Given the generally suburban demographics of Fort Bend County, we don’t see too many hardened criminals at The McDougal Law Firm. Most of our clients are hardworking citizens, often in highly responsible occupations, who encountered a single serious contact with the criminal justice system on charges related to drugs, drunk driving, or family violence.

Our clients usually have a lot to lose and have a high interest in pursuing their rights to expungement or nondisclosure of their criminal records whenever possible. To learn how you can benefit from the advice of an expungement attorney who understands the procedures involved with expungement and nondisclosure, contact our office for a free consultation.

The Importance of Expunging Your Criminal Record

Having a criminal record can have long-lasting negative effects on your life. It can make it difficult to find employment, housing, and even affect your personal relationships. Expunging your criminal record can provide a fresh start and open up new opportunities for you.

Here are some reasons why expunging your criminal record is important:

• Improved Job Prospects: Many employers conduct background checks, and having a criminal record can be a barrier to employment. Expunging your record can increase your chances of landing a job and advancing in your career.

• Enhanced Housing Options: Landlords often check applicants' criminal records, and having a record can make it challenging to find suitable housing. Expunging your record can help you secure safe and affordable housing.

• Peace of Mind: Expunging your criminal record can provide emotional relief and peace of mind. You can move forward without the constant worry of your past mistakes affecting your future.

• Restored Rights: Depending on the nature of your offense, having your criminal record expunged can restore certain rights that may have been restricted, such as the right to vote or possess firearms.

At McDougal Law Firm, our experienced expungement lawyers can guide you through the process of expunging your criminal record in Texas. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us help you start anew.

Steps to Expunge Your Criminal Record in Texas

Expungement (or expunction as it’s termed in the Texas statutes) is a difficult remedy to achieve, but it essentially wipes out the whole of a criminal arrest and prosecution record.

Your record can be expunged if any of the following conditions are true:

• You were not convicted of the charge

• Your conviction was overturned on appeal

• You were convicted and later pardoned

In addition to the above, you must also have maintained a clean criminal record for at least five years after the incident you want expunged from your record. Because of these conditions, it is often difficult to pursue an expungement in Texas and many of those with a criminal record may believe there is nothing to be done, even if they qualify through fulfillment of the above. To discuss your unique situation, contact The McDougal Law Firm. We will look at the details of your past conviction and your criminal record and offer honest advice on whether your record can be expunged.

Nondisclosure of Criminal Records

Our criminal defense attorneys also advise clients about a less comprehensive but still useful alternative known as nondisclosure of criminal records. Nondisclosure keeps employers, landlords, lenders, and other members of the general public from getting access to the records of a particular criminal prosecution.

To qualify for an order of nondisclosure, you need to complete the conditions of a deferred adjudication, which is basically when the judge withholds a finding of guilt if you stay out of further trouble for a period of one or two years. Successful completion of a deferred adjudication generally results in the dismissal of the original criminal charge. That’s when you get the chance to apply for nondisclosure.

The Nuances of Expunction & Nondisclosure

There’s a lot of fine print involved with both expungement and nondisclosure in regards to eligibility, timing, and other conditions. Keep in mind that not all criminal offenses are eligible for these remedies. Whenever possible, however, we represent our clients on a criminal charge to protect the right to expungement or nondisclosure to the greatest extent possible.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is nondisclosure of criminal records?

Nondisclosure of criminal records is an alternative to expungement that keeps employers, landlords, lenders, and other members of the general public from accessing the records of a particular criminal prosecution.

How do I qualify for an order of nondisclosure?

To qualify for an order of nondisclosure, you need to complete the conditions of a deferred adjudication, which is when the judge withholds a finding of guilt if you stay out of further trouble for a period of one or two years. Successful completion of a deferred adjudication generally results in the dismissal of the original criminal charge.

What are the nuances of expungement and nondisclosure?

There are a lot of fine print involved with both expungement and nondisclosure in regards to eligibility, timing, and other conditions. Not all criminal offenses are eligible for these remedies, but we represent our clients to protect their right to expungement or nondisclosure to the greatest extent possible.