Expunctions

Governor Rick Perry vetoed a law that would have eliminated the waiting period to seek an expunction. An expunction legally allows you to deny ever having been arrested. An order of expunction requires all state agencies to remove and destroy any record of the arrest. Among other things, a criminal arrest record can cause employment problems, an inability to find a place to live, and make getting a loan more difficult.

An expunction gives you the legal right to deny the arrest on job applications, legal documents, and even swear under oath that you have never been arrested. Getting and keeping a job these days is challenging. Going to a job interview with an arrest on your record can make you feel nervous. You can do something about all that by seeking an expunction of your dismissed criminal cases.

Here is some good news: The new law waives the expunction fees for acquittals. If you were found Not Guilty of a felony or misdemeanor there is no filing fee as long as you file your petition within 30 days.