How do I get an expunction in Texas?

If qualified, you can petition the court for expunction (often called expungement) as provided for in Section 55 of Texas Law on Criminal Procedure. You can do it yourself by completing and filing a petition before the court and wait for the pronouncement of the Judge.

Can I get my record expunged in Texas?

Understanding Expungement in Texas There are different ways to become eligible for expungement in Texas, but they usually require you to have your case dismissed or to be acquitted (found “Not Guilty”) by a jury. Otherwise, you must, generally, wait one year for a misdemeanor and 3 years to expunge a felony.

How do I get a copy of my criminal record in Texas?

Answer: There are several options available: 1) Review of Criminal History Information (PDF) by making an appointment and visiting any DPS FAST location in your area to be printed electronically; 2) Conduct an on-line name-based search using the C.R.S. Public Site.

How to request an expunction of an arrest record in Texas?

It also includes sample legal forms one may use when petitioning for an expunction. Attorneys with TLSC’s Transactional Legal Assistance Project can help low-income Texans request an expunction of their arrest record for free. See the TLSC website for details and information on how to apply for this service.

What do you need to know about expungement in Texas?

Expungement in Texas Explained. In Texas, a petition for expunction is a process that legally erases a crime from an individual’s record. There are different means and methods towards obtaining expungement in Texas (see pretrial diversion) but typically, expungements happen during sentencing.

When do you get an expunction for a misdemeanor?

expunction is (1) at least 180 days from the date of the arrest for an offense punish-able as a Class C misdemeanor, (2) at least one year from the date of the arrest for an offense punishable as a Class B or A misdemeanor, or (3) at least three years have elapsed for an offense punishable as a felony.

What makes a case eligible for an expunction?

To be eligible for an expunction, you cannot have been convicted of any crime related to the arrest, and you cannot have served formal probation. If you are arrested or charged with a crime, the best possible outcome is to have the case dismissed from the court.

How would I have my record expunged in Texas?

In Texas, you are unable to seal or expunge a case that resulted in a conviction unless you first receive a pardon. To expunge your case that was dismissed or for which you completed deferred adjudication, a motion must be filed at the court where the conviction happened or at a court in the county where the arrest happened.

Do I need lawyer in Texas to expunge my records?

Most people can file and successfully process their own Texas expungement forms without the assistance of a lawyer. All you need is the proper forms and easy step-by-step instructions to complete your Texas expungement.

Do you qualify to get your criminal record expunged in Texas?

Criminal Records That Qualify for Expunction in Texas. If you were arrested for a misdemeanor or felony, your criminal record may qualify for expungement under the following conditions: you were acquitted of the crime for which you were charged. you were convicted but subsequently found to be actually innocent.

When must a court grant an expunction in Texas?

In short, Texas courts may only grant an expunction if there was a conviction for certain misdemeanors committed as a juvenile or for convictions that were later pardoned or overturned.