San Antonio Record Sealing & Expunctions Lawyers
Helping You Eradicate Your Criminal Record
It comes as a shock to many people charged with crimes that they will have a criminal record for the rest of their life despite the fact that they were never convicted. An arrest or dismissal, even without a conviction, will remain on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Computerized Criminal History System. Furthermore, you might think that after completing deferred adjudication, your conviction would vanish from your criminal record – but this does not happen.
If you fail to take action to clear your record, it remains present and will be available to anyone performing a background check. Future employers, landlords, educational institutions, and anyone else will have access to the information. Moving forward with a criminal charge from an arrest or dismissal can seriously impact your life. That is why we recommend that you let our San Antonio record sealing attorneys take the necessary action to help you clear your record.
Contact us now for a free consultation at (210) 960-9557.
Clearing Your Criminal History
Two methods have been authorized in Texas to clear a criminal record. They are Order of Expunction and Order of Non-Disclosure. Only certain charges and convictions are eligible for expunction. Some crimes cannot even be sealed from your record.
Orders of Expunction
In certain situations, an order of expunction can be used to erase a criminal record. You must meet the eligibility criteria to successfully expunge your record.Please note that convictions cannot be expunged.
You are eligible for expunction if you:
- Were found not guilty
- Had your charges dismissed
- Received a deferred disposition on a Class C misdemeanor
- Won an appeal
- Were granted a pardon by the governor
To find out if you qualify for an order of expunction, contact our legal team at Smith & Vinson Law Firm. We can review your case to determine the appropriate legal action for clearing your record whether through expungement or an order of non-disclosure.
Orders of Non-Disclosure
Completing deferred adjudication will generally allow you to seal your record through an Order of Non-Disclosure. This means that your criminal history will not be available to the public but can still be accessed by criminal justice groups. In these cases, it is up to the judge to decide whether he or she can grant an Order of Non-Disclosure. Judges are held to a standard of doing what is in the best interests of justice. Because of this, you will need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney to represent you before the judge.
Additional restrictions regarding record sealing after completing deferred adjudication include a two-year waiting period for some types of Class A and B misdemeanors and a five-year waiting period for felonies.
Criminal offenses that cannot be sealed include:
- DWI
- Homicide
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Sex crimes
- Domestic violence
What Are the Benefits of Getting an Expunction?
Getting an expunction can have a transformative impact on your life, offering several significant benefits that can help you move forward without the weight of a criminal record. One of the primary advantages of an expunction is the restoration of your reputation. Once your record is expunged, the stigma associated with past criminal charges or arrests is lifted, allowing you to present yourself without the shadow of your past mistakes. This clean slate can significantly improve your personal and professional relationships, fostering trust and respect.
Another critical benefit of expunction is improved employment opportunities. Employers frequently conduct background checks, and a criminal record can be a substantial barrier to securing a job. With an expunged record, you can confidently apply for positions without the fear of your past hindering your chances. This opens up a wider array of career prospects and can lead to better job security and higher income potential.
Expunction also positively affects your housing prospects. Landlords often perform background checks on potential tenants, and a criminal record can severely limit your housing options. An expunged record allows you to apply for rental properties without the burden of past offenses, increasing your chances of finding a suitable and desirable place to live.
Finally, expunction provides peace of mind. Knowing that your past is no longer a public record can alleviate stress and anxiety, allowing you to focus on your future with confidence and optimism. This renewed sense of freedom can significantly improve your overall quality of life, enabling you to make positive strides in various aspects of your life.
To protect your future, keeping your criminal record clean is paramount. By doing so, you will have access to the same opportunities and privileges as everyone else. Call Smith & Vinson Law Firm so that our San Antonio expunction lawyers can evaluate your situation. Our goal is to help you put the past in the past so that you can move forward to the next chapter of your life without barriers or restrictions.
Call now to connect with Smith & Vinson Law Firm and review of your case. We are available 24/7 at (210) 960-9557.
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers
Hear What They Have to Say
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Attorney Brad Vinson was informative, professional yet sympathetic with his approach to my case. Mr. Vinson was open to opinion and ensured that all legal avenues were considered and addressed before presenting a course of action.- Michael
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Having no background in law and finding myself in a situation that left me feeling extremely vulnerable, I felt quickly at ease in their care. They were very reasonable with my situation and helped work around my needs by providing me with the most support- Andrew
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They handled my case incredibly well and warned me on the possible negative outcomes, overall completely satisfied me through the whole process.- Elmer Marqueiz
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Very professional, on time and educates you along the whole process. I had a lot to lose and you guys gave it all back to me and finally represented what true Justice is here in America.- Manuel R.
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Dismissed Possession of Controlled Substance
Our client picked up a prostitute and was later pulled over for failing to signal. The police let the woman go, but found cocaine in the car on the passenger side and charged our client with possession of a controlled substance.
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Case Dismissed/Charges Reduced DWI With Child Passenger - Felony
Our client was accused of being intoxicated while having her 8 year old in the vehicle with her, a third degree felony in Texas. To make matters worse the investigation had been initiated after our client had crashed into two parked cars and the first thing officers noticed were the two previous DWI’s our client had.
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Dismissed Possession of Controlled Substance
Our client was pulled over for expired registration. Police smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and conducted a probable cause search. Police found marijuana and pills containing a controlled substance, and the State charged our client with a felony. Our client was already facing multiple misdemeanor charges in another county.
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Charges Dismissed Assault Bodily Injury Family Violence
Our client was unfortunately in a bad relationship that was ending but before the end her boyfriend decided he was going to secure some property that didn’t belong to him. This led to an argument and for Police to ultimately be called. Our client didn’t want anyone to end up in jail so she downplayed the pushing that had been going on only to realize that the boyfriend had saved his own skin.
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Cases Dismissed Trafficking of a Person and Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
Our client was accused of running a prostitution ring out of a massage parlor and trafficking an unwilling participant as part of the operation. The alleged victim had never been instructed to perform any sexual favors and accused our client after she felt she was owed extra wages.