Montgomery County, TX Expungement Attorney

Let us fight to clear your record

Everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you should have to pay for them for the rest of your life. This is especially true if you have a criminal record. Being convicted of a crime, or even just charged with a crime, can impact your ability to get a job, housing, a loan, or other important milestones in your life. You need a criminal defense lawyer to fight for you.

Fortunately, Texas allows people to have their criminal records wiped clean in certain circumstances. This process is known as expungement. Because the process can be complex and the stakes are so high, it’s important that you have an experienced expungement lawyer on your side who understands Texas’ legal system.

We know what we’re doing at The Webb Firm, P.C. in Conroe, because we’ve been doing this work for years. Attorney Amanda Webb has extensive courtroom experience. She also previously served as an assistant district attorney in Montgomery County and knows the criminal justice system inside and out. Put experience on your side if you need your criminal record expunged.

The three ways to clear your name: pardon, expunction, and non-disclosure

If you want to get rid of your criminal record, there are three main ways to get there: a pardon from the Governor of Texas, an expunction of your criminal record, and non-disclosure of your record.

What is a pardon?

A pardon is a grant of clemency by the Governor of Texas for any criminal conviction under state law (or the President of the United States if you were convicted of a federal crime). The pardon wipes out all legal consequences of your crime; however, records of your criminal charge and conviction still exist and can still affect your reputation.

What is an expunction?

An expunction completely wipes out the record of your criminal charge or conviction, as though it never happened. You can apply for an expunction after receiving a pardon, or to remove records of arrest or criminal charges if you were never convicted.

What is non-disclosure?

Non-disclosure, or record-sealing, makes the record of your criminal charge unavailable. This is similar to expunction for most purposes, but the records are not completely gone; they can still be accessed by certain government agencies and a judge can order that they be unsealed. Still, this may be the best option if you can’t qualify for a full expunction.

Am I eligible for expunction?

Under Texas law, the following circumstances are generally considered eligible for expunction:

• You were arrested, but not charged with a crime.
• You were charged, but the charge was eventually dismissed.
• You were convicted of a qualifying juvenile misdemeanor.
• You were charged with an alcohol-related offense committed when you were a minor.
• You were convicted with failure to attend school.
• You were acquitted by the Criminal Court of Appeals.
• You were given a pardon.
• You were charged in an identity theft case in which another person was ultimately convicted.

Certain circumstances are explicitly not eligible for expunction. A court-ordered deferred adjudication probation (other than for Class C misdemeanors) does not qualify for an expunction. Certain crimes such as child molestation, prostitution, and vehicular homicide are also ineligible for expunction. However, you may still qualify for an order of non-disclosure.

How can I get my criminal record expunged?

The expungement process in Texas starts with filing a petition for expunction with the district court. Once the petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing in which you must prove that you meet the requirements for an expunction. Applicable agencies can contest the expunction at the hearing, as well. If the court grants the expunction, you must present an order for expunction to the court for the judge to sign.

As with any legal proceeding, it’s important that you follow every protocol in the expunction process; missing a step or making an error when filing the petition can have serious consequences. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced expunction attorney who knows the process and can advise on the potential outcome.

You can count on our law firm

Our law firm is dedicated to helping our clients get the best possible outcome, and that includes all consequences of a criminal conviction. We know how to fight to get your records expunged or sealed and how to restore your rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm. We know the courts, know the process, and will exhaust all legal options to help you build a better future.

Find out if you’re eligible to have your criminal record expunged. Talk to an experienced expungement attorney who knows how the legal system works in Texas. Contact us and schedule your free consultation today.