In Texas, the law states that it’s possible to petition for the expunction of your criminal record. This means that any records of your criminal charges will be destroyed, and you can move on with your life.
In order to clear your record, these steps must be followed:
- Find out if you’re eligible. Not all people are eligible to have their criminal record expunged. If you are pardoned, acquitted or later exonerated, you likely have the right to petition for expunction. Other minor offenses may also be eligible.
- File a court petition. Next, a petition must be filed with the court and the state is notified. A criminal defense attorney can help you gather all of the information needed for a petition.
- Prepare an order. An order is the document a judge signs to show that other agencies should destroy your records. Your attorney will likely handle this step for you.
Continue reading to learn more about expunction and how to clear your criminal record in Texas.