Those who have been arrested for certain crimes may not realize exactly how it might affect their future. People in this scenario may have difficulty obtaining housing, applying for college or qualifying for a loan. This can occur even when a person is found not guilty of the crime they were accused of committing, as the arrest itself may still show up on a background check. It can turn a person’s world upside down and create legal problems that may not be easily managed. Some Texas residents may be able to have their criminal record expunged or petition for nondisclosure, and here at the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we can assist those who wish to pursue one of these processes and get their lives back on track.
Expunction means that the crime will be removed from one’s record. It will be as though the arrest never occurred in the first place — even law enforcement or judges will not know about the matter. This typically applies to those who had their cases dismissed or who were found not guilty through the judicial process. If you have questions about whether you qualify for expunction, we can assist you.
Nondisclosure does not remove the arrest or conviction from one’s record, but it seals the record from the general public. Arrest and conviction records are available to the public, meaning potential employers could see it on a background check, as well as others who may have cause to examine a person’s public history. If a petition for nondisclosure is accepted, this prevents that from happening. It is generally applicable to those who have completed probation successfully and any other requirements that were made with the original sentence.
Here at the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we can answer questions for those experiencing legal problems related to their past criminal history. Our webpage about expunction of criminal records may prove to be a beneficial resource as well. Texas residents deserve a second chance in many cases, and we are committed to helping them.