Arlington Expungement Lawyer

HOW MUCH DOES EXPUNGEMENT COST IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

An expungement can cost up to approximately $5,000 in Arlington. Associated costs can vary depending on the amount of cases and number of governmental agencies involved in the Expunction. Individuals seeking to expunge a criminal offense should contact an Expunction attorney in Arlington.

• How do I get my record expunged in Tarrant County Texas? A person must file an Expunction, which is a civil legal proceeding, in order to expunge a criminal record in Tarrant County, Texas. These lawsuit should be filed with the Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office, but can sometimes be filed in municipal and justice courts. Expunction is a complex process which merits the attention of a qualified expungement attorney in Arlington.

• Can I file an Expunction myself in Arlington Texas? It is recommended to seek legal assistance with an Expunction as it is a complex process that can be devastating if not handled correctly. For example, a deficient expunction can result in a loss of employment opportunities and pretextual police investigations.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR AN EXPUNGEMENT TO PROCESS IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

It can take approximately 3 to 6 months for an expungement to fully process in Arlington. This delay is frequently attributable to busy court dockets and administrative processing times in governmental and law enforcement agencies.

• What offenses cannot be expunged in Arlington Texas? Criminal convictions and cases resolved by probation, including deferred adjudication cannot be expunged in Arlington, though some may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure. Additionally, certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are sometimes ineligible for Expunction depending on the circumstances of the dismissal. Learn more.

• What offenses can be expunged in Arlington Texas? Criminal dismissals and cases resolved by Deferred Disposition are eligible for Expunction in Arlington. Cases resolved by pretrial diversion and specialty court programs are frequently eligible for expungement as well though some programs restrict expungement rights. Questions regarding Expunction eligibility should be directed to an experienced Expunction lawyer in Arlington. Learn more.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

Individuals with criminal charges that are dismissed without probation qualify for expungement in Arlington as well as those who resolved their cases by Deferred Disposition. Defendants who resolved their cases by pretrial diversion also qualify for Expunction. Criminal acquittals also qualify for expungement in Arlington. Learn more.

• What crimes are not eligible for expungement in Arlington Texas? Criminal convictions and cases resolved by community supervision probation are not eligible for expungement in Arlington though some offenses may qualify for record sealing by a nondisclosure order. Some serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are also sometimes precluded from Expunction depending on the circumstances of the dismissal. Learn more.

• Can police see expunged cases in Arlington Texas? No, police will be unable to see records involving a properly expunged criminal offense in Arlington. However, police may see offenses subject to a deficient Expunction. This is one reason why a person should seek qualified legal counsel when expunging a criminal case in Arlington. Learn more.

HOW CAN I GET MY RECORD EXPUNGED IN TEXAS FOR FREE?

Indigent individuals may qualify for a free Expunction in Arlington by executing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Costs, which is sometimes called pauper’s affidavit. This form needs to be filed with the Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office or the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office. Criminal acquittals are also eligible for no-fee Expunction. 

• Can you answer no if your record is expunged in Arlington Texas? Yes, a person can legally answer no and deny the existence of a criminal case that has been expunged in Arlington. Expunction is a powerful tool that can assist Texans in the employment process and in family law, including child custody and adoption proceedings.

• What are the benefits of expungement in Arlington Texas? Expungement has immeasurable benefits including deleting embarrassing or disqualifying criminal incidents for job applicants. Expunction can also help Texans avoid pretextual police investigations and improve litigants prospects in family law cases including prenups, child custody, restraining orders, and adoption.

CAN YOU BUY GUN AFTER EXPUNGEMENT IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

Yes, a person can buy a gun in Arlington after expunging a criminal charge provided they have no other disqualifying factors. Learn more.

• Do expunged records show up on fingerprinting Arlington Texas? No, a properly expunged charge will not show up on a fingerprint background check in Arlington. However, an improperly expunged offense will appear on a criminal record and can hurt career opportunities which is why it is important to seek an experienced and qualified expungement lawyer in Arlington.

• How do I file an expungement in Arlington Texas? Expungement in Arlington is a civil lawsuit that initiates by filing a Petition for Expunction with the Tarrant County District Clerk’s office or in municipal court. The petition should be verified, list all the relevant law enforcement agencies, and contain the information dictated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure chapter 55. This is a complex process that should ideally involve the assistance of an experienced expungement attorney in Arlington.

DOES A CRIMINAL RECORD CLEAR AFTER 7 YEARS IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

No, a criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years in Arlington as this is an unfortunate misconception. Criminal records are permanent even when a charge is dismissed. The only way to clear a criminal record in Arlington is by Expunction.

• When can I expunge my record in Arlington Texas? A criminal charge can be expunged immediately following an acquittal. A class C misdemeanor requires a 180 day waiting period while class B and class A misdemeanors impose a 1-year waiting period. There is a 3 year waiting period for felonies. Additionally some charges require expiration of the Statute of Limitations, which sometimes precludes Expunction of serious felonies that have no limitations, like Murder.

• Can FBI see expunged records in Arlington Texas? No, the FBI is unable to see cases that have been properly expunged. However, a deficient or incomplete Expunction can result in cases that are visible to the FBI in Arlington.

WHAT HAPPENS AT AN EXPUNGEMENT HEARING IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

An Arlington expungement hearing typically requires attendance of the petitioner as well as the district attorney and sometimes a representative from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The judge presides over the proceeding and has ultimate authority in granting the Expunction after the litigants present evidence, argument, and authorities. Learn more.

• Do I need to expunge dismissed charge in Arlington Texas? Yes, a dismissed charge should be expunged immediately as letting it remain on a criminal record is unnecessary and potentially devastating to Texans from all walks of life. Learn more.

• What is the difference between expungement and Expunction in Arlington Texas? There is no difference between the terms Expunction or expungement as both refer to the same legal process of deleting cases from a criminal record. As a formalistic matter however, Texas law actually refers to this process as Expunction as opposed to expungement.

WHAT MISDEMEANORS CANNOT BE EXPUNGED IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

Misdemeanor convictions and cases resolved by community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Arlington though some cases may qualify for record sealing by an order of nondisclosure. However, domestic violence cases do not qualify for nondisclosure and can lead to a suspension of Second Amendment rights. Learn more.

• Do arrests without conviction show up on background check in Arlington Texas? Yes, criminal arrests will show up on a background check in Arlington even when the case is dismissed. This is true across Texas, including in nearby Denton County, Cedar Hill, Lewisville, Coppell, Waxahachie, Rockwall, Burleson and Cleburne. Arrests are permanent unless removed from a record by Expunction.

• How long does a conviction stay on your record in Arlington Texas? Convictions appear permanently on criminal records in Arlington and do not qualify for Expunction under state law. However, some convictions can be publicly sealed by an order of nondisclosure. These cases are not visible to the public but nevertheless remain on criminal records in Arlington.

WILL A SEALED RECORD SHOW UP ON A BACKGROUND CHECK IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

A sealed record subject to a nondisclosure order will not show up on public background checks conducted by private entities like employers in the private sector. These records are still present, however, and are visible to law enforcement and certain state agencies that regulate professional occupations, like the State Bar Association of Texas and the Texas Medical Board. A full list of these agencies is set forth by Texas Government Code section 411.0765.

• How long does Texas keep criminal records in Arlington? Texas maintains criminal records indefinitely in Arlington. This means cases are present permanently on criminal backgrounds unless they are deleted. Expunction is the only mechanism to remove a criminal case from a person’s background in Arlington.

• How far back does FBI fingerprint check go in Arlington Texas? An FBI fingerprint background search will check an individual’s entire criminal history. This means recent and 30 year charges will all appear on an FBI fingerprint check. For example, an FBI check can see an old DWI offense and certain family law proceedings like restraining orders.

HOW FAR BACK DOES A FINGERPRINT BACKGROUND CHECK GO IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

A fingerprint background check in Arlington searches a person’s entire criminal history, which means 5, 10, and 20 year old cases will all appear. Expunction is the only mechanism to delete a charge from a criminal history in Arlington. 

• Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years Arlington Texas? Yes, a person should disclose all felonies unless a query specifically asks for charges within the previous 7 years only. Felony charges are permanent in Arlington unless removed by Expunction.

• Do misdemeanors show up on background checks in Arlington Texas? Yes, misdemeanors will appear on criminal background checks in Arlington Texas, including class C misdemeanor arrests. Class C misdemeanors are common but can devastate a person’s employment and educational prospects, including for students at The University of Texas at Arlington. Learn more.

CAN YOU CHECK YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

Yes, a person can check their criminal record in Arlington at the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Interested parties should confirm they have no active warrants before they appear for a background check as they would be subject to arrest. Experienced Expunction attorneys can also help with this process in Arlington. Many of these law firms offer virtual and phone consultations.

• Do I need a lawyer for expungement in Arlington Texas? Expungement is a complicated, lengthy process that should be done by knowledgeable legal representation in Arlington. An incomplete or deficient Expunction can devastate employment, legal, and professional prospects for individuals in Arlington. Learn more.

• Do misdemeanors go away after 7 years in Arlington Texas? No, misdemeanors do not go away after 7 years in Arlington but remain permanently on criminal records even when dismissed. Even commonplace class C misdemeanor infractions will appear on  a background check. The only way to remove a misdemeanor from a criminal record in Arlington is by Expunction.

HOW LONG DOES A MISDEMEANOR STAY ON YOUR RECORD IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

Misdemeanors stay permanently on criminal records in Arlington unless removed by expunction. This includes Class C misdemeanor arrests, which will appear on a background check even when dismissed. Some domestic violence misdemeanors can invalidate a person’s Second Amendment rights, which is one reason all charges should be expunged as soon as possible in Arlington.

• How do you get around a background check in Arlington? A person can get around a background check in Arlington by expunging eligible criminal offenses. Expunction is a complicated process subject to extensive litigation which results in an ever-changing legal landscape when it comes to eligibility. Questions about expungement process and qualifications should be directed to an experienced Texas expungement attorney.

• What convictions cannot be expunged in Arlington Texas? Criminal convictions are not eligible for Expunction in Arlington, though some cases may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure. However, domestic violence convictions do not qualify for nondisclosure. It is imperative to seek skilled and knowledgeable legal representation when facing these charges. Learn more.

HOW DO YOU GET A DISMISSED CASE EXPUNGED IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

Expunging a dismissed case in Arlington requires preparing and filing a Petition for Expunction with the pertinent jurisdiction, usually the Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office. This petition should be verified and include all the information mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure chapter 55. This is a complex process that should ideally be navigated with the assistance of a qualified Expunction lawyer in Arlington. Learn more.

• What criminal records can be sealed in Arlington Texas? Many cases resolved successfully by Deferred Adjudication probation can be sealed by nondisclosure in Arlington. Additionally, certain first-time offense convictions can also be sealed. As a general rule, cases of domestic violence do not qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure.

• How far do most criminal background checks go in Arlington? Most criminal background checks review the entirety of a candidate’s history and are not limited by date ranges. Even a 20-year old conviction will appear on a background search. It is important to expunge any and all qualifying criminal charges to avoid these scenarios in Arlington.

HOW LONG DO YOUR FINGERPRINTS STAY IN THE SYSTEM IN ARLINGTON?

Fingerprint records remain permanently in law enforcement databases in Arlington and are in most instances uploaded to a state and national registry. The only way to remove this data is by Expunction in Arlington.

• Is Texas a 7 year background check state? Though some Texas employers or agencies are primarily concerned with incidents within the previous 7 years, Texas background checks review the entirety of a candidate’s criminal history with no date range limit. This means cases older than 7 years will appear on a background check and may require explanation in a job interview.

• How do I get a copy of my fingerprint background check in Arlington Texas? A person can get a copy of their background check utilizing their fingerprints at the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Any active warrants are subject to immediate arrest so interested parties should verify this status prior to scheduling a fingerprint background check in Arlington. This can be accomplished with the assistance of a knowledgeable expungement lawyer and law office in these practice areas.

CAN AN EMPLOYER FIRE YOU FOR PENDING CHARGES IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

Arlington employers can fire an employee for any reason, including pending criminal charges, unless prohibited by contract. Additionally, many employers have company policies that dictate proceedings whenever an employee is subject to prosecution. Defendants in Arlington can consult their employee handbooks for further guidance.

• What qualifies for expungement in Arlington Texas? Criminal dismissals and cases resolved by pretrial diversion qualify for expungement in Arlington. Cases resolved by Deferred Disposition may also be expunged. Additionally, all criminal acquittals, including serious felonies like Murder and white collar crime like Credit Card Abuse, qualify for expungement in Arlington. Learn more.

• How do I get an expungement in Arlington Texas? Expungement is a legal process that requires filing a Petition for Expunction in civil court according to the requirements in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure chapter 55. This is a nuanced procedure that is ideally handled with the assistance of a skilled Expunction attorney in Arlington. Learn more.

HOW LONG BEFORE A FELONY CAN BE EXPUNGED IN ARLINGTON TEXAS?

Felony Expunctions require a 3-year waiting period in Arlington. Additionally, some felony offenses require expiration of the Statute of Limitations prior to expungement. This means certain serious felonies with no limitations, like Murder, are eligible for expungement in some circumstances depending on the reasons for the dismissal.

• Do felonies go away after 7 years in Arlington Texas? No, felonies do not automatically go away and disappear from criminal records after 7 years in Arlington. Felony offenses remain permanently on criminal records even when dismissed. The only way to remove an eligible felony charge from a criminal record in Arlington is by Expunction.

• Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Arlington Texas? Yes, a felony will show up on a criminal background check after 10, 20, and even 30 years in Arlington. Felony charges are permanent even when dismissed. The only way to remove a felony offense from a person’s record is by seeking an expungement.

EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER IN ARLINGTON | TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS

Trey Porter Law represents individuals seeking to expunge criminal records in Arlington and Tarrant County, as well as the surrounding areas of Grapevine, Addison, Southlake, Irving, Mansfield, Bedford, Euless, Frisco, Carrollton, Plano and Fort Worth.

Trey Porter Law stands up for the citizen accused. From students to teachers, veterans to first responders, and professionals across varied industries and disciplines, TPL brings a results-oriented & client-focused approach to solving complex problems.

Trey Porter is a Texas SuperLawyer, nationally recognized as a dynamic advocate in Criminal Defense. Voted by his peers as a best lawyer in the field of Criminal and DWI Defense every year since 2015, Mr. Porter holds a Superb rating from AVVO, where attorneys are rated based on skillful litigation, client satisfaction, peer endorsements, and positive results. Learn more.