Lubbock Expungement Lawyer

HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPUNGEMENT COST IN LUBBOCK TEXAS?

It costs up to approximately $5,000 to expunge a charge in Lubbock. These fees can vary, however, depending on the nature of the offenses and the number of law enforcement agencies involved in the Expunction.

• Can I file an expungement myself in Lubbock Texas? A person can file their own expungement in Lubbock but this is not recommended as it is a complex process that can have disastrous results if not done properly. For example, an improper expungement can result in job loss and a continued suspension of gun rights in Texas. Those seeking to expunge a case in Lubbock should contact an experienced expungement lawyer. Learn more.

• How long does it take for an expungement to process in Lubbock Texas? It takes approximately 3 to 6 months for an expungement to fully process in Lubbock. This delay is usually a product of busy court dockets and administrative staff in law enforcement agencies.

WHAT OFFENSES CANNOT BE EXPUNGED IN LUBBOCK TEXAS?

Criminal convictions and offenses resolved by community supervision probation or Deferred Adjudication probation cannot be expunged in Lubbock. Certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder., are often ineligible for expungement depending on the circumstances for the dismissal.

• Who qualifies for expungement in Lubbock Texas? Individuals with criminal charges that were dismissed without probation will generally qualify for expungement in Lubbock. Defendants who resolved their cases through Deferred Disposition or pretrial diversion will also qualify to expunge their record.

• How do you start the expungement process in Texas? The first step in the expungement process is to prepare and file a verified Petition for Expunction that complies with chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The petitioner should take care to list all the pertinent government agencies so as to perfect notice and service for hearing. The expungement process is complex and should be handled by an experienced expungement lawyer in Texas. Learn more.

CAN POLICE SEE EXPUNGED RECORDS IN LUBBOCK TEXAS?

Police cannot view properly expunged criminal records in Lubbock. However, improperly expunged records may appear on a law enforcement agency background check and result in a pretextual prolonged investigative detention. This is one reason it is critical to retain an experienced Lubbock expungement lawyer when seeking to expunge a criminal record.

• How can I get my record expunged in Lubbock Texas for free? Certain indigent individuals can file an expungement for free by executing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Costs with the Lubbock County District Clerk or with the pertinent court. Criminal Defendants who are acquitted following a trial also qualify for no-fee expungement in Texas.

• What misdemeanors cannot be expunged in Lubbock Texas? Misdemeanor convictions and those resolved by Deferred Adjudication probation and community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Lubbock. However, certain first offense misdemeanor conviction and probation cases, including certain DWI charges, may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure.

CAN YOU BUY A GUN AFTER EXPUNGEMENT IN LUBBOCK TEXAS?

Yes, a person can buy a gun following expungement in Lubbock if they have no other disqualifying factor like a domestic violence conviction or protective order. However, an improper or incomplete expungement can result in a continued suspension of Second Amendment rights in Texas. Learn more.

• What are the benefits of expungement in Lubbock Texas? There are innumerable benefits of expungement in Lubbock, including the destruction of all records of a criminal offense and the ability to deny existence of an expunged charge. Expungement can also help litigants in a variety of immigration law and family law contexts, including child custody and adoption. An expungement can also assist in the reinstatement of Second Amendment rights in Texas. Learn more.

• Do expunged records show up on fingerprinting in Lubbock Texas? A properly expunged record will not appear on a fingerprint background check in Lubbock. However, an improper expungement may result in charges remaining on a criminal record in Lubbock.

DOES CRIMINAL RECORD CLEAR AFTER 7 YEAR IN LUBBOCK TEXAS?

No, criminal records do not automatically clear after 7 years in Lubbock. Criminal records never automatically clear as this is an unfortunate misconception. The only way to remove a charge from a criminal record in Texas is by Expunction. Learn more.

• When can I expunge my record in Lubbock Texas? A person can expunge a charge in Lubbock if it is dismissed with no probation or following an acquittal. Expungement is also available once a case has been resolved by pretrial diversion or Deferred Disposition. There is a 180 day waiting period for class C misdemeanor expungements, while class A and class B misdemeanors require a 1 year waiting period. Felonies impose a 3 year wait. Additionally, some expungements require expiration of the offense’s Statute of Limitations.

• What crimes are not eligible for expungement in Lubbock Texas? Crimes resulting in conviction and those resolved by Deferred Adjudication and community supervision probation are not eligible for expungement in Lubbock. Additionally, certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations , like Murder, are sometimes ineligible for expungement depending on the reasons for the dismissal.

WHAT HAPPENS AT AN EXPUNGEMENT HEARING IN LUBBOCK TEXAS?

Expungement hearings in Lubbock proceed similarly to many other legal hearings where the trial judge considers evidence and legal arguments from the expungement petitioner and the State, usually represented by the district attorney or a Texas Department of Public Safety attorney. After the petitioner and district attorney make their individual cases, the judge decides whether the expunction is granted. Learn more.

• What is the difference between expungement and Expunction in Lubbock Texas? There is no difference between the terms expungement and Expunction in Lubbock. The two terms refer to the same process of destroying a criminal record in Texas. However, Texas Law does refer to this legal process as Expunction.

• How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record in Lubbock Texas? Misdemeanor charges remain permanently on criminal records in Lubbock even when they are dismissed. The only way to clear a misdemeanor record in Texas is by Expunction. Learn more.

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

A misdemeanor will appear on a criminal background check in Lubbock. Policies concerning misdemeanor records vary across the community in Lubbock. Certain entities may not be overly concerned with a misdemeanor record, while others may reject candidates for simple traffic violations. Learn more.

• Do misdemeanors show up on background checks in Lubbock Texas? Yes, misdemeanors do show up on background checks in Lubbock even when they are dismissed, including DWI charges. The only way to remove a misdemeanor record in Texas is by Expunction.

• Can FBI see expunged records in Lubbock Texas? No, a properly expunged criminal charge will not appear on an FBI background check in Lubbock. However, a deficiently expunged record may appear on an FBI  background check. It is critical to retain an experienced Expunction lawyer when seeking to expunge a charge in Texas. Learn more.

DO I NEED TO EXPUNGE DISMISSED CHARGE LUBBOCK TEXAS?

Yes, a dismissed charge must be expunged or it will continue to appear on criminal records in Lubbock. Expunction in a powerful legal tool in Texas that destroys all records relating to a criminal case and allows a person to deny existence of the expunged offense. There is no good reason to neglect expunging a dismissed charge in Lubbock. Interested parties should consult an experienced Texas expungement lawyer. Learn more.

• How far back does FBI fingerprint check go in Lubbock Texas? An FBI fingerprint check reviews the entirety of a person’s criminal history and is not restricted to any time frame. An FBI fingerprint check is one of the most powerful background checks around. However, a properly expunged case will not appear on an FBI fingerprint check.

• How long are criminal records kept in Texas? Criminal records are kept permanently in Texas unless they are expunged. Even dismissed charges remain in criminal records and in the archives of government agencies in Texas. The only way to destroy a criminal record in Texas is by Expunction. Learn more.

DO EXPUNGED RECORDS SHOW UP ON BACKGROUND CHECKS REDDIT?

No, properly expunged records will not appear on background checks in Texas. However, it is critical to retain an experienced expungement lawyer when seeking to expunge a charge in Texas as an improperly expunged record may remain on criminal records. Learn more.

• How far back do you have to go to get a criminal background check in Texas? Criminal background checks in Texas can go all the way back and review all records in a person’s criminal history. This means even 30 year and older cases can appear on background checks in Texas.

• How far back does a fingerprint check go in Texas? Fingerprint background checks in Texas can review the entirety of a person’s criminal history, including cases older than 30 years. However, properly expunged criminal offenses will not appear on a fingerprint background check in Texas.

DO ARRESTS WITHOUT CONVICTION SHOW UP ON BACKGROUND CHECK IN TEXAS?

Yes, arrests appear on criminal background checks in Lubbock even when the charges are dismissed. Even common but potentially devastating class C misdemeanor offenses can appear on Texas background checks. Importantly, these arrest records never automatically disappear. The only way to clear an arrest record in Texas is by Expunction. Learn more. 

• How much does expungement cost in Lubbock Texas? Expungement costs up to approximately $5,000 in Lubbock. Ultimate costs can vary depending on the severity and quantity of cases sought to be expunged as well as the number of law enforcement agencies requiring service of process.

• Do I need a lawyer for expungement in Lubbock Texas? Yes, expungement is a complex process that should be handled by experienced legal professionals. An improper expungement can result in lost career opportunities, immigration problems, arbitrary police detentions, and a continued suspension of gun rights in Texas. Individuals seeking to expunge a criminal record in Lubbock should contact a qualified Texas expungement law office to begin this process. Learn more.

WILL A MISDEMEANOR AFFECT EMPLOYMENT IN TEXAS?

Yes, even seemingly common class C misdemeanor offenses can affect employment in Texas. For example, a trucking company may dismiss a CDL operator for a simple traffic violation and even a petty Theft may jeopardize a financial professional’s employment.

• Can you answer no if your record is expunged in Lubbock Texas? Yes, a person can answer no and deny existence of an expunged charge as part of a job application process or in general background inquiries in Texas. This is an immeasurable career advantage in Lubbock.

• Can you refuse to hire someone with a criminal record in Lubbock Texas? Yes, employers can reject candidates due to an unfavorable criminal record in Lubbock. Individuals seeking to advance their careers in Lubbock should consult an experienced expungement attorney to explore an Expunction case evaluation. Additional employment and hiring questions should be directed to a law firm specializing in these practice areas.

WILL I PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK WITH A MISDEMEANOR IN TEXAS?

Misdemeanors do appear on criminal background checks in Texas, including DWI charges. Policies concerning misdemeanor offenses will vary across the community in Lubbock.

• How do I seal or expunge my record in Lubbock Texas? Expunging and sealing criminal records in Lubbock are both legal proceedings that require filing the correct paperwork in district court or in the appropriate court. These are complex processes that require noticing the State of Texas and a number of different law enforcement agencies and proceeding to a full court hearing in certain circumstances. This process should be handled by an experienced expungement attorney in Lubbock.

• Will my expunged record show up on a background check in Lubbock Texas? No, a properly expunged criminal record will not appear on law enforcement agency background checks in Lubbock. However, an improper expungement can result in charges remaining on a person’s criminal record. It is imperative to retain a qualified Expunction attorney when seeking to expunge a case in Texas. Learn more.

CAN YOU EXPUNGE A DISMISSED FELONY IN LUBBOCK TEXAS?

Yes, a person can expunge most felony charges if they are dismissed with no probation or result in acquittal. This includes serious white collar offenses like credit card fraud. However, certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are sometimes ineligible for expungement depending on the circumstances of their dismissal.

• How long does it take to get a felony expunged in Lubbock Texas? There is a 3 year waiting period to expunge felony charges in Texas. In certain instances, the Statute of Limitations for the felony must expire prior to expungement. This means expungement is sometimes not possible for certain felonies with no limitations period depending on the reasoning for the dismissal.

• Can a felony drug charge be expunged in Lubbock Texas? Yes, felony drug charges can be expunged in Lubbock if they are dismissed with no probation. Additionally, Felony drug charges resolved by pretrial diversion or those resulting in acquittal are also eligible for expungement in Lubbock.

HOW LONG DOES A FELONY DRUG CHARGE STAY ON YOUR RECORD IN TEXAS?

Felony drug charges stay permanently on criminal records in Texas unless they are expunged. Felony drug charges never automatically clear off a person’s record even if they are dismissed. The only way to remove an eligible felony drug charge from a criminal record in Texas is by Expunction.

EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER IN LUBBOCK | LUBBOCK COUNTY, TEXAS

Trey Porter Law represents individuals seeking to expunge criminal records in Lubbock and Lubbock County, as well as the surrounding areas of Littlefield, Wolforth, Shallowater, Levelland, Lakeridge, Amarillo, Abilene, Midland, and Odessa.

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.