Richmond Expungement Lawyers

Understanding Expungement, Record Protection & Nondisclosure Laws in Texas

Given the generally suburban demographics of Fort Bend County, we don’t see too many hardened criminals at The Law Office of Larry P. McDougal. 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 a Richmond expungement attorney who understands the procedures involved with expungement and nondisclosure, contact our office for a free consultation.

Expunging a Criminal Record

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 a 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 Law Office of Larry P. McDougal. 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 Richmond criminal defense attorneys also advise clients about the 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.

Contact Us for Advice about Criminal Record Expungement

For a free consultation about your right to expungement or nondisclosure on a current offense or an old criminal case, call our Richmond expungement attorneys at (281) 823-9377.