Expungement & Record Sealing - Criminal Attorney | Morales Padia Law

Expungement & Record Sealing

Clear Your Record, Restore Your Future

Understanding Record Clearing Options

Expungement and record sealing are legal processes that can help clear your criminal record, giving you a fresh start and new opportunities. In Texas, these procedures can remove or hide certain criminal records from public view, helping you move forward without the burden of past mistakes. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help you navigate these complex processes and determine your eligibility.

Record Clearing Options

🗑️

Expunction (Expungement)

Complete removal of criminal records from all government databases. Once expunged, you can legally deny the arrest or charges ever occurred.

Benefits:
  • Complete record destruction
  • Legal right to deny arrest
  • No background check disclosure
  • Restoration of reputation
🔒

Order of Nondisclosure

Seals criminal records from public view while allowing certain government agencies and specific employers to access them for limited purposes.

Features:
  • Hidden from public searches
  • Limited government access
  • Employment protection
  • Housing application benefits
👶

Juvenile Record Sealing

Special procedures for sealing juvenile records, allowing young adults to move forward without the burden of childhood mistakes affecting their future.

Advantages:
  • Protects future opportunities
  • Educational access
  • Employment protection
  • Fresh start for young adults
📜

Governor's Pardon

Official forgiveness from the Governor of Texas that can lead to record clearing for certain convictions that wouldn't otherwise qualify.

Requirements:
  • Completed sentence
  • Waiting period satisfied
  • Demonstrated rehabilitation
  • Clean record since conviction
⏰

Deferred Adjudication Sealing

Record sealing available for certain cases that received deferred adjudication probation and were successfully completed.

Eligibility:
  • Successful probation completion
  • Eligible offense types
  • Required waiting periods
  • No subsequent convictions
⚖️

Motion to Set Aside

Legal motion to overturn a conviction based on procedural errors, constitutional violations, or other legal grounds.

Grounds:
  • Constitutional violations
  • Ineffective assistance of counsel
  • Prosecutorial misconduct
  • New evidence discovery

Expunction Eligibility Requirements

❌
Dismissed Charges
  • Charges dismissed by prosecution
  • No-bill by grand jury
  • Acquittal at trial
  • Charges never filed
🎓
Completed Programs
  • Pre-trial diversion completion
  • Teen court completion
  • Veterans treatment court
  • Certain specialty courts
👤
Identity Cases
  • Victim of identity theft
  • Mistaken identity arrest
  • False accusations
  • Wrongful arrest
📅
Waiting Periods
  • Class C: 180 days
  • Class B: 1 year
  • Class A: 1 year
  • Felony: 3 years

Benefits of Record Clearing

💼

Employment Opportunities

Access to better job opportunities without criminal background checks blocking your applications or career advancement.

🏠

Housing Access

Improved ability to rent apartments, buy homes, and access housing without criminal history discrimination.

🎓

Educational Benefits

Access to educational opportunities, financial aid, and professional licensing without criminal record barriers.

📄

Professional Licensing

Ability to obtain professional licenses in healthcare, education, finance, and other regulated industries.

🛡️

Restored Rights

Restoration of civil rights including voting, jury service, and the right to possess firearms (where applicable).

😌

Peace of Mind

Freedom from the constant worry about background checks and the ability to move forward with confidence.

The Record Clearing Process

1

Case Evaluation

Comprehensive review of your criminal history to determine eligibility for expunction, nondisclosure, or other record clearing options.

2

Record Research

Thorough investigation of all court records, arrest records, and related documentation to ensure complete and accurate petitions.

3

Petition Preparation

Drafting and filing the appropriate legal documents with the court, including all required supporting evidence and documentation.

4

Notice to Agencies

Serving notice to all relevant law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and other parties as required by law.

5

Court Hearing

Representing you at the court hearing to present evidence and arguments supporting your petition for record clearing.

6

Order Enforcement

Ensuring all agencies comply with the court order and that your records are properly destroyed or sealed as required.

Important Requirements & Considerations

Time Sensitive Process

Record clearing has strict eligibility requirements and deadlines. Some opportunities may be lost forever if not pursued promptly after becoming eligible.

  • 📋
    Complete Documentation: All court records, arrest reports, and related documents must be obtained and reviewed for accuracy.
  • ⏰
    Waiting Period Compliance: Specific waiting periods must be satisfied before filing, varying by offense type and circumstances.
  • 🚫
    No Subsequent Offenses: Generally, you cannot have been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for other offenses.
  • 💰
    Court Costs and Fees: Filing fees and court costs must be paid, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners.
  • 📬
    Proper Notice: All required parties must receive proper legal notice of the petition, including prosecutors and law enforcement agencies.
  • ⚖️
    Legal Representation: Complex procedures and strict requirements make experienced legal representation essential for success.

Ready to Clear Your Record?

Don't let past mistakes continue to limit your future opportunities. Take the first step toward a fresh start by exploring your record clearing options. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Morales Padia Law will evaluate your case and guide you through the record clearing process.

Start Your Fresh Start

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