Plano Expungement Lawyer

HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPUNGEMENT COST IN PLANO TEXAS?

Expungement costs up to approximately $5,000 in Plano. This cost often includes attorney fees but can vary depending on the nature of the cases to be expunged as well as the number of law enforcement agencies involved in the suit.

• Can I file my own expungement in Plano Texas? Yes, a person can pursue their own pro se expungement in Plano. However, this is not recommended as Expunction is a complex process requiring knowledge of civil procedure, evidence, and the criminal justice system. The consequences of an incomplete expungement are often devastating. Individuals seeking to clear their criminal record in Plano should consult an experienced Texas expungement lawyer. Learn more.

• How long does it take for an expungement to process in Plano Texas? It takes approximately 3 to 6 months to fully expunge a criminal case in Plano. This timeline is primarily a byproduct of busy court dockets and staff in Texas administrative and law enforcement agencies.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR EXPUNGEMENT IN PLANO TEXAS?

People with criminal charges that were dismissed without probation will generally qualify for expungement in Plano. Also, those who resolved their cases by pretrial diversion or Deferred Disposition also qualify for expungement in Plano.

• What crimes cannot be expunged in Plano Texas? Criminal convictions and cases resolved by Deferred Adjudication or community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Plano. Additionally, certain serious felony charges without a Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are sometimes ineligible for Expunction depending on the circumstances for their dismissal.

• Will my expunged record show up on a background check in Plano Texas? A properly expunged criminal record will not appear on a background check in Plano. However, improperly expunged records often do appear on criminal background check. This is one reason it is critical to secure an experienced expungement lawyer when seeking to clear a record in Texas. Learn more.

HOW CAN I GET MY RECORD EXPUNGED IN PLANO FOR FREE?

Indigent individuals can petition for a cost-free expungement by executing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Costs with the Collin County District Clerk, or in the pertinent court. Defendants who are acquitted of charges also qualify for a no-fee Expunction in Plano. Learn more.

• What cases can be expunged in Plano Texas? Cases involving state crimes that are dismissed with no probation can be expunged in Plano. Cases that are resolved by Deferred Disposition or pretrial diversion are also eligible for Expunction.

• Can you buy a gun after expungement in Plano Texas? Yes, a person can buy a gun after expunging a charge in Plano if they have no other disqualifying factors like a domestic violence conviction or a family violence protective order. However, an improper expungement often results in a continued suspension of Second Amendment rights in Texas. Learn more.

WHAT MISDEMEANORS CANNOT BE EXPUNGED IN PLANO TEXAS?

Misdemeanor convictions and those resolved by Deferred Adjudication or community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Plano. However, certain first time offenders may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure in Texas. Learn more.

• Do felonies go away after 7 years in Plano Texas? Felony charges do not go away after 7 years in Plano, even when dismissed. This is an unfortunately common misconception. Felonies remain on criminal records permanently unless they are expunged. The only way to clear a felony record in Texas is by expungement.

• What are the benefits of expungement in Plano Texas? Expungement is a powerful legal procedure that destroys all records relating to a criminal offense and allows a person to deny existence of the expunged charge. This is a considerable advantage for any individual but for particularly those seeking to further their educational, professional, or vocational careers in Plano. For example, an Expunction can help an individual avoid potentially embarrassing or uncomfortable criminal history questions in job interviews or in a general background inquiry. Expungement is also crucial for litigants in family law contexts including child custody or adoption.

HOW DO I GET AN EXPUNGEMENT IN PLANO TEXAS?

Expungement requires the preparation and filing of a verified Petition for Expunction in district court in Plano, or in the relevant court. The petition must list the relevant government agencies and otherwise comport with chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The Expunction then proceeds to a hearing where the judge decides whether it is merited by court order. Expungement in Plano is a complex process that is ideally handled by an experienced Texas expungement lawyer. Learn more.

• What felony can be expunged in Plano Texas? Most felony cases are eligible for expungement if they are dismissed with no probation. Felony acquittals and those resolved by pretrial diversion are also eligible for expungement. However, certain serious felony charges that have no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are sometimes ineligible for expungement depending on the circumstances for their dismissal.

• How long does a felony stay on your record in Plano Texas? Felony charges remain permanently on Texas criminal records even when they are dismissed. The only way to remove a felony record is by expungement.

HOW LONG AFTER A FELONY CAN YOU GET IT EXPUNGED IN PLANO TEXAS?

There is no waiting period to expunge a qualifying felony acquittal. A felony dismissal usually requires a 3 year waiting period prior to expungement. Some expungements require expiration of the Statute of Limitations for the relevant felony, which often complicates expungement of those felonies with no period of limitations, like Murder.

• Can FBI see expunged records in Plano Texas? No, the FBI is unable to view properly expunged criminal records in Plano, including white collar crime like money laundering. However, an improper or incomplete expungement may result in records that continue to appear on FBI background checks. This is one reason it is imperative to retain an experienced Plano expungement lawyer when seeking to clear a criminal record.

• Can you clear your criminal record in Plano Texas? Yes, a person can clear their criminal records in Plano by pursuing an expungement. Expungement is a powerful legal process in Texas that destroys all records of an offense and allows the petitioner to deny existence of the expunged charge. Those seeking to clear their criminal records in Plano should consult an experienced expungement lawyer to explore options and eligibility criteria. Learn more.

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

Background checks in Plano have no date restrictions and can review the entirety of a candidate’s criminal history. This means cases 30 years old and older will appear on a background check in Plano. 

• Do you have to disclose expunged records in Plano Texas? No, expunged criminal records do not need to be disclosed in an employment interview or during general background inquiries in Plano. This is an incredible advantage for individuals in any arena, including professional, military, and financial settings.

• What is the difference between expungement and Expunction in Plano Texas? There is no functional difference between the terms expungement and Expunction in Plano. These two words are used interchangeably in reference to the legal process of clearing a criminal record in Texas. As a technical matter however, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure does refer to this process as Expunction.

CAN YOU EXPUNGE A DISMISSED FELONY IN PLANO TEXAS?

Yes, a felony that is dismissed with no probation is generally eligible for expungement in Plano. However, certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are sometimes ineligible for expungement depending on the reasons for the dismissal.

• Can local police see expunged records in Plano Texas? No, local police are unable to see properly expunged records in Plano. However, an improperly expunged criminal may be visible to a local law enforcement agency in Texas.

• Do misdemeanors go away in Plano Texas? No, misdemeanors do not automatically go away and disappear off criminal records in Plano. The only way to clear a misdemeanor record in Texas is by Expunction. Furthermore, those who disregard pending misdemeanor cases are subject to an arrest warrant and additional criminal charges in Plano. Learn more.

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

Yes, arrests appear on criminal background checks in Plano even when the charges are dismissed. Even common but potentially devastating class C misdemeanors appear on criminal records in Plano. The only way to remove an arrest record in Texas is by expungement.

• Do misdemeanors go away after 7 years in Plano Texas? No, misdemeanors do not automatically go away after 7 years in Plano as this is an unfortunate misconception. Even a dismissed misdemeanor record is permanent unless it is expunged. The only method to clear a misdemeanor record in Plano is by expungement.

• How long do misdemeanors show up on a background check in Plano Texas? Misdemeanors stay on a criminal record in Texas permanently even when dismissed. The only way to clear a misdemeanor record in Plano is by Expunction.

WHAT IS THE TEXAS 7 YEAR RULE?

There is no law or rule in Texas where criminal charges automatically clear off a person’s record after 7 years. Certain employers may sometimes only consider charges within 7 years when evaluating a candidate. However, the criminal record itself is permanent unless expunged. Criminal records do not ever disappear automatically as they are only cleared by Expunction in Texas. Learn more. 

• Do I need to expunge dismissed charge Plano Texas? Yes, dismissed criminal charges must be expunged or they will remain on criminal records in Plano. A dismissed charge does not ever go away in Texas unless it is expunged, and the only way to clear a dismissed charge in Texas is by expungement.

• Can you expunge a misdemeanor in Texas without a lawyer? A person can prepare, file, and prosecute their own misdemeanor expungement in Texas without a lawyer. However, this is not recommended as Expunction is a complex process, requiring knowledge of civil procedure and the criminal justice system. The consequences of a deficient expungement are severe and can cost the petitioner lost job opportunities, professional disciplinary proceedings, and pretext police investigations in certain circumstances.

HOW FAST CAN YOU GET SOMETHING EXPUNGED IN PLANO TEXAS?

Expungement usually takes about 3 to 6 months to fully process in Plano. This delay is primarily due to busy Collin County court dockets and logistical administrative hurdles.

• What cannot be expunged in Plano Texas? Criminal convictions and plea agreement cases resolved by Deferred Adjudication and community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Plano. Additionally, certain serious felonies with no Statute of Limitations, like Murder, are often ineligible for expungement depending on why they were dismissed.

• What convictions cannot be expunged in Plano Texas? Convictions do not qualify for expungement in Texas unless they are vacated on appeal and subsequently dismissed, or are subject to a governor’s pardon. However, certain minor, first-time misdemeanor convictions may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure.

DO EXPUNGED RECORDS SHOW UP ON FINGERPRINTING IN TEXAS?

Properly expunged criminal offenses do not appear on fingerprinting in Plano. However, an improperly expunged criminal offense may continue to appear on fingerprint background check in Plano. This is why it is important to retain the assistance of qualified legal professionals when seeking to expunge a charge in Plano.

• How do I file for expungement in Plano Texas? Expungement in Plano requires the filing of a Petition for Expunction in the pertinent Collin County court. The petition must be notarized and list the relevant law enforcement agencies as required by Texas law. This is a detailed process that should be completed by a knowledgeable and experienced law firm in Plano.

• Do felonies stay on your record forever in Plano Texas? Felony convictions are permanent in Plano unless they are vacated on appeal and subsequently dismissed or they are subject to a governor’s pardon. Felony dismissals will also remain permanently on criminal records in Plano unless they are expunged.

DOES A FELONY EVER COME OFF YOUR RECORD IN PLANO TEXAS?

Yes, most Plano felony dismissals are eligible for expungement except for, in some cases, certain serious offenses with no period of limitations, like Murder. However, felony offenses do not ever automatically disappear from criminal records in Texas, even when they are dismissed. Expungement is the only mechanism to clear an eligible felony from a criminal record in Texas.

• How long does it take to get a felony expunged in Plano Texas? It typically takes 3 to 6 months to fully expunge an eligible felony offense in Plano. This process is sometimes delayed by busy law enforcement staff and court dockets in Collin County and in Texas.

• What is the waiting period for felony expungements in Plano Texas? There is a 3 year waiting period for felony expungements in Plano. Additionally, some expungements require expiration of the Statute of Limitations for the pertinent felony.

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

Misdemeanors do appear on criminal background checks in Plano. There is no universal rule in Plano requiring disqualification for misdemeanor records. Certain entities may not be overly concerned with a minor misdemeanor while others may disqualify a candidate for a simple traffic violation. Learn more.

• Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Plano Texas? Yes, a felony will show up on a background check after 10 years in Plano. Felony charges do not ever automatically disappear from background checks in Texas, even when dismissed. The only way to clear an eligible felony record in Plano is by Expunction.

• Will a sealed record show up on a background check Plano Texas? A criminal record sealed by nondisclosure order will not appear on a public background check conducted by a private sector entity, like a private employer. The sealed record is still visible to law enforcement and 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.

HOW MUCH DOES EXPUNGEMENT COST FOR MISDEMEANOR IN PLANO TEXAS?

It costs up to approximately $5,000 to expunge a misdemeanor in Plano. Expungement fees ultimately vary depending on the number of cases sought to be expunged as well as the amount of law enforcement agencies requiring service of process.

• How long do I have to wait to expunge a misdemeanor in Plano Texas? A person seeking to expunge a class C misdemeanor must wait 180 days, while class A and class B misdemeanors require a 1 year waiting period. Additionally, certain cases require expiration of the misdemeanor’s Statute of Limitations before a person can petition for expungement.

• Does a misdemeanor show up on a background check after 7 years in Plano Texas? Yes, a misdemeanor will show up on a background check after 7 years in Plano. Misdemeanors do not ever automatically disappear from criminal background checks in Texas, even when dismissed. The only way to remove a misdemeanor record in Texas is by Expunction. Learn more.

HOW FAR BACK DOES TEXAS GO ON BACKGROUND CHECKS?

Texas reviews the entirety of a person’s criminal history without a time or date restriction when conducting a background check. This means cases older than 30 years will appear on a background check in Texas unless they are expunged.

• How long do dismissed charges stay on record in Texas? Dismissed charges stay permanently on criminal records in Texas  unless they are expunged. A dismissed charge will never automatically disappear from a criminal record in Texas. The only way to remove a dismissed charge from a criminal record in Texas is by Expunction. Learn more.

• Can I get my DUI expunged in Texas? Yes, both DUI and DWI charges may be expunged if they were dismissed with no probation or if resolved by Deferred Disposition in Texas. Even felony DWI, Intoxication Assault, and Intoxication Manslaughter cases are eligible for expungement if resulting in acquittal, or dismissal with no probation. Additionally, certain first-time DWI conviction and probation cases may also qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure. Learn more.

HOW FAR BACK DOES FBI FINGERPRINT CHECK GO IN PLANO TEXAS?

FBI fingerprint checks review the entirety of a candidate’s criminal record with no date or time restriction. FBI fingerprint checks are one of the most powerful background checks around. However, a properly expunged criminal record will not appear on an FBI fingerprint background check in Plano. This includes property crimes and juvenile crimes as well as other ruinous charges like drug offenses, internet crimes, identity theft, and family violence.

• Can I file for expungement without a lawyer in Plano Texas? Yes, a person can file their own expungement without a lawyer in Plano. This is not recommended as expungement is a complex process that requires knowledge of law, evidence, and the criminal justice system. An incomplete expungement can devastate a person’s professional and legal prospects.

• What offenses cannot be expunged in Plano Texas? Offenses resulting in conviction and those resolved by Deferred Adjudication or community supervision probation cannot be expunged in Plano. However, certain first-time misdemeanor convictions and probation cases may qualify for record sealing by nondisclosure. Expunction eligibility is sometimes a nuanced calculus, so those seeking to clear their records in Plano should make sure to consult an experienced expungement lawyer for a professional opinion.

EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER IN PLANO | COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS

Trey Porter Law represents individuals seeking to expunge criminal records in Plano and Collin County, as well as the surrounding areas of Garland, McKinney, Richardson, Highland Park, Grapevine, Frisco, Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

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.