Dallas and Collin County Expunction Attorney
If you are convicted of a crime in Texas, the history and record relating to the event could follow you throughout the rest of your life in a variety of different ways. It could seriously harm your ability to obtain employment, prevent you when trying to purchase a firearm, prevent you from possibly voting, and in many ways, it can affect many of the same rights and privileges that most citizens take for granted.
Fortunately, Texas law allows some of those convicted of crimes, in certain situations, to file for an expunction to essentially try and clear the incident from heir criminal record. However, obtaining such a result is a very nuanced and intricate process that requires the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Attorney Carl David Ceder is skilled and experienced in all record sealing matters, and has previously helped countless clients clear their criminal record to obtain a fresh start so they can feel confident in the future
Overview
Gone are the days when checking or knowing the background of people is a privilege that is reserved for only specific people, such as those in law enforcement or people with a security clearance. It is widely known that many job employers, people who are researching whether to grant an individual a loan, and those involved in housing and apartment rentals want to know all they can about people they interact with, and want all information available on a person’s background and past criminal record.
Since the advent of the internet, you are a click away from understanding the criminal history of anyone. There are significant ramification and consequence to how easy to check the criminal history of individuals in the state of Texas. As an offender or convict, it is vital to know what your criminal record contains and where appropriate to clean up. While it is not impossible to have a criminal record without committing any offense, Texans residents have to deal with the consequence of criminal record they are not guilty of or dismissal of their of their case before going to trial. There are cases where an individual is a victim of identity theft, and even though there is no conviction, the deed has been done, and you have a criminal record to battle with all your life. As humans, we often make mistakes, and these mistakes still hound some of us. There are cases of offenders pleading guilty or convicted of crimes they have diligently paid their debt and tried to move on with their lives. Although the damage is done, this is preserved in their criminal record and acts as a roadblock. Irrespective of your situation, you deserve a second chance, and you must understand all aspect of laws peculiar to your case to help you wipe a clean slate.
The Basics
A competent attorney has two very important weapons in his arsenal to help battle cleaning your criminal record. They are through the process of an expunction or through obtaining order of non-disclosure.
An expunction is a method used if done correctly, by defense attorneys to permanently erase past criminal offenses from all records which may exist. Except in a rare circumstance, no one will know you were charged with a crime, including even police officers, prosecutors, or those working in the court system. An order of expunction essentially erases ALL records of the offense: arrest records, court records, and criminal history record information. Expunction is only granted in limited circumstances, contrary to what most people believe. These occur most commonly when your criminal case was dismissed or when you were found “Not Guilty” and acquitted after a trial. An order of expunction, if properly done and signed by a District Judge, will erase your criminal record. These situations are the only avenues where one may be able to apply for an order of expunction:
- You were found not guilty at trial;
- Your charges were completely dismissed;
- You got a deferred disposition (and completed it) on a Class C Misdemeanor offense;
- You won on appeal;
- You were granted a pardon by the governor.
I cannot stress enough to people how even if the grounds do exist to allow for the granting of an expunction, the paperwork and everything filed must be done in a very precise manner, and it may come down to strategic matters in regards to how your petition is presented and argued in court. Rather than take the risk that your record is available for the general public to gain access, one should need to contact the Texas expungement attorneys at The Law Offices of Carl David Ceder to schedule an initial consultation. Knowing you have nothing to worry about should you need a job in the future and a background check will be conducted, having the confidence knowing it is a clean slate is incredibly important.
You can contact The Law Offices of Carl David Ceder at anytime for assistance at 214.702.CARL(2275) or at 469.2000.DWI(394). You can also e-mail Carl directly, at [email protected]; or to the office for general inquiries at [email protected]. Phones should be answered 24 hours a day/7 days a week for immediate and prompt assistance. E-mail messages will try to be responded to with 24-48 hours, depending on whether Carl and his team is in trial and/or is busy working on a case for a contested hearing.
