Corpus Christi Expungement Lawyer

HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPUNGEMENT COST IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

An expungement can cost up to approximately $5000 in Corpus Christi. The total fees for this proceeding can vary depending on the amount and severity of offenses requiring expungement and the number of law enforcement agencies involved. Individuals seeking expungement in Corpus Christi should consult a knowledgeable Expunction attorney for further information on this process. 

• Can I file an expungement myself in Corpus Christi Texas? Expungement is a complex process that should be handled by an experienced expungement attorney as the consequences of a deficient Expunction are severe. For example, an incomplete expunction can thwart career opportunities and significantly jeopardize professional prospects for Texans from all walks of life.

• How long does an expungement take in Corpus Christi Texas? An expungement can take up to approximately 3 to 6 months in Corpus Christi. This timeframe is typically attributable to busy Nueces County courts and administrative delay in law enforcement and governmental agencies.

WHAT QUALIFIES FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

Criminal dismissals and cases resolved by pretrial diversion qualify for expungement in Corpus Christi. Charges resolved by Deferred Disposition also qualify for Expunction. Additionally, criminal acquittals immediately qualify for expungement with no required waiting period, including drug offenses, money laundering cases, and Credit Card Abuse. Learn more.

• What offenses cannot be expunged in Corpus Christi Texas? Offenses resolved through Deferred Adjudication probation and criminal convictions are not eligible for expungement though some may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure in Corpus Christi. Certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are often ineligible for Expunction depending on the circumstances for the dismissal. Learn more.

• Do I need a lawyer for expungement in Corpus Christi Texas? Individuals seeking to expunge a criminal charge in Corpus Christi should retain an experienced Expunction lawyer as the consequences of a deficient expungement are severe. For example, an incomplete Expunction can result in a continued suspension of Second Amendment rights and of a CDL in Corpus Christi. Learn more.

WHAT CRIMES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE  FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

Crimes resulting in a conviction and those resolved through Deferred Adjudication or community supervision probation are not eligible for expungement in Corpus Christi, although certain first-time offenders may qualify for a record sealing by nondisclosure. Certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are sometimes ineligible for expunction depending on the reasoning for the dismissal. Learn more.

• Can police see expunged records in Corpus Christi Texas? No, police cannot see records of properly expunged criminal episodes in Corpus Christi. However, improperly expunged cases will be visible to a law enforcement agency and can result in pretext police investigations and detentions. It is therefore critical to retain an experienced expungement lawyer whenever seeking an Expunction in Corpus Christi.

• How can I get my record expunged in Corpus Christi Texas for free? Indigent individuals can obtain a free expunction by executing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay costs, commonly referred to as a pauper’s affidavit, with the Nueces County District Clerk’s Office or the pertinent court. Additionally, criminal acquittals also qualify for an immediate no-fee expunction.

DOES CRIMINAL RECORD CLEAR AFTER 7 YEARS IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

No, criminal records do not clear after 7 years in Corpus Christi. Criminal records are permanent and do not automatically disappear even when a charge is dismissed. The only way to remove a case from a criminal record in Corpus Christi is by Expunction.

• What misdemeanors cannot be expunged in Corpus Christi Texas? Misdemeanor convictions and cases resolved by Deferred Adjudication or community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Corpus Christi. However, some of these cases may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure. Eligibility questions should be addressed to a lawyer or law firm in this practice area. Learn more.

• Can you answer no if your record is expunged in Corpus Christi Texas? Yes, a person can answer no and deny the existence of an expunged criminal offense in Corpus Christi. This is one advantage of expungement, which can benefit individuals in employment, professional licensing, and in various other background check scenarios like joining the military. Learn more.

CAN YOU BUY A GUN AFTER EXPUNGEMENT IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

Yes, a person can buy a gun after expunging a criminal charge in Corpus Christi provided they do not have any other disqualifying factor. However, an improper Expunction can result in a continued suspension of firearms rights. Persons seeking to expunge an offense in Corpus Christi should take care to retain an experienced expungement lawyer to avoid such consequences. Learn more.

• What are the benefits of expungement in Corpus Christi Texas? There are innumerable benefits to expunging a criminal case in Corpus Christi, including the ability to deny existence of an expunged offense. An Expunction can help employees avoid difficult or embarrassing questions during a job interview and also assist litigants in family law cases such as child custody and adoption. Additionally, a clean criminal background can curb pretext police investigations and detentions. Learn more.

• What happens at an expungement hearing in Corpus Christi Texas? The state is usually represented by the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office who will appear in Court. The Petitioner must also appear to establish why the Expunction is warranted. The judge will hear all arguments and evidence and make the final ruling in the case. Expunction is a complex process requiring an understanding of evidence and procedure. Learn more.

HOW DO I FILE AN EXPUNGEMENT IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

A person seeking to expunge a charge should prepare and file a Petition for Expunction with the Nueces County District Clerk’s Office or with the pertinent court clerk. The petition should be notarized and include all the information required by chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. An expungement will then advance by civil process to a hearing where the judge decides whether the Expunction is merited.

• How long do felonies stay on your record in Corpus Christi Texas? Felonies stay permanently on criminal records in Corpus Christi even when dismissed. The only way to remove a felony in Corpus Christi is by Expunction.

• How do I expunge a misdemeanor in TX? Expungement in Texas is a civil legal process requiring a Petition for Expunction that comports with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure chapter 55. This is a complex and nuanced procedure that should be handled by qualified legal professionals.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPUNGEMENT AND EXPUNCTION IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

There is no difference between the terms expungement and Expunction in Texas as both refer to the process of deleting criminal cases from a person’s record. However, Expunction is the technical term for this procedure according to Texas law.

• How hard is it to get a felony expunged in Corpus Christi Texas? Only those felony charges dismissed without probation qualify for Expunction under state law. Felony acquittals are eligible for immediate Expunction while other charges require a 3 year waiting period. Additionally, some Expunctions require expiration of the Statute of Limitations, which sometimes prevents expungement of serious felonies with no limitations, like Murder, depending on the reasoning for the dismissal.

• Can FBI see expunged records in Corpus Christi Texas? No, the FBI is unable to see properly expunged criminal records in Corpus Christi. However, cases subject to an incomplete or deficient expungement are visible to the FBI. This is one critical reason to seek assistance from an experienced expungement attorney during this process.

WILL A SEALED RECORD SHOW UP ON A BACKGROUND CHECK CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

A record sealed by nondisclosure will not appear in a public background check run by private sector entities like private employers. However, the record is not deleted and is still visible to law enforcement and several professional regulatory agencies like the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Medical Board. A full list of agencies that can access records sealed by nondisclosure is contained in Texas Government Code section 411.0765.

• Do arrests without conviction show up on background check in Corpus Christi Texas? Yes, an arrest will appear on a criminal background check in Corpus Christi even when the charges are dismissed. This includes class C misdemeanors, which are common but can devastate an individual’s career and professional aspirations. The only way to remove a qualifying arrest from a criminal record is by Expunction.

• Do misdemeanors go away in Corpus Christi Texas? No, misdemeanor offenses do not automatically go away or disappear off criminal records in Corpus Christi. The only way to delete a criminal record is by Expunction. Additionally, defendants who disregard misdemeanor charges are subject to arrest and further criminal charges. Learn more.

HOW FAR BACK CAN A BACKGROUND CHECK GO IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

Most background checks in Corpus Christi reveal the entirety of a candidate’s criminal history and are not limited to date ranges. There is a common belief that a background check only goes back 7 years but this is a misconception. While certain employers or agencies may choose to only consider recent criminal offenses, a background check will review all criminal offenses. Learn more.

• Do expunged records show up on fingerprinting Corpus Christi Texas? Properly expunged records do not show up on fingerprinting in Corpus Christi. However, incomplete or deficiently expunged records will appear on a fingerprint background check. It is critical to retain a knowledgeable and skilled expungement lawyer to avoid these consequences.

• Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Corpus Christi Texas? Yes, a felony charge will continue to appear on a criminal background check after 10 years in Corpus Christi. Felonies remain permanently on criminal records in Texas even when the charge is dismissed. The only way to delete a felony record in Corpus Christi is by Expunction. Learn more.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A FELONY EXPUNGED IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

It takes about 3 to 6 months to finalize a felony expungement in Corpus Christi due to busy dockets and administrative processing. However, many cases require a 3 year waiting period prior to Expunction. Additionally, certain charges require expiration of the Statute of Limitations which often prevents expunction for serious felonies with no limitations, like Murder. Learn more.

• How long does it take for an Expunction to process in Corpus Christi Texas? It takes approximately 3 to 6 months for an Expunction to fully process in Corpus Christi. This delay is usually due to busy court dockets and administrative agencies like the Texas Department of Public Safety.

• Who qualifies for expungement in Corpus Christi Texas? Individuals with criminal charges dismissed without probation qualify for expungement in Corpus Christi. People who resolved their cases by pretrial diversion or Deferred Disposition are also eligible for Expunction in Corpus Christi. Learn more.

WHAT CONVICTIONS CANNOT BE EXPUNGED IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

Criminal convictions do not qualify for expungement under state law in Corpus Christi. Certain not aggravated first-time convictions may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure.

• How long does a felony stay on your record in Corpus Christi Texas? Felonies stay permanently on criminal records in Texas even when charges are dismissed. The only way to delete a felony record is by Expunction in Corpus Christi. Individuals interested in felony record clearing should contact a knowledgeable expunction law office in Corpus Christi, or Laredo to explore eligibility requirements.

• How do I seal or expunge my record in Corpus Christi Texas? A person can expunge or seal their records in Corpus Christi by filing the appropriate petitions in accordance with state law and local procedures. These are both nuanced legal proceedings that should be ideally handled by experienced legal professionals.

HOW CAN I CLEAN MY RECORD IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

A person can clean their record in Corpus Christi by seeking an Expunction. Expunction is a powerful legal process that deletes all records of qualifying criminal charges. An Expunction even allows a person to deny the existence of expunged criminal offenses. Interested parties should consult with a qualified Expunction attorney to explore their options in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, or South Texas. Learn more.

• How long do arrests stay on your record in Corpus Christi Texas? Arrests stay permanently on criminal records in Corpus Christi even when they are dismissed. The only way to delete a qualifying arrest record in Corpus Christi is by Expunction.

• Do misdemeanors go away after 7 years in Corpus Christi Texas? No, misdemeanors do not go away automatically after 7 years in Corpus Christi. Misdemeanors remain permanently on criminal records unless they are deleted by Expunction. Additionally, defendants who disregard pending misdemeanors are subject to further criminal charges and an arrest warrant. Learn more.

CAN YOU PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK WITH A MISDEMEANOR IN CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS?

A misdemeanor will permanently appear on a criminal background check in Corpus Christi unless it is expunged. This includes common class C misdemeanor arrests.  However, policies regarding misdemeanor records differ amongst employers and some entities may not reject candidates for simple misdemeanors.

• What is the 7 year rule in Texas? There is no rule in Texas where criminal charges automatically disappear from criminal records after 7 years. Criminal records are permanent even when cases are dismissed unless they are removed by Expunction. As a general practice, certain employers and organizations may only consider criminal records within the previous 7 years when evaluating a candidate. However, this approach varies among the community and is inconsistent and unpredictable.

• How can I check my criminal record in Corpus Christi Texas? A person can check their criminal record in Corpus Christi by arranging a criminal record background check with the Nueces County Sheriff’s Office. However, candidates should ensure they have no active warrants prior to this process as they will be subject to immediate arrest. Learn more.

EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER IN CORPUS CHRISTI | NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS

Trey Porter Law represents individuals seeking to expunge criminal records in Corpus Christi and Nueces County, as well as the surrounding areas of Port Aransas, Rockport, Fulton, Portland, Gregory, Robstown, Sinton, and Victoria.

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.