HOW DO I CLEAR MY POLICE RECORD IN FORT WORTH?

Police criminal records can be cleared in Fort Worth by filing an Expunction. An Expunction is a powerful legal tool that can destroy all records of a criminal case, including arrest and court data for all level offenses, including Texas felonies. The Expunction process can often be nuanced and requires delicate care and attention. Learn more.

• How do I clear my name from my criminal record in Fort Worth? An individual can clear their name, date of birth, driver’s license number, social security number, and all other identifiers related to a criminal record through an Expunction. An Expunction will also destroy all police reports and court records associated with the case.

• How do I remove dismissed charges from my record in Fort Worth? Dismissed charges can be deleted by an Expunction, which destroys all records of the case. This powerful process allows individuals to get around a criminal record by destroying any evidence the criminal case ever even happened.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN FORT WORTH?

Criminal cases dismissed without probation qualify for an Expungement in Tarrant County. Persons who completed Deferred Disposition or who otherwise resolved their Class C misdemeanor without final conviction also qualify for an Expunction. Individuals with pending felony charges must resolve these cases before they can expunge prior offenses. Learn more.

• What is eligible for Expunction in Fort Worth? All level offenses, from petty theft to first degree felony murder charges may be eligible for Expunction in Fort Worth. An Expunction can delete all records of any level criminal offense that is outright dismissed or resolved through Deferred Disposition. Learn more.

• Do I qualify for an Expungement in Fort Worth? You qualify for an Expungement in Fort Worth if your case was dismissed without probation or if you resolved your Class C misdemeanor offense through Deferred Disposition. If you completed a Pretrial Diversion program, there may be some restrictions on Expunction eligibility.

• What crimes cannot be Expunged in Fort Worth? Criminal convictions cannot be expunged in Fort Worth, Texas. Offenses resolved through Deferred Adjudication are also ineligible for Expunction, though those individuals may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure. Certain felonies with no Statute of Limitations may be barred from expunction depending on the reasoning for the dismissal. Learn more.

HOW DO I GET AN EXPUNCTION IN FORT WORTH?

Individuals seeking to delete a criminal record should file an expunction with the Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office. Texas law requires very specific information in an Expunction petition, including an affidavit and an extensive list of agencies to be served. A judge ultimately reviews the petition and determines whether an expunction is merited.

• How long does an Expunction take in Fort Worth? The Expunction process takes approximately 3 to 6 months in Fort Worth, Texas.. The timeline is reflective of busy court dockets and the administrative practicalities associated with deleting records.

• Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Fort Worth? Individuals seeking an Expunction in Fort Worth should retain a lawyer: the expunction process entails a considerable amount of criminal record research and an understanding of legal technicalities and nuance. These tasks are best left to experienced attorneys so as to avoid jeopardizing a clean criminal record. Learn more.

• Can I expunge my record myself in Fort Worth? It is not recommended for an individual to pursue an Expunction without a lawyer. The process is challenging and the potential consequences of a deficient Expunction are far too severe in most instances.

HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPUNCTION COST IN FORT WORTH?

It costs up to $5000 to get an expungement in Fort Worth. This price includes attorney’s fees and can vary with filing fees and the amount of cases sought to be expunged.

• How much does it cost to file for expungement in Fort Worth? Expunction filing fees in Fort Worth range in the hundreds of dollars. It is important to factor in the costs of obtaining the necessary court records and documentation, as well as any time associated with drafting the petition for expunction.

• What happens at an Expunction hearing in Fort Worth? The presiding judge reviews the petition and hears any arguments from  attorneys from the Tarrant County District Attorney and Texas Department of Public Safety. Disagreement about eligibility can complicate and prolong the process.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN EXPUNCTION IN FORT WORTH?

It takes approximately 3 to 6 months for the entire Expunction to process and for all associated criminal records to be destroyed. This delay is primarily a byproduct of court and administrative agency processing.

• How long does it take to expunge a Felony in Fort Worth? It takes approximately 3 to 6 months to wholly expunge a felony so that all records are destroyed. There is typically not a lengthier processing time for felonies as opposed to misdemeanors. Both remain subject to the same court and agency processing periods. Certain felonies require expiration of the Statute of Limitations prior to Expunction, which can complicate Expunction of offenses with no such limitations depending on the circumstances surrounding the dismissal.

• How long does it take for an expungement to come off your record in Fort Worth? Once the Expunction Order is signed, it takes approximately 3 months for a record to be expunged in Fort Worth. Procedurally, the Tarrant County District Clerks will send copies of the Expunction order to all pertinent agencies and they will then process the order, destroying all relevant records in their possession.

• How long do you have to wait to get your record expunged in Fort Worth? There is a waiting period for an expungement in Fort Worth that will differ depending on the associated criminal charge. The waiting period for an expunction of a class C misdemeanor is 180 days and 1 year for all other misdemeanors. Felonies require a 3 year waiting period. Certain felonies require expiration of the Statute of Limitations. Some cases may not require a waiting period at all. Learn more.

WHEN CAN YOU EXPUNGE YOUR RECORD IN FORT WORTH?

A criminal record may be expunged immediately following an acquittal or successful completion of a Pretrial Diversion or specialty court program. A dismissed charge may otherwise be expunged after the relevant waiting period has lapsed, specifically: 180 days for a class C misdemeanor, 1 year for other misdemeanors, and 3 years generally for a felony.

• When can you expunge a felony in Fort Worth? A felony may be expunged immediately after an acquittal or successful completion of a Pretrial Diversion or Pretrial Intervention program. All other eligible dismissed felonies are subject to a 3 year waiting period. However, there are limited exceptions to this waiting period. Learn more.

• How long after a felony can you get it expunged in Fort Worth? Individuals seeking to expunge a felony must wait until the case is dismissed. A felony may then be immediately expunged if resulting from an acquittal or successful completion of a Pretrial Diversion or specialty court program. All other eligible dismissed felonies are then subject to a 3 year waiting period, with some exceptions. Learn more.

CAN I BUY A GUN WITH AN EXPUNGED RECORD IN FORT WORTH?

Yes, an expunged record does not prohibit the purchase or ownership of firearms in Texas. Even people with expunged felony cases can buy and own a gun in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and throughout Texas. Learn more.

• Can a criminal record be cleared automatically in Fort Worth? Criminal Records do not clear automatically in Fort Worth. Even dismissed criminal charges remain on records permanently unless expunged. Learn more.

• Does a criminal record clear after 7 years in Fort Worth? Criminal records do not clear after 7 years. Felonies do not go away after 7 years in Fort Worth either. A criminal case will stay permanently on a person’s record even if the case is dismissed. The only way to clear a criminal record in Fort Worth is through an Expunction.

DOES YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD CLEAR AFTER 5 YEARS IN FORT WORTH?

Criminal records do not clear after 5 years in Fort Worth. Criminal charges and arrests remain permanently on criminal records even when dismissed. The only way to remove a case from a criminal record in Fort Worth is through an Expunction.

• Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Fort Worth? A felony will show up on a background check in Fort Worth even after 10 years. Criminal records do not get wiped after 10 years as they are permanent even when dismissed, unless an Expunction is sought.

• How long do felonies stay on your record in Fort Worth? Felonies remain on criminal records in Fort Worth permanently even when dismissed. The only way to clear a felony criminal record in Fort Worth is by pursuing an Expunction.

CAN POLICE SEE EXPUNGED RECORDS IN FORT WORTH?

A properly executed Expunction will prevent police from seeing an expunged criminal record in Fort Worth. An individual can even deny they were ever arrested or charged with an expunged criminal offense.

• Does FBI background check show expunged records in Fort Worth? A properly executed Expunction will prevent an FBI background check from showing expunged criminal records in Fort Worth. An individual can legally deny the existence and prosecution of an expunged criminal charge.

• How far back does an FBI background check go in Fort Worth? An FBI background check will reveal all criminal offenses no matter the date, including all dismissed criminal offenses. A background check will not reveal cases subject to a properly executed Expunction.

HOW DO I REMOVE A FELONY FROM MY RECORD IN FORT WORTH?

The best way to remove a felony charge in Fort Worth is through an Expunction. All felonies dismissed without probation may be eligible for Expungement. Felony convictions do not qualify for an Expunction. Some felonies resolved through Deferred Adjudication may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure. Learn more.

• Can you expunge a dismissed felony in Fort Worth? All felonies resulting in acquittal, including first degree murder, may be expunged in Fort Worth. The vast majority of all other dismissed felonies are also eligible for Expunction. Expunction is a powerful tool that can assist Texans in cleaning their criminal records in Fort Worth.

• How do you get a drug charge expunged in Fort Worth? Fort Worth drug charges may be expunged by filing a Petition for Expunction in the Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office. This will begin the Expunction process, which will then proceed to a court hearing where the Expunction is typically finalized and sent out for processing and destruction of all associated criminal records.

DOES EXPUNGEMENT CLEAR YOUR RECORD IN FORT WORTH?

Expungement is a powerful tool that will clear all qualifying criminal records in Fort Worth. All criminal cases, including felonies, that were dismissed without probation may be eligible for an Expunction. Class C offenses that were resolved through Deferred Disposition will also qualify for an Expunction. Learn more.

• How do I check my Expungement status in Fort Worth? The best way to check the status of an Expungement in Fort Worth is to check whether the associated case still appears in the relevant Tarrant County court. If the case appears the Expunction has not yet been processed. A person can also check the case status by requesting a background check through the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office.

TREY PORTER NAMED BEST LAWYER IN CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Trey Porter is a dynamic advocate, nationally recognized for his work in Criminal Defense. He has been voted by his peers as a best lawyer in the field of Criminal and DWI Defense every year since 2015. Recognized by SuperLawyers, Mr. Porter has also been distinguished as a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association. 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.