Texas Lawyers Helping Clients Expunge Criminal Records
Expunction/expungement of criminal records and files pertaining to your arrest for a particular offense may in many cases be permanently deleted from your record and destroyed. This gives you the ability to deny that you have been arrested for any offense to which the order applies. While there are some exceptions — the state decides to pursue a case for a similar offense related to the arrest — clients who have been dismissed of charges, or have been acquitted, can consider this option.
At the Law Offices of Casey Garrett & Kirk Oncken, located in Houston, Texas, we have significant experience handling expungements/expunctions. Please contact our office for a free initial case evaluation and learn more about how we can help keep criminal charges and accusations out of the public view.
Can Someone Access My Criminal History After an Expunction?
Once an expunction or expungement is final, the release, dissemination or use of the expunged records and files for any purpose is prohibited. There are criminal penalties imposed against anyone who violates these orders. You may also deny the occurrence of an arrest and the existence of the expunction order. When questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding you are required to state that the matter in question has been expunged.
How Does Expungement/Expunction Differ From Sealing Records?
Unlike a situation involving the sealing of deferred adjudication records where the court has discretion whether to issue an order of non-disclosure, in an expungement/expunction proceeding, if the statutory criteria are met, there is no discretion and the court must issue an Order of Expunction.
Resolving Issues Outside of Court
While some cases require an actual hearing before the court, most expungement/expunction cases can be resolved without one. It is important that you find an attorney with the experience and knowledge to handle both of these possibilities. Lawyers Casey Garrett and Kirk Oncken have handled expungements/expunctions both with and without hearings, and can professionally counsel you on the necessary procedures involved in your particular case.
Call our office now at 713-228-3800, or e-mail us for a free, in-office consultation on your rights under this important statute.
