Galveston Expungement Lawyer

HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPUNGEMENT COST IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

It costs up to approximately $5,000 to expunge a criminal charge in Galveston. These fees can vary though depending on the level and severity of expungeable offenses and the number of governmental agencies requiring service.

 

• Can I file an expungement myself in Galveston Texas? A person can file their own expungement in Galveston but it is recommended they seek assistance from an experienced expungement lawyer. Expunction is a nuanced, complex process and a deficient expungement can have disastrous consequences such as lost career opportunities and pretext police encounters.

• How can I get my record expunged in Galveston Texas for free? Certain indigent individuals can get a no-fee expungement by executing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Costs, often called a pauper’s affidavit, with the Galveston County District Clerk’s Office. Additionally, criminal acquittals also qualify for no-fee Expunctions.

HOW LONG DOES AN EXPUNGEMENT TAKE IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

It takes approximately 3 to 6 months to fully expunge a charge in Galveston. This delay is usually due to busy court dockets and administrative processing times at law enforcement and governmental agencies.

• What offenses cannot be expunged in Galveston Texas? Criminal convictions and cases resolved by Deferred Adjudication and community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Galveston. Also, certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are often eligible for expungement depending on the circumstances for the dismissal. Learn more.

• Do I need a lawyer for expungement in Galveston Texas? Yes, expungement requires a knowledge of legal procedure, evidence, and the criminal justice system. Untrained individuals should not undertake an Expunction as the consequences of an incomplete expungement are severe. For example, a deficient Expunction can result in a continued suspension of second amendment rights and subsequent gun charges in Galveston. Learn more.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

Individuals with criminal cases dismissed without probation qualify for expungement in Galveston. People who resolved their charges by pretrial diversion or Deferred Disposition also qualify for Expunction.

• What crimes are not eligible for expungement in Galveston Texas? Criminal convictions and crimes resolved by Deferred Adjudication and community supervision probation do not qualify for expungement in Galveston. Additionally, some serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are sometimes not eligible for expungement depending on the reasoning for the dismissal.

• Can police see expunged records in Galveston Texas? No, police cannot see properly expunged criminal records in Galveston, including DWI charges and drug manufacturing offenses. However, police can see records that were improperly or not completely expunged, which can lead to prolonged and pretextual encounters. It is imperative to seek an experienced Expunction attorney to avoid these circumstances.

WHAT MISDEMEANORS CANNOT BE EXPUNGED IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

Misdemeanor convictions and those resolved by Deferred Adjudication or community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Galveston. However, some of these cases may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure. Learn more.

• How do I get an expungement in Galveston Texas? A person seeking to expunge a case in Galveston must file a verified Petition for Expunction with the Galveston County District Clerk or in the pertinent court. The Petition should list all the relevant law enforcement agencies and otherwise comport with Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The Expunction process is complex and should be handled by a skilled Galveston, Brazoria County, or Harris County law office.

• Do misdemeanors go away in Galveston Texas? Misdemeanors do not automatically go away and disappear off criminal records in Galveston. Misdemeanors appear permanently on background checks even when cases are dismissed. The only way to remove a misdemeanor record is by Expunction. Also, a defendant who disregards a pending misdemeanor charge in Galveston is subject to an arrest warrant and additional criminal charges. Learn more.

DOES CRIMINAL RECORD CLEAR AFTER 7 YEARS IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

No, criminal records do not clear automatically after 7 years in Galveston. Criminal records are permanent even when charges are dismissed. The only way to clear a dismissed charge from a criminal record is by Expunction. Learn more.

• What happens at an expungement hearing in Galveston Texas? The petitioner is required to appear, typically in district court, and the state is usually represented by the District Attorney, and occasionally legal counsel for Texas Department of Public Safety. The presiding judge hears evidence and argument from the parties and then ultimately decides whether the Expunction is merited. Learn more.

• What is the difference between expungement and Expunction in Texas? There is no functional difference between the terms expungement and Expunction. These two words refer to the same process of removing offenses from criminal records in Texas. As a formal matter, Texas law does employ the term Expunction however.

HOW LONG DO ARRESTS STAY ON YOUR RECORD IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

Arrests remain permanently on criminal records in Texas even when charges are dismissed. The only way to remove an eligible arrest record in Galveston is by Expunction. Parties seeking to clear their record in Galveston should discuss eligibility requirements with an Expunction attorney.

• Can I buy a gun with a expunged record Texas? Yes, a person can buy a gun after expungement in Texas so long as they have no other disqualifying factors like a felony or domestic violence case. However, incomplete Expunctions can result in continued suspension of second amendment rights. Learn more.

•  Can FBI see expunged records in Galveston Texas? The FBI is unable to view cases that have been properly expunged, including identity theft offenses and white collar crimes. However, cases subject to a deficient Expunction can remain on FBI background checks. This is why it’s critical to retain an experienced expungement lawyer when seeking to clear a record in Galveston.

HOW DO I EXPUNGE A MISDEMEANOR IN TX?

A person seeking to clear a misdemeanor record in Texas must file a Petition for Expunction, which is a legal document that initiates an expungement. This petition must be notarized and contain the information required by chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The Expunction then advances by civil process to a hearing where the judge has final say in granting the expungement. Learn more. 

• Do arrests without conviction show up on background check in Galveston Texas? Yes, arrests appear on criminal background checks in Galveston even when the charge is dismissed. Arrests remain permanently on criminal records in Texas unless they are expunged. This includes common, but potentially devastating class C misdemeanor offenses. Learn more.

• Will a sealed record show up on a background check Galveston Texas? A record sealed by a nondisclosure order will not appear on a background check run by private employers or agencies in the private sector. Sealed records do appear in law enforcement background checks and are also visible to certain state agencies that regulate professionals like the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Medical Board. A full list of these agencies is contained in Texas Government Code section 411.0765.

CAN YOU PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK WITH A MISDEMEANOR IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

Misdemeanor cases will appear on criminal background checks in Galveston. Certain employers may not care about petty misdemeanors while others may disqualify a candidate for any minor infraction. Learn more.

• How long can a misdemeanor stay on your record in Galveston Texas? Misdemeanors remain permanently on criminal records in Galveston even when they are dismissed. The only way to delete a misdemeanor record in Texas is by Expunction. Learn more.

• What is the Texas 7 year rule? There is no rule in Texas where criminal cases automatically disappear from a person’s background after 7 years as criminal records are permanent unless expunged. While certain employers or entities may only consider recent charges when evaluating a candidate, this practice is unpredictable and varies across the community.

DO I HAVE TO DISCLOSE A MISDEMEANOR AFTER 7 YEARS IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

Policies for reporting misdemeanors will vary across the community in Galveston which means candidates should be familiar with reporting requirements in their field. Misdemeanor cases will continue to appear on criminal background checks after 7 years unless they are removed by Expunction.

• Do expunged records show up on fingerprinting Galveston Texas? No, criminal records that have been properly expunged will not appear on a fingerprint background check in Galveston. However, charges that were not properly expunged may remain on criminal records. This is one reason it is imperative to seek assistance from a qualified Expunction lawyer when seeking to clear a record in Galveston.

• Can I own a gun after felony expungement in Galveston Texas? Yes, a person can own a firearm after felony expungement in Galveston if they have no other disqualifying factors, like a separate felony conviction or a protective order. Learn more.

CAN LOCAL POLICE SEE EXPUNGED RECORDS IN GALVESTON?

No, local police are unable to see criminal records that have been properly expunged in Galveston. However, an incomplete or deficient Expunction may result in criminal records that are visible to local police and lead to prolonged and pretext investigative detentions.

• How much does it cost to expunge a felony in Galveston Texas? It costs up to approximately $5,000 to expunge a felony charge in Galveston. This fee may vary depending on the severity and amount of felonies involved and the number of governmental agencies requiring service.

• Can you check your criminal record in Galveston Texas? Yes, a person can check their criminal record with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Department. Interested parties should ensure they have no pending warrants as they would be subject to immediate arrest. Learn more.

HOW MUCH IS AN EXPUNGEMENT FEE IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

An expungement fee in Galveston is up to approximately $5,000. This fee may vary depending on the number and severity of the offenses sought to be expunged as well as the amount of governmental agencies requiring service of process.

• Can you refuse to hire someone with a criminal record in Galveston Texas? Yes, employers can reject job applicants due to a criminal record in Galveston. Job candidates should consult with an experienced expungement lawyer to explore record clearing in Galveston. Additional employment law questions should be directed to a law firm that specializes in these practice areas.

• How long does expungement take in Galveston Texas? It takes approximately 3 to 6 months to fully expunge a charge in Galveston. This delay is primarily due to busy court dockets and law enforcement administrative processing times.

DOES EXPUNGEMENT CLEAR YOUR RECORD IN TEXAS?

Yes, expungement is the only way to fully clear a criminal record in Texas. A properly expunged charge will not appear on background checks, including FBI fingerprint checks in Texas. Additionally, a person can deny the existence of an expunged offense. Learn more.

• How far back do most background checks go in Galveston Texas? Most background checks in Galveston review the entirety of a candidate’s criminal record and are not restricted by date range. While certain employers and agencies may only consider recent cases, the background check itself will reveal cases as old as 10, 20, and even 30 years old. Learn more.

• Do felonies show up after 7 years in Galveston Texas? Yes, felonies appear on criminal background checks after 7 years in Galveston even when dismissed. The only way to clear a felony record is by Expunction.

WHAT QUALIFIES FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

Criminal dismissals as well as charges resolved by pretrial diversion and Deferred Disposition qualify for expungement in Galveston. Additionally, criminal acquittals are eligible for expunction with no waiting limit. 

• What are the requirements for expungement in Galveston Texas? Expungement eligible cases include dismissals and cases resolved by Deferred Disposition and pretrial diversion. A person must then file a Petition for Expunction in the proper venue that contains the information called for in chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This is an extensive process that is ideally handled by trained legal professionals.

• How do I get my record Expunged in Galveston? A person seeking an expungement in Galveston must file a Petition for Expunction, a legal document that initiates the process of clearing a criminal record. The suit then advances by civil procedure to notice and hearing, where a judge either grants or denies the petition. Expungement is a complex process that should ideally be handled by an experienced Expunction attorney in Galveston.

DO FELONIES GO AWAY AFTER 7 YEARS IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

No, felonies do not automatically go away and disappear from a criminal record after 7 years in Galveston. Felonies remain permanently on criminal records in Texas even when dismissed. The only way to remove a felony record is by expungement in Galveston.

• Do I need to expunge dismissed charge Galveston Texas? Yes, dismissed criminal charges must be expunged or they will continue to appear on background checks in Galveston. An Expunction can help individuals avoid uncomfortable or embarrassing questions in job interviews and also assist in a variety of family law situations, like divorce, child custody, and adoption. A dismissed criminal charge should be expunged as soon as possible in Galveston. Learn more.

• Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Galveston Texas? Yes, a felony will appear on a background check after 10 years in Galveston. Felony charges remain permanently on criminal records even when dismissed. This means even 10, 20, and 30 year old cases will appear on a background check in Galveston. The only way to remove a felony from a criminal record is by expungement.

CAN YOU EXPUNGE A MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT IN GALVESTON TEXAS?

Yes, misdemeanor assault charges that are dismissed without probation are eligible for expungement in Galveston. Additionally, misdemeanor assault cases that are resolved by Deferred Disposition in Galveston will also qualify for Expunction.

• Do I have to disclose an expunged misdemeanor in Texas? No, a person does not have to disclose and can deny the existence of an expunged misdemeanor in Texas. This is an invaluable advantage for professionals seeking to advance their career in Texas.

EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER IN GALVESTON | GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS

Trey Porter Law represents individuals seeking to expunge criminal records in Galveston and Galveston County, as well as the surrounding areas of Beaumont, Port Arthur, Sugar Land, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, and Houston.

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.