HOW DO I CLEAR MY CRIMINAL RECORD IN HOUSTON?

Criminal Records can be cleared in Houston by filing an Expunction. Expunction is a powerful legal process that deletes all records of most dismissed criminal cases. An Expunction even allows an individual to legally deny the existence of the expunged criminal case. Learn more.

Houston Expungement Lawyer

  • Who qualifies for expungement in Houston? Individuals with dismissed criminal cases generally qualify for expungement in Houston as do those who resolved their Class C misdemeanors through Deferred Disposition. Individuals must also resolve pending felony cases before they can expunge another criminal charge. Learn more.
  • What is eligible for Expunction in Houston? Cases that were dismissed with no probation are generally eligible for Expunction in Houston. Class C misdemeanors resolved through Deferred Disposition may also be expunged. However, Deferred Adjudication dismissals do not qualify for expunction but may be sealed publicly by a nondisclosure order in some instances. Learn more.
  • How do I get an Expunction in Houston? The Expunction process requires filing a formal Petition for Expunction, typically with the Harris County District Clerk. The process then proceeds to a hearing where a judge decides whether the Expunction is merited. If granted, the clerk forwards the Final Order of Expunction to all relevant agencies for deletion of the criminal records.

HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPUNCTION COST IN HOUSTON, TEXAS?

It costs up to approximately $5000 to expunge your record in Houston, Texas. These costs can sometimes include filing fees, which often vary depending on the amount of criminal record agencies to be served. The fees can also increase when numerous cases are sought to be expunged.

Houston Expungement Lawyers

  • How much does it cost to get a felony expunged from your record in Houston? It costs up to approximately $5000 to expunge a felony in Houston. Felony expunctions can sometimes cost more than misdemeanors as the process may be more detailed and face greater scrutiny by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

WHAT CANNOT BE EXPUNGED IN HOUSTON?

Criminal convictions and Deferred Adjudication dismissals cannot be expunged in Houston, though some may qualify for nondisclosure. Cases that were dismissed in return for pleas in other charges are sometimes not eligible for Expunction. Some serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, can often not be expunged depending on the circumstances of the dismissal.

Expungement Lawyer Houston

  • Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Houston, Texas? Persons seeking Expunctions in Houston should consult a lawyer as the process can be complicated and the consequences of a faulty Expunction can be severe. One possible consequence can be losing a job due to a case that was not properly expunged. Learn more.
  • Can I expunge my record myself in Houston, Texas? An Expunction requires careful legal and criminal record research for proper execution. The process can often be nuanced and calls for an elevated attention to detail. It is critical to retain experienced legal counsel for expunctions in Houston.

HOW LONG DOES AN EXPUNCTION TAKE IN HOUSTON?

It takes approximately 3 to 6 months for a case to be completely expunged. This period includes the court process as well as the time it takes for all the relevant agencies to delete all expungement records. 

Expungement Lawyers Houston

  • How long after a felony can you get it expunged in Houston? Felonies resulting in Acquittal can be immediately expunged. Most other felonies require a 3 year waiting period prior to Expunction. Some charges require expiration of the Statute of limitations which can prevent expunction of some felonies with no limitations, like murder, depending on the reason for the dismissal.
  • How long does it take for an expungement to come off your record in Houston? It takes approximately 3 months for your record to clear after expungement in Houston, Texas. This delay is attributable to the time it takes for agencies to administratively delete all expungement records.

CAN POLICE SEE EXPUNGED RECORDS IN HOUSTON?

A properly expunged record will not be visible for police in Houston. Police will be unable to use any properly expunged criminal record for any purpose such as enhancements. A person can deny the existence of an expunged record.

best Expungement Lawyer Houston

  • Who can see expunged records in Houston? A properly expunged criminal record will not be visible to anyone. A person can deny the existence of properly expunged criminal records to law enforcement, potential employers, and governmental agencies.
  • Can you buy a gun after expungement in Houston? Yes, Texans with properly expunged records can buy and own guns in Houston, Harris County, and throughout the state of Texas. Learn more.
  • Do expunged records show up in Houston? Properly expunged criminal records will not show up in Houston, Harris County, or anywhere else.

DO FELONIES GO AWAY AFTER 7 YEARS IN HOUSTON?

Felonies do not go away in Houston after 7 years. Felony cases remain on criminal records permanently even when dismissed. The only way to remove a felony is to seek an Expunction of eligible felony dismissals in Houston.

  • Does a criminal record clear after 7 years in Houston? There is no 7 year rule or period after which criminal cases automatically clear from criminal records. Criminal cases are permanent even when dismissed. Eligible cases may be deleted through Expunction, or publicly sealed by nondisclosure. Learn more.

HOW DO I EXPUNGE MY RECORD IN HARRIS COUNTY?

Individuals seeking to expunge their criminal records in Harris County must file a Petition for Expunction with the Harris County District Clerk.  The petition must be notarized, include specific information about the relevant charges, and list all the agencies involved. All pleadings should be filed through E-File. Learn more.

best Houston Expungement Lawyer

  • How do I petition for expungement in Harris County? Hiring experienced legal counsel is the best way to petition for expungement in Houston. Expunction petitions have stringent and complex requirements.The petition must be verified by affidavit and filed through E-File with the Harris County District Clerk’s office.
  • What is the Statute of Limitations for Expunction in Harris County, Texas? Certain offenses require expiration of their Statute of Limitations prior to Expunction. Misdemeanors generally have a 2 year Statute of Limitations, with Felonies ranging from 3 to 10 year statutes depending on the charge. Some felonies have NO Statute of Limitations, which may prevent Expunction depending on the reasons for dismissal.
  • How can I get my record expunged in Houston for free? Indigent individuals can have their Expunction filing fees waived. This requires that a person submit an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Costs, a notarized statement that details a person’s economic status so as to corroborate indigency.

HOW DO I GET MY POLICE RECORD EXPUNGED IN HOUSTON?

Police records may be expunged in Houston if they are listed and included in a Petition for Expunction. Dismissed criminal cases can be eligible for Expunction as well as Class C misdemeanors resolved through Deferred Disposition. Criminal charges that resulted in Acquittal can and should be immediately expunged. Learn more.

Houston Expungement Lawyers

  • Where do I file a Petition for Expunction in Houston, Texas? A Petition for Expunction in Houston, Texas should be filed with the Harris County District Clerk’s office through digital internet filing, also known as E-File. Learn more.

HOW DO I CHECK MY EXPUNGEMENT STATUS IN HOUSTON?

A person can check the status of their Expunction by looking to see if the relevant cases still appear in the court records. A person can also walk into the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and request that a criminal background check be conducted to see if their expunged case appears.

  • How do you get a felony expunged in Houston? A felony that was dismissed with no probation can be expunged by filing a Petition for Expunction with the Harris County District Clerk’s office. Felony charges typically require a 3 year waiting period prior to expunction. Some felony offenses require expiration of the Statute of Limitations, which may create some difficulties when it comes to expunging cases with no limitations.

HOW DO I REMOVE DISMISSED CHARGES FROM MY RECORD IN HOUSTON?

Charges that were dismissed with no probation can be removed from criminal records through an Expunction. Criminal cases resulting in acquittal and offenses dismissed through Pretrial Diversion or specialty court program may be immediately expunged. Class C misdemeanors dismissed through Deferred Disposition can also be expunged. Learn more.

Houston Expungement Lawyer

  • How much is the expungement filing fee in Houston? The cost of filing an Expunction in Harris County varies based on the number of agencies requested for notice. Hiring an experienced lawyer for expunction in Houston is the most cost-effective option, as it is impossible to calculate the money associated with attempting to fix an incorrect Expunction.
  • How do I file a motion for expungement in Houston? A Harris County Expunction requires filing by petition not motion as it is an original civil proceeding even though it relates to a prior criminal case. An original Expunction petition should be filed by E-file with the Harris County District Clerk.

TREY PORTER NAMED BEST LAWYER IN CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Houston Expungement Lawyer

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.

HOW DO I CLEAR MY CRIMINAL RECORD IN HOUSTON? FAQs; Knowledge is power. Get honest answers now.

    Glowing Client Reviews

    Trey is the man! I hired him because I had overheard a county court judge mentioning how awesome of an attorney he is, so if an endorsement from a judge won’t convince you then I’m not sure what will. I sure do hope I never find myself in a pickle ever again but if I do, I would hire Trey in a heartbeat. He’s honest, transparent, doesn’t beat around the bush, and will work tirelessly so that your clean record stays clean and unblemished. 5 stars, highly recommend!

    Joey

    I recently hired Trey Porter Law to help our teenage daughter with a drug charge. In the state of Texas she was being charged as an adult which carried a much stiffer penalty. Trey is very responsive, helpful, knowledgeable and is always available to answer any questions or concerns via phone, text or email. He was able to negotiate on her behalf so it was a pleasant experience. I would highly recommend Trey Porter Law.

    Wendy

    Trey really helped me out. He was straight forward and professional, and really helped me in my case. I thought i was going to lose my job, but trey did everything in his power to help me keep my way of life, and still keeps up with me any details on my case.

    I really appreciated all he did for me.

    Juan

    Trey is a phenomenal attorney that gets the job done right! He is dedicated to help his clients.

    He made himself available and answered all my concerns immediately! I had faith in him and he continued to prove his expertise by helping me. I highly recommend Trey Porter!!

    Binda

    Trey Porter fought for me! I am a nurse and thought my career was over.

    Very thankful I got Trey Porter involved. He responds to messages regularly and was very thorough.

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    Stevie

    Mr Porter is the real deal. You get what you pay for these days. I know that from my personal business dealings. Attorney Trey Porter was no different.

    He was prompt, professional and poised. I was charged with DWI, and Mr Porter got the charge dismissed. I could not be more pleased or thankful. If you get a DWI, hire the best — hire Trey Porter.

    Alina

    Read More Reviews

    WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL

    WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL

    CHARGES DISMISSED

    DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15

    Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.

    CHARGES DISMISSED

    DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

    Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.

    CHARGES DISMISSED

    DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+

    Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest. State eventually dismissed DWI charge. Client received no criminal conviction.

    CHARGES DISMISSED

    DWI 2nd

    Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.

    CHARGES DISMISSED

    DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

    Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.

    CHARGES DISMISSED

    DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

    Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.

    Contact Trey Porter Today

    Request a free consultation

    The stakes are high. Criminal charges can have devastating, lifelong consequences. During the free, confidential consultation, Mr. Porter will answer questions surrounding your legal matter, and discuss and identify potential defenses.

    If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the State is working on your conviction. It’s time to start building your defense.

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