By Jeff Kennedy
How To Clear Your Criminal Record
Now’s the time to get that criminal charge removed from your record. An Arlington expunction attorney is here to help you file your petition.
Many people have a strange notion that old criminal charges simply “vanish” from their records over time. They think that, if they weren’t convicted, someone comes along and scrubs the old charge away.
Then, they’re amazed and shocked when a potential employer asks them about a charge they barely remember.
Charges don’t just wander off your criminal record on their own two feet, and they can’t be forcibly removed, either. So how do you remove a criminal offense from your record? With a court order and the help of a good Arlington expunction lawyer.
Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy, PLLC
303 W Abram St
Arlington, TX, 76010
(817) 605-1012
Hours:Open 24/7
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What Is an Expunction Order?
An order of expunction is a court order that states that certain crimes (the ones you petition for) are to be removed from your record. This order is then filed with the agencies that maintain criminal records, and those agencies will destroy the files. It will be like you were never even arrested or charged with the offense.
Naturally, certain restrictions will apply to this process. Not every offense qualifies, and if you don’t file the petition for expunction properly, you could receive a denial. The judge has the discretion to grant your request or to deny it. The good news is an expunction lawyer in Arlington can boost your chance of success.
Who Qualifies for an Expunction in Arlington?
When you’re ready to file your petition for the removal of a criminal offense, it’s best to have your expunction attorney in Arlington review your eligibility. The eligibility requirements frequently change, and there are exceptions in certain cases. Here’s an idea of who’s eligible for expunction in Texas:
- A person who was charged with a crime but later acquitted (found not guilty)
- A person who was convicted of an offense but later pardoned
- A person who was arrested for a crime but never charged
- A person charged with a crime that was later dismissed or dropped
- Those who have received one of various misdemeanor convictions
If your attorney determines that your charge does meet the requirements—including the required amount of time since the charge—you can file a petition for expunction. A hearing may be required. Here, your attorney can demonstrate to the judge that it would serve the interest of justice to have this mark removed from your record.
The Arlington Record-Clearing Attorney You’re Looking For
A clean criminal record is important to you. You want to present the very best you to potential employers—not the wild side you had when you were twenty or a small mistake in your past. The best way to do that is to have a clean record to show.
No matter what type of charge you have on your record, you probably want to get it erased—it’s time. Unfortunately, there’s no magic wand to wave to clear your record.
To improve your chance of getting your petition approved, get in touch with an Arlington expunction lawyer at the Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy. We can discuss your expungement case with you during a free case review. Contact us at 817-605-1010, or fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.
