If you were previously arrested or convicted of a crime, your criminal history may be looming over you like a black cloud. Not only can a sordid background make it difficult for you to find employment, but it may even put strain on your personal relationships. For this reason, you should not hesitate to find out if you are eligible for expungement in the state of Texas. This legal process would allow you to leave your criminal history behind and help you to move on from the mistakes that you have made in the past; however, only certain records are eligible for removal. Typically, lesser violations can be expunged after a certain period of time has elapsed, including:
- Arrest records – if you were acquitted or the case was dismissed
- Juvenile offenses – if committed prior to the age of 17
- Class C misdemeanors – if you were granted deferred adjudication
- Felony convictions – if you appealed the case and won
To more accurately determine whether or not you are eligible for expungement, it is highly recommended that you discuss your case with a Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer from The Law Office of Samuel R. Terry, P.C. If it is determined that your prior offenses qualify for removal, our firm can then assist you in drafting a Petition for Expunction. This paperwork, along with a filing fee, must subsequently be submitted to the District Clerk in the Judicial District in which you were arrested. Your case can then be handled in one of two ways: the matter will be set for hearing or you will present a proposed order to the Assistant District Attorney who is assigned to handle expungement cases.
At the end of the day, seeking an expungement is a complicated process. For this reason, you should not hesitate to move forward under the guidance of a Fort Worth criminal attorney from our firm. Call our office today at (817) 756-1817 to learn more about how we can help.