Fort Worth Record Sealing Lawyer

Long after you’ve paid your fines and completed probation, your criminal record can plague your everyday life. For help putting your past behind you, work with a Fort Worth record sealing attorney.

If you’ve ever been arrested, regardless of whether you were convicted, you know a criminal record can seriously impact your future. You may have trouble securing employment and finding good housing, and you may find that certain educational opportunities are being denied to you.

The good news is that, even if you’ve been charged with or convicted of a crime, you may qualify to have your record expunged or sealed. Sealing your record means the general public will not be able to access your records, and your arrest won’t show up during most employer background screenings. Y

Each case is unique, and you must meet certain qualifications for the sealing of your records, also called an order of nondisclosure. Call a Fort Worth record sealing lawyer from the Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy, and we will investigate whether your records can be sealed or expunged.

Why Should I Get My Record Sealed and Not Expunged?

Criminal records can wreak havoc on your life. Even when you weren’t convicted of a crime, the mere arrest can haunt you. In Texas, you can rise above your criminal record once and for all in two ways:

• Expunction – When you have your record expunged, this means the records are actually destroyed. Certain criteria must be met in order for you to qualify for your records to be expunged, and you can discuss whether you qualify with your record sealing attorney in Fort Worth.
• Sealing Your Record – Also known as an order of nondisclosure, sealing your record means it is hidden from the public, and law enforcement officials may be prohibited from disclosing your record to others. Law enforcement officials will still be able to view your record, however.

How Do I Know if I’m Eligible To Have My Criminal Record Sealed?

The best way to learn whether you’re eligible to have your record sealed or expunged is by speaking with a Fort Worth criminal record sealing lawyer. The rules surrounding this issue can be confusing, and, often, you may not even fully understand your own arrest record.

Even if you meet the eligibility requirements, that still doesn’t mean the judge will grant your request. Increase your chance of having your record sealed or expunged by working with a record sealing lawyer with our Fort Worth firm.

To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements. The following are some cases that could qualify:

• You were charged with a crime but later acquitted.
• You were convicted of a crime but later found innocent.
• You were convicted of a crime but later pardoned by the Texas governor or the president of the United States.
• You were charged with a crime, but those charges were later dismissed.
• You were arrested but never formally charged.
• Charges or convictions that appear on your record are the result of identity theft.
• You were convicted of certain juvenile offenses.

What Crimes Are Ineligible for Record Sealing?

Naturally, there are laws that govern which arrests, convictions, or circumstances will qualify to be sealed or expunged. These laws often change, so it’s best to check with your Fort Worth attorney to determine your eligibility for record sealing. Right now, most felony offenses do not qualify to be sealed or expunged.

The following is a list of convictions ineligible for record sealing:

• An offense requiring sex offender registration
• Aggravated kidnapping
• Murder
• Capital murder
• Abandoning or endangering a child
• Injuring a child, a disabled person, or an elderly person
• Stalking
• Any offense involving family violence
• Violating court orders regarding sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or family violence

What Are The Waiting Periods for Nondisclosure Orders?

Once your attorney has determined whether the offense you were arrested for is eligible to be sealed, it must also be determined that the mandatory time frames have passed.

Here is a basic breakdown of the time frames for nondisclosure orders:

• Five years after the discharge and dismissal of a felony
• Two years after the discharge and dismissal of a misdemeanor under Chapter 20, 21, 22, 25, 42, or 46 of the Texas Penal Code
• Immediately after the discharge and dismissal of any other misdemeanor

What’s the Process for Filing for an Expunction or Nondisclosure Order?

You should handle the filing of any paperwork with the court very carefully because mistakes can greatly impact your chances of obtaining a positive outcome. If you want your records expunged or sealed in Fort Worth, hiring an attorney to file the paperwork on your behalf can help you secure a favorable resolution.

The process for obtaining an expunction or nondisclosure order is as follows:

• You Must File a Petition – The petition must contain detailed information about you, the arrest, and all parties and agencies involved, as well as the outcome of the case.
• A Hearing Will Be Set – The judge will set a hearing to allow all agencies or affected parties (respondents) to testify on whether your record should be expunged or sealed.
• The Judge Will Decide – The judge will decide whether to grant your petition, and if you are granted the petition, you must present the judge with an already drafted order—either an expunction order or an order for nondisclosure, depending on your case.
• File the Order with the Court – After the judge signs, all paperwork must then be filed with the proper agencies.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Jeff C. Kennedy A Record Sealing Attorney in Fort Worth Tx.

Criminal records can make life extremely difficult, especially when it comes to employment, housing, and certain government or educational opportunities. But you may be able to finally shake off that record that’s been weighing you down. To find out whether you’re eligible for record sealing or expunction, contact us.

The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy can determine your eligibility. Give us a call at 817-605-1010 or complete the contact form at the bottom of this page.