Sealing Criminal Records in Dallas, Texas by Delta Bail Bonds
You’re more likely to take risks when you’re young, and having fun with your friends is always a top priority. Unfortunately, Texans in their teens and 20s get arrested for things like smoking weed, stealing cars, driving too fast, bar fights, and public drunkenness all the time because of this. These things may seem like a good idea at the moment but can quickly take you from being young, wild, and free to young, regretful, and incarcerated.
The good news is that you can put regrettable learning experiences behind you and move on with your life, especially if you’re a juvenile or first-time offender. As a preferred Dallas bail bond company, with years of experience, we know what it takes to get your record expunged so your mistake doesn’t follow you around for the rest of your life. Keep reading for more information about expunction and sealing criminal records.
Why Do I Need To Expunge Or Seal My Criminal Records?
Any time you’re arrested or found guilty of a crime, that information is added to your criminal record. The charge may be a misdemeanor or a felony. Both can hurt your future. Sealing your criminal records or expungement can help you take your life back.
Nearly every important milestone in your life requires a background check– applying to college, getting a new job, applying for an apartment or mortgage, and so many other things. If you have a charge on your record, it’ll be harder for you to attain the things you want in life and a lot of people will count you out without even giving you a chance.
An expungement is the only way to get information about those charges taken off of your criminal record and for you to get a second chance at living the life you’ve always dreamed of. If you can’t don’t qualify for an expunction, you can also try to get your criminal records sealed so no one will know about your past missteps.
Texas Expunction Statute
Expungement, also known as expunction, removes all information about your arrest, charge, and conviction from your criminal record. While you can’t always have the conviction completely removed, you can deny that you were ever involved in a crime and a wealth of opportunities will open up for you. Records that can be expunged include:
- Arrests where you weren’t officially charged with a crime
- A charge that was dismissed in court
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses
- Alcohol-related offenses committed by juveniles
- Truancy
- You were never formally charged
- Charges committed by someone who stole your identity
- You were pardoned by the governor of Texas
Not everyone that falls within these guidelines will qualify for an expunction, but it may be worth talking to an attorney if you think you have a chance. To qualify for an expungement, the courts may also require you to complete a course.
Why Can’t I Get An Expunction?
Certain offenses immediately disqualify you for expungement. Generally, these are crimes committed against other people like:
- Stalking
- Murder
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Family violence offense
- Human trafficking
- Crimes against a child, disabled person, or an elderly person
- Sexual assault
If you have committed any of these crimes, or have been prosecuted in general, you will not meet the requirements for an expungement.
Nondisclosure– Sealing Criminal Records
As you’ve probably deduced by now, it can be tough to get your record expunged. Fortunately, sealing your criminal records is also an option. Sealing your criminal record will remove your charges from public record and only governmental agencies will be able to access information about your past. This is a great solution for people who want to ensure their job searches, professional licenses, credit scores, and more won’t be impacted by their arrest.
Automatic nondisclosure
Sealing criminal records for first time offenders
You may qualify for this type of nondisclosure if you’re a first-time offender who was charged with a misdemeanor after September 1, 2015. There are some additional qualifications you must meet to qualify for this so we recommend that you meet with an attorney to discuss your options.
Nondisclosure with petition
Talk to a criminal defense attorney or the county clerk of the jurisdiction you were arrested about sealing your criminal record. They can help determine if you qualify for this option and how to proceed. You would need to file a petition for any offense or misdemeanor not covered under automatic nondisclosure.
If you’re granted a nondisclosure aka if the court seals your criminal record, you will no longer be required to disclose your conviction to public entities.
Affordable Bail Bonds Dallas TX
We can get you out of any jail in Dallas fast, so you can begin the process of sealing your records and getting back to your life. We’re no attornies but we’re passionate about helping anyone who finds themselves in a tough spot, and we hope the information we’ve shared today helps you get back on your feet. If your loved one finds themselves behind bars, give us a call at our Dallas office at (214) 526-4272 for fair bonding services.
*None of the information we have provided should be construed as legal advice. Please consult with an attorney if you have questions about sealing criminal records or require legal assistance.
