By Jeff Kennedy
Most people understand that a criminal record is not something you want to live with for the rest of your life. Your record can affect your life in many negative ways.
You could be passed over for employment, which could negatively impact your financial future; your record could cause you lifelong embarrassment; and, you might not be eligible for certain housing and government programs.
These negative effects are frustrating, and you probably want to find out whether you’re eligible to have a crime—or multiple crimes—removed from your record.
What Is Expunction in Tarrant County?
Expunging your record, also called expunction, is when the court approves to have a charge removed from your record permanently. This is not something that everyone will be eligible for, so you will want to check with an attorney to see if you qualify. The process of getting a record expunged is fairly simple.
How to Get Your Record Expunged
First, you will check to see if you meet all eligibility requirements. For instance, make sure that the designated amount of time has passed, or that you’ve completed a deferred adjudication program as required. Different crimes have different requirements for eligibility, and not all crimes will be eligible.
Next, you will need to submit a petition for expunction order. In this petition, you are asking the judge to consider your request to have the crime or charge removed from your record. You will give information pertaining to the case, as well as why you believe you’re eligible to have the crime or charge removed.
Then, you will likely need to attend a hearing regarding the matter. The judge will consider your request. You can speak at the hearing or have your attorney do so for you.
Additionally, you can request witnesses speak on your behalf, and others could actually have the right to speak against you. For instance, if a victim was involved in your case and has opted in, they must be notified of your request and will get a chance to weigh in.
Finally, the judge will make a decision to grant or deny your expunction request. If it’s granted, your record will be cleared. If it’s denied, you can always try again at another time. Your chance of having your expunction order granted is higher when you have a legal team standing beside you.
Secure Legal Help with Your Petition for Expunction
Getting a record expunged is of the utmost important to your future. You will likely want to get help from a criminal lawyer experienced in handling expunction petitions. Reach out to The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy via the form below or call our firm directly 817-605-1010.
We can give you more information about whether you qualify to have your record expunged, as well as other options that could help, such as non-disclosure orders. You don’t have to continue living with a negative mark on your record, which could be destroying your future and happiness.
