texas state law requires that a certain amount of time pass before your record can be cleared. For example, if you have been arrested for a Class C misdemeanor in Houston or any other Texas city, but no charges were filed, you must wait 180 days before you can file to have your records expunged. More serious issues, like a Class A or B misdemeanors, require a waiting period for one year. In addition, Texas state law requires that you cannot be subject to prosecution for or convicted of another crime that occurred at the same time as the charges that you are seeking to have your record expunged; even if you have been acquitted.
Criminal Record – If you feel that that you are eligible for expungement and meet the criteria listed above, the responsibility falls on your shoulders to take action. Your records are not expunged automatically or after a certain amount of time has passed like many people have heard. So if you would like to gain freedom from your criminal past, it is important that you seek the help of an experienced Houston expungement attorney as soon as possible. They will help you file your petition in court and make sure that you are compliant with the legal procedures during your expungement process.