Helping Clients Throughout Northeast Harris County Seal Their Permanent Criminal Records
Kingwood, Humble, Texas
The importance of having a clear criminal record cannot be overstated. Employers, landlords, educational institutions and professional licensing boards will all ask if you have been arrested or convicted of a crime. The inability to answer “no” can have a serious impact on your prospects. Accordingly, those who have been arrested or convicted of any criminal offense (no matter how minor) are well-advised to do everything possible to seal their criminal record.
Board Certified criminal defense lawyer Andrew J. Williams understands and appreciates the gravity of a permanent criminal record. His primary objective is to help his clients remove the stigma of a past arrest and obtain a fresh start. Mr. Williams has over 15 years of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements for obtaining a nondisclosure order under Texas law.
What Is a Petition for Nondisclosure?
A petition for nondisclosure asks the judge to seal your criminal record from public view. It is most often sought in cases where people have been ordered to complete a form of probation known as deferred adjudication.
A nondisclosure order is typically granted once the petitioner has successfully completed deferred adjudication, and been granted a discharge and dismissal. The petitioner must also have avoided committing another crime during the time between the completion of deferred adjudication and the filing of the petition.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Nondisclosure of Criminal Records?
Under Texas law, defendants who have committed certain misdemeanors may have to wait two years after receiving their discharge and dismissal before they can file a petition for nondisclosure. Similarly, defendants who have committed certain felonies may have to wait five years after receiving their discharge and dismissal before they can file a petition for nondisclosure.
Attorney Andrew J. Williams can help you determine whether your past crime fits into either of these categories. Fortunately, many defendants are able to file a petition for nondisclosure immediately after receiving their discharge and dismissal.
Defendants who have committed serious felony offenses are unable to seek nondisclosure orders. These crimes include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Sexual assault/aggravated sexual assault
- Sex crimes against children
- Murder/capital murder
- Violations of protective orders
- Crimes involving family violence
- Stalking
What Happens if I Obtain a Nondisclosure Order?
Once you have obtained a nondisclosure order, all government agencies and entities must remove the relevant information from the public record. However, these government bodies will still have access to this information.
In addition to helping clients pursue nondisclosure orders, Andrew J. Williams also helps clients attempt to clear their permanent criminal record via expungement.
For answers to your questions, schedule a complimentary consultation with Andrew J. Williams, Attorney at Law. To make an appointment, call 281-358-9111, or use the online contact form.