Can a Felony Conviction Be Expunged in Dallas?
A felony conviction can have serious consequences. It may affect your employment, qualification for housing, or even gun ownership. Most ask whether they can erase their record and begin anew. In Texas, expungement is possible in certain situations, but it is not easy. If you have a felony conviction, you must understand your options. Dallas felony charges defense attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for record expungement or other relief.
What Is Expungement?
Expungement is a legal process that removes a criminal record from public access. If your record is expunged, the conviction never happened. Background checks will not disclose the charge, and you can lawfully say you were never convicted.
But Texas is extremely strict about expungement. Only under certain circumstances can they be allowed, and felonies are much harder to expunge than misdemeanors. In most cases, those convicted of a felony must pursue other alternatives, such as sealing their record or a pardon.
Can a Felony Be Expunged in Texas?
A felony conviction in the majority of cases cannot be expunged. Texas law allows expungement only in limited situations. You may qualify if you were arrested but never charged, either due to the dismissal of charges or failure to file. If the court acquitted you after you were found not guilty, you may seek to have your record wiped clean.
In addition, if your case was dismissed by the prosecution, you may be a candidate for expungement. Another option open to you is obtaining a full pardon from the president or governor, which can result in expungement. You likely do not qualify if you were convicted of a felony and completed your sentence, however. While expungement may be unavailable, there are other legal alternatives that may soften the impact of a felony conviction.
What is Record Sealing (Non-Disclosure)?
If you are not eligible for an expungement, record sealing (non-disclosure) might be an option. A non-disclosure order does not erase your record, but it seals it. Most employers and landlords will not be able to see a sealed record. Law enforcement and government agencies, though, will still be able to see it.
Felony record sealing is not an option in all situations. If you have successfully completed deferred adjudication, you might be in the clear. Deferred adjudication is probation, where the case is dismissed as long as you comply with everything. Violent crimes and sex offenses are not subject to non-disclosure.
The Impact of a Felony Conviction:
A felony conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. Even once you’ve served your time, you can count on:
- Few job opportunities – Some companies will not hire a person with a felony record.
- Few housing opportunities – Rental requests might be rejected due to a criminal record.
- Loss of gun rights – Felons are not allowed to legally own or carry a gun in Texas.
- Travel restrictions – Some nations do not permit felons.
- Social stigma – Others will judge a criminal, and it can be harder to rebuild a life.
Because of such issues, most people choose expungement or sealing their records. In case you cannot seal your record, then seek other means of improving your future, such as requesting a pardon or participating in a re-entry program.
Why You Need a Lawyer?
Expungement and record sealing are intricate legal procedures. Small mistakes can delay your case or cause it to be rejected. A seasoned lawyer will make sure you qualify for everything and present a strong case.
An expungement attorney Dallas can examine your case, inform you of your rights, and deal with all the legal forms. In case you are not eligible for expungement, an attorney may assist you with other means, like a pardon or record sealing.
Expungement is possible in Dallas, but only for certain circumstances. If you were convicted of a felony, your record is difficult to expunge. Most felony convictions cannot be expunged, although some can be record-sealed. If you were arrested and not convicted, you may be able to expunge your record.
