Can I clear my record?
One of the questions Minocha Law Firm is often asked by past and current criminal defendants is whether we can help clear their record. The answer depends on the circumstances.
People who were arrested but not charged or had the case dismissed often do not realize that the arrest and record of charges remain on their record. This information is readily available on the Internet and can prevent you from getting or keeping a job, an apartment, or credit.
Certain defendants will qualify for expunction or nondisclosure of their criminal record and should do so as soon as possible to avoid these negative consequences.
What is Expunction?
A past criminal defendant can petition the Court to direct government agencies to destroy all records associated with an arrest and prosecution. This process is called “expunction” or “expungement.” A person who succeeds in having their records expunged can legally deny ever having been arrested for or charged with the criminal offense for which he is receiving the expunction.
What is a Nondisclosure Order?
A past criminal defendant who has successfully completed deferred adjudication or other alternative sentencing program can petition the Court to direct government agencies not to disclose criminal information to third parties, such as “mugshot websites” compiling that information. The order would require those websites to take down any information previously posted or else pay fines. The order would not prevent government agencies from finding your record.
Do I qualify for Expunction or Nondisclosure?
You may be able to clear your record or hide your record if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions:
- Was a criminal charge against you dismissed?
- Were you found “not guilty” of a criminal charge?
- Did the court of appeals reverse a conviction?
- Were you pardoned?
- Were you a minor charged with your first drinking offense?
- Did someone claim to be you when arrested?
- Did you successfully complete deferred adjudication, a pre-trial diversion program, or other alternative sentencing program?
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, you may be entitled to expunction or non-disclosure.
If you answer “NO” to all these questions, you are probably not entitled to expunction or nondisclosure.
Call Sanjay today at 214.301.3939 for a FREE personal consultation on whether you qualify to clear your record. If you qualify, Sanjay will immediately start working on getting your record cleared.
WARNING: Many websites claim that they can “erase your record” even if you have been convicted and served time for the conviction. These websites will often charge huge sums of money even though it is impossible in many cases to clear your criminal record. Many of these websites are scams that should be avoided. Any person with a criminal record in Texas seeking help clearing that record should seek the advice of a reputable and ethical Texas attorney such as Sanjay Minocha.