Expunction of Criminal Records
Clearing Criminal Records

Don't let a past criminal arrest hinder your ability to obtain honest employment, housing or any other important right. Expunctions and Petitions for Non-Disclosure can be the opportunity you need to clear your criminal record. A criminal conviction — or even an arrest for a crime that you were later cleared of — can haunt you for many years to come. It surfaces on background checks and applications for jobs, college entrance applications, loans or when one seeks a security clearance. When a past criminal arrest or prosecution is hindering your options today, find out what ways are available so that you might clear your criminal history record.

Whether an offense occurred as a juvenile or as an adult, we can help you determine your options. Obtaining a dismissal, a grand jury no bill or an acquittal of the charge is only ninety percent the battle. There is no reason to leave behind an unnecessary record of your interaction the with the criminal justice system. Sit down with a talented and accomplished criminal defense attorney to learn more about how an Expunction, Petition for Non-Disclosure, or the sealing of juvenile records can help to clear your name.

 

There are many different avenues available to keep a past criminal charge off your record. These are complex issues that an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand. Our Motto is "Texas Friendly Spoken Here."  Criminal Record Expunctions were created as a method of allowing a person who was wrongfully arrested or accused of a crime to remove all traces of that arrest from the state's records. However, not everyone has the right to petition the court to remove a criminal record. While it may appear to be a simple, the process can be somewhat complicated and intimidating to those who are not familiar with expunction / expungement procedures. To find out if you are eligible for an expunction / expungement, speak to an experienced criminal attorney.

A person who has successfully completed a Texas deferred adjudication on a misdemeanor or felony may not be eligible for an expunction / expungement. However, there is still a remedy available to restrict the disclosure of those records to anyone outside of law enforcement or governmental agencies of the state. If you have successfully completed a deferred adjudication probation, contact The Law Office of Chris Dorbandt, Attorney at Law to pursue your rights to a Petition for Non-Disclosure. In addition, someone who has had interactions with the juvenile system will most likely have a right to seal his or her records at some point.

• Expunction/Expungement - A legal process allowing you to erase your entire criminal record or a particular criminal charge from your record.
  
• Petitions for non-disclosure - A process, not as complete as an expunction/expungement, available to people seeking to seal their record from public view.
  
• Sealing of Juvenile Records - A process to clear up any prior interactions with the juvenile justice system.

Sealing Your Criminal Records
Record Expungement — Wipe the Slate Clean

• If criminal charges were dismissed or you were acquitted at trial, you can petition to have the arrest records expunged. When an expungement is granted, all records are erased.
  
• Chris Dorbandt & Associates, Attorneys & Counselors at Law, can help you obtain an expungement — resulting in the erasing of your criminal record as to a regrettable incident. It will be as though you "Were you ever convicted of or charged with a crime."
  
• Expungement allows you to legally answer "NO" to this type of question on applications. Call us at 512-407-9700 or toll free at 1-877-205-3425 to find out if your records can be expunged.

Peace of Mind
If you worry that your past will catch up with you, contact our Austin office today to discuss the expungement process and/or the sealing of your criminal record. Your involvement is minimal, but the process can take a few months. Attorney Chris Dorbandt has substantial experience with the courts to move your case along as efficiently as possible.