AUTOMATICALLY SEAL CRIMINAL RECORDS

Still being haunted by old mistakes on your record? You may be in luck with the passing of a new law.

The State Of Texas recently mad changes to the Automatic Non Disclosure Law which allows 1st time offenders to automatically seal their records. It provides a way for people to hide their criminal records from the public.

People can now seal criminal records for crimes like theft, shop lifting, marijuana possession, drug possession, criminal trespass and many others like never before.

AUTOMATIC NONDISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

You must meet these first two requirements for an automatic non-disclosure:

1. First you cannot be convicted of or get probation for a new offense while on the deferred offense you want to seal.
2. Second you cannot have a prior conviction for any of the following: murder, sex crimes, injury to children or the elderly, and family violence. A person with any of these convictions cannot seal any criminal records. If you meet these two requirements, you may be able to seal your records right away.

STARTING THE AUTOMATIC NONDISCLOSURE PROCESS

1. Complete a term of deferred adjudication for the offense for which you want to seal criminal records.

2. Wait 180 days from the date the deferred started.

If the deferred period lasts longer than 180 days, the person can seal the records immediately. If the deferred period is less than 180 days, you must wait until the 180th day to seal the records.

People with low level offenses can seal their records immediately after the 180th day. This was not possible under the prior law.

This will help thousands of people seal criminal records that might embarrass them when looking for jobs and apartments leases.

People should seal criminal records as soon as possible. More importantly do this before applying for a job or an apartment lease.

Too many good people get turned down for down for jobs and apartments because of their past mistakes. They now have a solution to that problem. Previously those records were public for everyone to see. Before the new law took effect, there was little to help a person. Now those records can be sealed and hidden from public view.

Moreover, you your are not required to divulge this information on a job application. And you do not have to tell a potential employer anything about it. Tex. Gov. Code 411.081(g-2).

This will benefit many thousands of people seeking employment and apartments.

Don’t let past mistakes hold you back from a bright future.

Seal criminal records now to prevent those embarrassing records from being seen by the public.

A person not eligible for an automatic non-disclosure can still seal criminal records using one of several other methods.

For more information about sealing your criminal record, contact Andrew Williams an experienced Houston Criminal Defense Attorney who knows how to help you. Our office in Kingwood, Texas serves clients throughout Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, and San Jacinto County.

Author: Andrew Williams

I am a criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years experience defending people accused of wrongdoing. I am board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Only ten percent of attorneys in Texas are board certified in their respective field. I practice criminal law exclusively in both state and federal court including appeals of criminal cases.