Wipe Your Slate Clean: Clearing Criminal Records

Criminal records can affect you for many years, even if you were never actually convicted of an offense. There are many advantages to taking proactive steps to clean up your criminal records to the maximum extent available under the law. Texas has a complex process for the sealing of criminal records. At JBABB Law,  we help people protect their good name. Our Richardson expunction attorney provides a comprehensive guide to the most important things that you need to know about wiping the slate clean and clearing your criminal records in Texas. 

The Benefits of Cleaning Up Your Criminal Records in Texas

As a starting point, it is important to understand why you should actually bother with going through the process of clearing up your criminal records. There are tangible benefits to doing so. It is always in your best interests to take action to clean up your criminal records to the greatest extent possible after Texas state law. Here is a list of some of the most notable advantages: 

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  Employment Opportunities: Many employers hesitate to hire individuals with a criminal record. A clean slate can broaden your employment prospects and may lead to higher wages.
• Housing Options: Rental applications often inquire about criminal history. Expunging or sealing your records may improve your chances of securing rental housing.
• Education and Scholarships: With a clear record, your opportunities for higher education and scholarships increase, as some institutions may deny admissions or scholarships based on criminal history.
• Professional Licenses: Certain professions require licenses that are hard to obtain with a criminal record. Cleaning up your record can make obtaining these licenses more achievable.
• Your Peace of Mind: Knowing that your past mistakes are not hanging over your head can lead to a sense of personal relief and growth.

Know the Law in Texas: Your Options for Clearing Criminal Records 

In Texas, there are actually two distinct processes that can be used to clear up criminal records. Which option is the right one for you depends entirely on your specific situation. Here is an overview of the key things that you need to understand about your options under state law: 

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  Expunction: As defined by the State Bar of Texas, expunction is a process in Texas that allows individuals to permanently remove information about an arrest, charge, or conviction from their criminal records. Expunction is typically available to individuals who were arrested but never charged, had their charges dismissed, or were acquitted at trial.
• Non-Disclosure: In contrast, non-disclosure of a criminal record in Texas is the process of taking action to restrict the public's access to a specific criminal record. While the record still exists, it is made unavailable to certain private parties—potentially including such as employers and landlords. It is a legal option that is generally available to individuals who have successfully completed deferred adjudication probation for certain offenses.

Understanding Who Can Qualify for an Expunction or Non-Disclosure in Texas

It is crucial to understand that you do not have an automatic right to clean up criminal records in Texas. There are state-based legal requirements in place that will determine if (and when) you can take action to clean up your criminal records. The eligibility standards are different for expunction and non-disclosure. Here is a comprehensive overview of the key things to understand: 

Eligibility for Expunction in Texas

As a general rule, you may qualify for the expunction of a criminal record in Texas if: 

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  You were arrested but not charged with a crime; 
• You were arrested, charged, but your case was dismissed; 
• You were arrested, charged, but later were acquitted at trial; or
• You were convicted of a crime, but later found to be actually innocent.

Eligibility for Non-Disclosure of Criminal Records in Texas

As a general rule, you may qualify for the non-disclosure of a criminal record in Texas if: 

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  You have successfully completed deferred adjudication probation; 
• You have passed the waiting period after the completion of deferred adjudication, which varies based on the offense; and
• You have no convictions for disqualifying criminal offenses during the relevant time frame.

How Texas Attorney Jason Babb Can Help You Clear Criminal Records

Cleaning up your criminal records in Texas offers the potential for major benefits. At the same time, navigating the process can be challenging. A lot of people have questions about whether they qualify, whether they should opt for an expunction or non-disclosure, and what exactly they need to do to get their petition to clean up their criminal records approved by the appropriate authorities. You do not have to figure out the process alone. At JBABB Law, our founding attorney Jason Babb is a top Texas criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience handling a comprehensive range of cases involving expunction and non-disclosure. We know how to get results for our clients. Among other things, our Richardson, TX defense team offers clients: 

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  Expert Knowledge of Texas Law: Jason Babb’s expertise in Texas criminal law ensures that he understands the complexities of expunction and non-disclosure and can guide you through the legal intricacies. We navigate every step of the process—from ensuring that you know your options to handling all of the legal paperwork. 
• Thorough Case Evaluation: Our legal team is prepared to evaluate your case, help you understand your eligibility, and advise you on the best course of action to clean your record.
• Reliable Legal Representation: Jason Babb can represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguments that support your request for expunction or non-disclosure.
• A Personalized Approach: Recognizing that every case is unique, Jason Babb tailors his approach according to the specific circumstances of each client’s situation.

Contact Our Richardson, TX Criminal Defense Attorney Today

At JBABB Law, our Richardson criminal defense attorney has the skills and experience needed to take on the full range of expunction cases. If you have any specific questions or concerns about wiping the slate clean and clearing your criminal records in Texas, we can help. Contact us now for a fully confidential, no-obligation consultation. From our Richardson law office, our firm handles expunction cases in Dallas County, Collin County, and throughout all of North Texas.