The Woodlands Expunctions & Nondisclosures Lawyer

Expunctions & Nondisclosures in Texas

Expunctions and criminal law nondisclosures are two important processes in the Texas legal system that allow those who have been charged with a crime to clear their name. While both actions can be taken to help wipe away any record of an arrest or conviction, notable differences exist between them. 

Expunctions in Texas

Expunction is primarily for individuals who were arrested but not convicted. The qualifications for a Texas expunction vary depending on the criminal offense and may include completion of deferred adjudication, dismissal with prejudice, or acquittal. In these cases, you will be required to meet a waiting period before you can file an expunction petition. 

When deciding whether to pursue an expunction, your individual circumstances are critical to the process. Our firm can help you understand the qualifications, whether you meet them, and assess potential outcomes. We can prepare and oversee the filing process, ensuring that all requirements are met and supporting documentation is included. 

Nondisclosures in Texas

Nondisclosures refer to the sealing of your criminal record from public view. These are mostly reserved for those who were placed on deferred adjudication. Deferred adjudication generally means you were not convicted. To qualify for a nondisclosure, you must have completed all conditions ordered by the court after which you are issued an order of dismissal and discharge. This includes any jail time, fines, probation, or community service.

Additionally, you must not have any pending charges or convictions on your record. Certain offenses disqualify you from nondisclosures, such as murder, sexual assault, and human trafficking. If your offense falls in a category that prohibits nondisclosure, you will not qualify. You also must not have a criminal history of prior offenses in certain categories involving violent crimes, sexual misconduct, or family violence. 

To apply for nondisclosure in Texas, you are required to provide evidence that meets the criteria listed above. This can include records showing the completion of court orders, such as:

• Payment of all fines and court costs
• Completion of all community service hours ordered by the court
• Proof of compliance with any other court orders
• Proof of no new charges or convictions 

Once approved by the court system, a nondisclosure can help protect you by barring public agencies, such as courts and police departments, from disclosing your record. 

Get Experienced Legal Help from Ronnie Yeates Law

At Ronnie Yeates Law, we focus on helping our clients clear criminal records through appropriate legal action. We can determine which process applies to you and ensure your application is completed properly. With our years of experience in handling these matters, your case will be in the hands of a proven professional.