Sealing or Expunction of Criminal Records

A CRIMINAL RECORD CAN FEEL LIKE A WEIGHT ON YOUR SHOULDERS BY PREVENTing YOU FROM OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT, FINANCING AND LOANS, PROFESSIONAL LICENSING, OR HOUSING ASSISTANCE. 

However, that weight can be lifted in a couple of ways.

In Texas, you may qualify for expunction of your criminal record if:

• You were arrested but never charged.
• You were charged, but the case was dismissed for lack of probable cause, insufficient evidence, or unavailable witnesses.
• The grand jury “no-billed” your indictment.
• You were found not guilty by a judge or jury.
• You were the victim of identity theft that resulted in a criminal record.

If you were given a deferred adjudication and have successfully completed the conditions of the probation, you may be entitled to an Order of Non-disclosure (also referred to as sealing your record).  

By sealing your record, only those authorized by state or federal law may view your record.  However, the following caveats may apply:

• The record is sealed, not destroyed, meaning that it can still be accessed with the proper permission(s) and it can still be used against you in a court of law.
• Not all charges can be sealed.
• You can only seal your most recent deferred adjudication.

Contact The Law Office of Jonathan Hwang to find out if you qualify for either an expunction or order of non-disclosure and if so, how you can begin repairing your reputation today.