When you are charged with a criminal offense, it can carry serious consequences that impact future professional and educational opportunities. However, based on the types of charges you’ve been convicted of, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your record.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you can potentially request an order of non-disclosure agreement or an expunction. What’s the difference?

Non-disclosure agreements “seal” your criminal record, which means that it will be hidden from the public and certain agencies like employers or schools will not be able to see it. Expunction, on the other hand, completely deletes the record, making it as if the allegations you faced never occurred.

There are certain offenses that are not eligible for non-disclosure or expungement, including family violence, sex offenses, murder, child abuse or endangerment, abuse of the elderly, stalking, or violating a protective order.

According to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Section 55.01, you may be eligible to expunge your record if:

• You were charged with an offense but later acquitted
• You were wrongfully accused of the offense
• You were charged with an offense, but the case was dismissed
• You were convicted, but later pardoned

It is important to know that sealing your record can be a difficult and lengthy process, and the Texas Department of Public Safety can deny an application for expunction for any reason they deem necessary. However, if you successfully seal your record, it can have a significant impact for your career, education, and family.

If you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record in Williamson or Bell County, you will need an experienced team at your side. Call Price & Twine, PLLC today at (512) 354-1880 so we can review your case.