Having a criminal record can severely impact your ability to secure employment, housing, and other opportunities that contribute to a better quality of life. It can follow you for years, restricting your future potential and making it difficult to move forward.
Expungement offers a chance to erase or seal your criminal record, giving you the fresh start you deserve. Our experienced Dallas expungement lawyers understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you clear your record.
Whether it’s addressing old charges or convictions, we’ll guide you through every step to reclaim your future opportunities. Take control of your future today by contacting us for a consultation.
Call (972) 528-0116, visit our contact page for more information about Dallas county.
Want to clean your record? Find out if you’re eligible for expunction. Contact us today foe consultation and expert guidance on your case!
What is Expungement and Why is it Important?
Expungement is the legal process of erasing a criminal record as if the offense never occurred. Once expunged, the record is removed from public databases, allowing individuals to legally deny the incident when applying for jobs, housing, or other opportunities.
While expungement completely removes a record, nondisclosure (or record sealing) restricts public access to the record but allows law enforcement and certain agencies to view it. Nondisclosure is ideal for individuals whose cases don’t qualify for expungement but still want to protect their privacy.
Eligibility for Expungement or Nondisclosure
Expungement in Texas is typically available for individuals in situations such as:
- Dismissed Charges: Cases where charges were dropped or dismissed.
- Acquittals: Individuals found not guilty at trial.
- Certain Arrests: Arrests without charges filed within the statute of limitations.
For nondisclosure, eligibility often includes cases of deferred adjudication, where an individual successfully completes probation without a formal conviction. However, certain offenses like violent crimes or sexual offenses may be ineligible.
Steps Our Dallas Expungement Attorneys Take To Expunge Your Record
If you want to expunge your criminal record, understanding the process is essential. Our experienced Dallas criminal defense attorneys provide step-by-step support, ensuring your case is handled with precision and care.
From the initial consultation to clearing your record, we streamline the process to reduce your stress and achieve the best outcome.
We begin with a free consultation to assess your case and determine if you may be eligible for expungement or a petition for nondisclosure. During this meeting, we review your criminal history, including arrest records, charges, and outcomes, to confirm eligibility under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Our team carefully evaluates the details to ensure your case fits the requirements for expunction or record sealing.
Once we confirm eligibility, we file a petition for expunction or a petition for nondisclosure on your behalf. This critical step involves drafting precise legal documents that comply with Texas criminal law and submitting them to the appropriate court.
Errors in filing can result in delays or denials, but our attorneys’ expertise ensures the process moves smoothly.
During the hearing, we advocate for your petition by demonstrating your eligibility under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Our attorneys address any objections from the prosecution or court, using their extensive knowledge of criminal law to argue why your criminal offense should be expunged.
After the court approves your petition for expunction, the order to clear your criminal record is sent to law enforcement agencies, courts, and private databases. This ensures your criminal history and arrest record are removed from public access.
Once complete, you can move forward with confidence, free from the limitations of a criminal record.
If you want to clear your criminal record, contact our criminal defense attorneys today. We’ll guide you from your free consultation to filing your petition, making the process stress-free.
Ready to clear your record? Let our team guide you through the expunction process. Contact us today to get started!
Why Choose Our Record Expungement Lawyers?
When it comes to clearing your criminal record, our law firm offers unmatched experience, a proven track record of success, and personalized legal support. Choosing our team means entrusting your case to experienced attorneys who are dedicated to helping you secure a brighter future.
With years of experience handling expungement cases, we deeply understand Texas criminal law and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Our attorneys know how to work through the legal system effectively, increasing the likelihood of your criminal record being successfully cleared.
Our lawyers have achieved exceptional outcomes for clients seeking record expungement, whether for minor offenses or more difficult cases. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, ensuring every step of the process is handled with precision.
We provide end-to-end assistance, from determining your eligibility to filing the necessary petitions and representing you in court. Our team’s commitment to thoroughness means you’ll have expert guidance at every stage of the process.
Clearing your record can open doors to better career opportunities, housing options, and personal freedom. With your record expunged, you’ll gain peace of mind, free from the stigma that a criminal history can bring.
About Our Expungement Lawyers
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy is a dedicated law firm with over 35 years of experience helping clients clear their criminal records through expungement and record sealing. Our attorneys focus on thoroughly reviewing cases, identifying eligibility, and guiding clients through every legal step to achieve a fresh start.
With a history of successfully assisting in over 1,000 cases and a high rate of favorable outcomes, we use our deep knowledge of Texas laws to deliver personalized strategies. We aim to ensure our clients regain opportunities for employment, housing, and a better future.
Serving individuals across 16 counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Collin County, our firm’s familiarity with local courts provides a distinct advantage. Whether you’re seeking expungement or a petition for nondisclosure, we’re here to help you reclaim your peace of mind and move forward with confidence.
Eligibility for Expungement in Dallas
Expungement is a powerful legal tool that can help clear your criminal record, but eligibility depends on specific criteria under Texas law. Not all cases qualify, so understanding the requirements is best.
Below, we outline who may be eligible for expungement and how our experienced attorneys can help you.
Charges Dismissed or Dropped
This includes situations where evidence was insufficient, witnesses were unavailable, or the prosecution decided not to pursue the case. Dismissed cases often qualify because no conviction was entered, clearing the way for a fresh start.
Acquittal or Not-Guilty Verdicts
Individuals acquitted in court or found not guilty of a criminal offense may qualify for expungement. This applies to cases where the jury or judge determined that the prosecution did not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Expunging these records can help restore your reputation and prevent discrimination.
Clerical Errors Leading to an Arrest
If you were wrongfully arrested due to a clerical or administrative error, you might be eligible to have your arrest record expunged. Mistaken identity or database errors can unfairly tarnish your record, but Texas law allows you to correct this injustice through the expungement process.
Completed Pretrial Diversion Programs
Participation in and successful completion of a pretrial diversion program, such as a deferred adjudication program, can make you eligible for expungement or nondisclosure. These programs are often designed for first-time offenders and provide an opportunity to avoid formal convictions, making it easier to clear your criminal history.
Waiting Periods for Expungement
Texas law imposes waiting periods before you can file for expungement, depending on the type of case:
- Misdemeanors: Typically require a 180-day waiting period after dismissal.
- Felonies: Generally require a waiting period of three years or more after dismissal, depending on the offense.
- Acquittals: Often eligible for immediate expungement after the verdict.
Our firm is well-versed in these timelines and can help you determine the appropriate time to file based on your specific circumstances.
We handle every aspect of your case, from reviewing your eligibility and gathering necessary documentation to filing petitions and representing you in court. With a track record of success, we ensure your case is handled with precision and care.
Non-Disclosure of a Criminal Record in Dallas
Anyone who has been placed on deferred adjudication through probation or community supervision in Dallas will likely be able to conceal their criminal record by sealing it or requesting an order of non-disclosure under section 411.081 of the Texas Government Code.
If an individual has been placed on deferred adjudication and subsequently receives a discharge or a dismissal of their criminal charges, they are eligible to petition for nondisclosure and have their criminal record sealed.
After an individual has had their criminal record sealed, they do not have to disclose they were involved in any criminal proceeding on any application for employment, application for licensing or application for educational admissions.
Dallas Non-Disclosure Eligibility
A felony offender may be eligible to petition for a non-disclosure of their criminal record five years after completing their deferred adjudication probation or community supervision.
A misdemeanor offender may be eligible to request a non-disclosure immediately after they complete a period of deferred adjudication community supervision. In other cases, a misdemeanor offender will be required to wait a period of two years before filing a petition for non-disclosure. Offenses requiring a two-year waiting period can include but are not limited to assault, harassment, indecent exposure, unlawful carrying of a weapon, or unlawful possession of a firearm.
An individual will not be eligible to file a petition for non-disclosure if they have been charged with certain offenses that include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual Assault
- Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Indecency with a Child
- Murder
- Capital Murder
- Family Violence offenses
- Violation of a Protection Order
- Aggravated Kidnapping
Are you eligible to have your criminal record cleared? Contact us today to start the process and find out if you’re entitled to an expunction.
DWI Expungement Under Texas Law
Texas law only provides for criminal record expungement, or expunction, in certain situations under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. § 55.01. If you have been convicted of a DWI in Texas and the charges against you did not result in an acquittal, you will only be able to seek non-disclosure of your criminal record, which is like sealing your DWI record.
The following situations permit expungement of a criminal record in Dallas:
- If an individual was arrested for a felony or misdemeanor, but they were later acquitted of the offense, or they were convicted of the offense and then pardoned;
- An individual who was arrested for an offense was released and never charged with the offense;
- An individual who was arrested and charged with an offense and was subsequently released from custody, the charge did not result in a final conviction, and the court never ordered community supervision, except for Class C misdemeanors; and
- The individual was tried for an offense, convicted of the offense, and subsequently acquitted of the charges by the court of criminal appeals.
Benefits of DWI Record Expunction or Sealing
Once an individual has their criminal DWI Record Expunged, they will be permitted to deny the arrest ever occurred and the existence of an expunction order. Even if an individual is questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding about an arrest, they do not have to provide details of the criminal arrest, but only that the matter was expunged.
If a DWI record has been sealed, an individual may be able to vote, hold public office and own or possess a firearm. Additionally, certain criminal records usually have to be disclosed on job applications, educational applications, and applications for certain types of governmental assistance. If an individual has had their criminal expunged, they do not have to disclose this information.
Non-Disclosure (Sealing) of a Texas DWI Record
Most individuals who have been convicted of a DWI in Dallas will not be able to have their criminal record sealed under Tex. Govt. Code § 411.081. Anyone who is placed on deferred adjudication community supervision and subsequently receives a discharge and dismissal is eligible to file a petition for nondisclosure and have their record sealed.
For any DWI misdemeanor, the alleged offender may petition the court for an order of nondisclosure after the offense has been discharged and dismissed.
For any felony DWI offense, the alleged offender may petition the court for an order of nondisclosure five years after the offense has been discharged and dismissed.
After an individual has had their criminal record sealed, they are not required to disclose they were the subject of a criminal proceeding to any application for employment, information, or licensing.
Contact a Criminal Record Expunction Lawyer in Dallas Today!
Don’t let a criminal record hold you back any longer. Acting quickly is necessary to pursue an expunction. Reach out to our skilled Dallas criminal record expunction attorneys today to begin your case evaluation.
Call us at (972) 528-0481, visit our Contact us page, or email us at info@mcconathylaw.com. Let us help you take the first step toward having your criminal record expunged.
FAQs
How much does an expungement lawyer cost?
The cost of hiring an expungement lawyer varies depending on the specifics of your case and the legal services required. In general, fees can range from $500 to $3,000. It’s best to schedule a consultation to get an accurate estimate based on your unique circumstances.
What does an expungement lawyer cost in Texas?
In Texas, expungement lawyer costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on factors like case difficulty, court fees, and attorney experience. Some cases, like those requiring extensive documentation, may involve higher costs. Contacting a qualified attorney will give you a clear breakdown of potential fees.
Do I need a lawyer for expungement?
While you can pursue expungement on your own, hiring an experienced attorney often increases the likelihood of success. A lawyer ensures that all necessary documents are prepared and filed accurately, meets legal requirements, and anticipates challenges. Their expertise can save you time, reduce stress, and improve your case outcome.
Can I file for expungement without a lawyer?
Yes, you can file for expungement on your own, but the process is tough and often requires thorough legal knowledge. Mistakes in paperwork or missed deadlines can delay or deny your petition. Hiring a lawyer ensures proper filing, compliance with legal standards, and a smoother process to clear your record.