Grapevine Expungement Lawyer

HOW MUCH DOES EXPUNGEMENT COST IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

It costs up to approximately $5,000 to expunge a criminal record in Grapevine. These fees vary depending on the severity and amount of cases sought to be expunged as well as the number of law enforcement and governmental agencies involved. 

• What is the waiting period for expungement in Grapevine Texas? There is a 180 day waiting period to expunge a class C misdemeanor while class A and class B misdemeanors require a one year waiting period. Felonies require a 3 year waiting period. Certain offenses require expiration of the Statute of Limitations prior to expunction, which sometimes prevents expunction of serious felonies with no limitations, like Murder, depending on the circumstances of the dismissal.

• What offenses cannot be expunged in Grapevine Texas? Criminal offenses resulting in conviction and those resolved by Deferred Adjudication or community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Grapevine, though certain minor, first-time offenses may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure order. Additionally, certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are occasionally ineligible for Expunction depending on the rationale for the dismissal. Learn more.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

Individuals with criminal charges dismissed with no probation are eligible for Expungement in Grapevine as well as those who resolved their cases by Deferred Disposition or pretrial diversion. Certain specialty court programs also permit Expunction of associated criminal charges in Grapevine.

• Can I file an expungement myself in Grapevine Texas? Yes, a person can file and prosecute their own Expunction in Grapevine. However, expungement is a complex process and a deficient Expunction can result in disastrous consequences such as loss of employment. It is therefore recommended that persons seeking to clear a criminal record in Grapevine retain the services of an experienced Expunction attorney to assist in this process.

• What crimes are not eligible for expungement in Grapevine Texas? Criminal convictions and cases resolved through Deferred Adjudication probation or community supervision probation are not eligible for expungement in Grapevine. Certain serious felony offenses with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are also often ineligible for expungement depending on the reasons for the dismissal. Learn more.

CAN POLICE SEE EXPUNGED RECORDS IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

No, police cannot view properly expunged records in Grapevine. Improperly expunged records, including family violence cases, may be visible to law enforcement and can result in prolonged, pretext investigations. This is one reason it is imperative to retain an experienced expungement attorney when seeking to clear a criminal record in Grapevine.

• How do I file for expungement in Grapevine Texas? Expungement requires the filing of a Petition for Expunction with the Tarrant County District Clerk or in the pertinent court. The petition must be notarized and contain the information listed in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The suit then proceeds to notice and hearing where a judge decides whether to grant the Expunction.

• What misdemeanors cannot be expunged in Grapevine Texas? Misdemeanor convictions and those resolved by Deferred Adjudication and community supervision probation are ineligible for expungement in Grapevine though certain first-time offenses may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure order. Learn more.

DOES CRIMINAL RECORD CLEAR AFTER 7 YEARS IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

Criminal records do not automatically clear after 7 years in Grapevine as this is an unfortunately common misconception. Criminal records are permanent even when charges are dismissed. The only way to clear a criminal record in Grapevine is by Expunction. Learn more.

• Can FBI see expunged records in Grapevine Texas? The FBI cannot see criminal records that have been properly expunged in Grapevine. However, an improper expunction can result in cases continuing to appear on FBI background checks and in general law enforcement agency databases. It is critical to retain an experienced Expunction lawyer when seeking an expungement in Grapevine.

• Do expunged cases show up on fingerprinting Grapevine Texas? No, properly expunged cases, including white collar crime like Credit Card Abuse, will not show up on a fingerprint background check in Grapevine. However, improperly expunged cases may appear on a fingerprint background check, which can be devastating for career and professional prospects.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EXPUNGEMENT IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

Expungement fully clears a criminal record allowing individuals to avoid uncomfortable and embarrassing questions in job interviews or general background inquiries. Expungement also eases professional licensing by removing potentially prohibitive criminal offenses. People with expunged records are less prone to pretext police investigations and Expunction can also help in family law cases like divorce, child custody, protection order and adoption.

• What happens at an expungement hearing in Grapevine Texas? The petitioner must typically appear at an Expungement hearing where the state is represented by the district attorney and sometimes a Texas Department of Public Safety official. The trial court judge directs the proceedings, hears evidence and legal argument, and ultimately decides whether to grant the Expunction. This is a complex process that is ideally handled by an experienced expungement lawyer in Grapevine.

• How can I get my record expunged in Grapevine Texas for free? Certain indigent individuals may obtain a free expungement in Grapevine by executing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Costs or a pauper’s affidavit with the Tarrant County District Clerk or the relevant court official. Acquitted defendants also qualify for no-fee expungements in Grapevine. Learn more.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPUNGEMENT AND EXPUNCTION IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

There is no difference between the terms expungement and Expunction as both relate to the legal process of clearing criminal records in Grapevine. However, this process is formally called Expunction in state Statute.

• How do I seal or expunge my record in Grapevine Texas? A person seeking to seal or expunge their record must first prepare and file the correct legal paperwork with the appropriate courts in Grapevine. The suit then proceeds to notice and hearing where the judge decides whether to grant the expungement or record sealing by nondisclosure. This is a nuanced process that should be handled by an experienced Expunction law firm in Grapevine.

• Do arrests without conviction show up on background check in Grapevine Texas? Yes, an arrest will show up on a criminal background check in Grapevine even when the charges are dismissed. This includes common but potentially devastating class C misdemeanor offenses. The only way to remove an arrest record in Grapevine is by Expunction. Learn more.

DO MISDEMEANORS FALL OFF YOUR RECORD IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

Misdemeanors do not automatically fall off criminal records in Grapevine even when dismissed. The only way to remove a misdemeanor record in Texas is by Expunction. Learn more.

• Will a sealed record show up on a background check Grapevine Texas? A criminal record sealed by nondisclosure does not appear on public background checks conducted by private entities like private employers. Sealed records are nonetheless visible to law enforcement and several state agencies that regulate professional occupations like the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Medical Board. Texas Government Code section 411.0765 contains a full list of these agencies.

• Do I need to expunge dismissed charge in Grapevine Texas? Yes dismissed charges must be expunged or they will remain permanently on criminal records in Grapevine. This can result in loss of career opportunities, professional licensing disputes, and a continued suspension of second amendment rights in certain circumstances. Learn more.

DO MISDEMEANORS GO AWAY AFTER 7 YEARS IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

No, misdemeanors do not go away after 7 years in Texas but remain permanently on criminal records even when dismissed. This is an unfortunately common misconception. Even a traffic offense will remain on a criminal record. The only way to remove an eligible misdemeanor record is by Expunction. 

• How long does it take to expunge a misdemeanor in Grapevine Texas? It takes approximately 3 to 6 months to fully expunge a misdemeanor record in Grapevine. This timeline is due to busy court dockets and administrative delay in law enforcement and criminal record databases.

• Can you pass a background check with a misdemeanor in Grapevine Texas? A misdemeanor offense will appear on a criminal background check in Grapevine. Different entities will employ differing policies regarding accepting or rejecting a candidate with a misdemeanor record. Individuals in Grapevine should consult an experienced Expunction attorney before a job interview.

HOW FAR BACK CAN A BACKGROUND CHECK GO IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

A background check in Grapevine can review the entirety of a candidate’s criminal record with no date or time limit. This means charges older than 30 years can still appear on a criminal background check in Grapevine.

• How do you get a misdemeanor expunged in Grapevine Texas? A person seeking to expunge a misdemeanor must prepare and file a Petition for Expunction with the appropriate jurisdiction in Grapevine. The petition must be notarized and otherwise comport with chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The case proceeds civilly to an eventual hearing where a judge decides whether to grant the Expunction. The expungement process is complex and should be handled by professionals skilled in this practice area. Learn more.

• How far back does a FBI fingerprint background check go in Grapevine Texas? An FBI fingerprint background check reviews the entirety of a candidate’s criminal record and is not restrained by date ranges. This means even cases as old as 30 years or longer will appear on an FBI fingerprint background check in Grapevine or Dallas County.

CAN YOU EXPUNGE A DWI IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

Yes, A DWI can be expunged in Grapevine if it is dismissed with no probation or if the Defendant is acquitted. A DWI case resolved by pretrial diversion or specialty court program is often eligible for Expunction as well. Learn more.

• Can you refuse to hire someone with a criminal record in Grapevine? Yes, Grapevine employers can reject candidates based on their criminal records. Expunction is therefore an invaluable tool for Grapevine professionals seeking a career advantage.

• Can I expunge my record myself in Grapevine Texas? While a person can technically prepare, file, and proceed on their own pro se Expunction, this is not recommended. Expunction is a complex process full of devastating pit falls. For example, a deficient expunction can jeopardize career opportunities and result in a continued suspension of gun rights in Grapevine. Learn more.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

Individuals with criminal charges dismissed with no probation qualify for expungement in Grapevine. People who resolved their charges through Deferred Disposition or pretrial diversion also qualify for expungement in Grapevine. Learn more.

• How long does it take for an expungement to process in Grapevine Texas? It takes approximately 3 to 6 months for an expungement to fully process and for a record to be fully expunged in Grapevine. This timeline is usually a result of busy court dockets and law enforcement administrators.

• Do felonies go away after 7 years in Grapevine Texas? Felonies do not automatically go away and disappear from criminal records after 7 years in Grapevine. Felonies, including felony DWI, remain on criminal records permanently even when dismissed. The only way to delete a felony record is by Expunction. Learn more.

WHAT IS THE TEXAS 7 YEAR RULE?

There is no rule in Texas where criminal charges automatically disappear from a person’s record after 7 years. While it is true that certain entities may only look at criminal charges within the previous 7 years, the offense is still present on a person’s record even when dismissed. The only way to remove a criminal record in Texas is by Expunction.

• How do I get an expungement in Grapevine Texas? Expungement requires the preparation and filing of a Petition for Expunction in district court or the pertinent court. This is a complex process that should be left to the capable hands of experienced expungement attorneys.

• How long does a felony stay on your record in Grapevine Texas? Felonies remain permanently on criminal records in Grapevine even when dismissed. The only way to remove an eligible felony charge in Grapevine is by Expunction. Learn more.

HOW DO I GET MY RECORD EXPUNGED IN GRAPEVINE TEXAS?

A person seeking to expunge a criminal record in Grapevine must file a Petition for Expunction with the Tarrant County District Clerk or in the pertinent court. The expungement then proceeds according to Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure with the judge ultimately ruling whether the expungement is merited. This is a complex process that should be handled by an experienced expungement law office in Grapevine.

• Are dismissed charges still on your record in Grapevine Texas? Yes, dismissed charges remain on criminal records in Grapevine unless they are expunged. There is a common misconception that such offenses remain on criminal records for 7 years only. Dismissed charges and associated records, including felony indictment and grand jury transcripts, never go away or disappear unless they are expunged.

• Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Grapevine Texas? Yes, a felony offense will appear on a criminal background check after 10 years in Grapevine even when dismissed. A felony charge will never go away unless it is expunged.

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

Misdemeanors remain permanently on criminal records in Grapevine even when they are dismissed. The only way to delete a misdemeanor record in Grapevine is by Expunction.

• How far back do most criminal background checks go in Grapevine? A common criminal background check in Grapevine will review the entirety of a candidate’s criminal record. This means cases older than 30 years may still appear  in the background check.

EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER IN GRAPEVINE | TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS

Trey Porter Law represents individuals seeking to expunge criminal records in Grapevine and Tarrant County, as well as the surrounding areas of Southlake, Addison, Carrollton, Richardson, Highland Park, Arlington Fort Worth and Dallas.

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.