CLEAR YOUR RECORD
One of the biggest concerns for someone who is arrested is often, "What effect will this have on my record?" Background checks are becoming increasingly common among employers, landlords, and others, and can make or break your chance to land a job or enjoy other blessings in life. There are a two options for dealing with an imperfect criminal background: non-disclosure and expunction.
NON-DISCLOSURE
The petition for non-disclosure is available to people who have been placed on deferred adjudication and successfully completed all requirements issued by the court. For certain misdemeanor offenses (like possession of marijuana) you are eligible to file immediately following your deferral period. For other misdemeanors you are required to wait two years after completion of your deferral period. For certain felony offenses, a person must wait five years from the completion of the deferral period.
A petition for non-disclosure seals your record and allows you to deny you were ever arrested for the offense. While certain law enforcement agencies can still use the information, employers are not able to find it. Contact the Law Office of Christopher Lyerla today if you have questions about the process.
EXPUNCTION
When you have an offense expunged, the offense is essentially erased from your record. If done properly, even law enforcement agencies should not be able to find it. To be eligible to have an arrest expunged you must either be found not guilty of the offense or have your case dismissed without any type of court-ordered supervision.
Once a judge grants an expunction, all agencies with documents regarding your case are obligated to destroy them. This can include Texas Department of Public Safety as well as county and municipal law enforcement agencies. If you think you might be eligible for an expunction, please contact our office for a free consultation.
NON-DISCLOSURE
The petition for non-disclosure is available to people who have been placed on deferred adjudication and successfully completed all requirements issued by the court. For certain misdemeanor offenses (like possession of marijuana) you are eligible to file immediately following your deferral period. For other misdemeanors you are required to wait two years after completion of your deferral period. For certain felony offenses, a person must wait five years from the completion of the deferral period.
A petition for non-disclosure seals your record and allows you to deny you were ever arrested for the offense. While certain law enforcement agencies can still use the information, employers are not able to find it. Contact the Law Office of Christopher Lyerla today if you have questions about the process.
EXPUNCTION
When you have an offense expunged, the offense is essentially erased from your record. If done properly, even law enforcement agencies should not be able to find it. To be eligible to have an arrest expunged you must either be found not guilty of the offense or have your case dismissed without any type of court-ordered supervision.
Once a judge grants an expunction, all agencies with documents regarding your case are obligated to destroy them. This can include Texas Department of Public Safety as well as county and municipal law enforcement agencies. If you think you might be eligible for an expunction, please contact our office for a free consultation.
