Having your criminal records sealed can help you rebuild your life after a conviction. Juvenile records are on “restricted access” automatically, which means they’re sealed to anyone but law enforcement from the time the child turns 21. These records may be unsealed only if the child is convicted of another crime.  

Unfortunately, expunging or sealing criminal records is not the easiest thing in the world to do if you’re an adult.  

Often, you will need help from a Harris County criminal defense lawyer to get your records sealed. 

Expungement

Expungement is only available in certain circumstances but is available for both felonies and misdemeanors. 

A criminal record may be expunged when:

  • Your charges were dismissed
  • You were acquitted 
  • A conviction was overturned

If you qualify, you should apply to have your records expunged immediately. Otherwise, the charges will remain, and can work against you when you apply for jobs or housing. 

Sealing Criminal Records

The official term for a sealed criminal record is “non-disclosure of a criminal record.” This means the record will no longer be shared with potential employers or landlords. Non-disclosure frees you from any obligation to disclose criminal convictions on job applications. It is available only after a defendant has completed a deferred adjudication agreement.

It’s available for some felonies and most misdemeanors, though different crimes have different requirements. For example, if you have deferred adjudication on a felony, you must wait 5 years to apply for non-disclosure. Some misdemeanors require you to wait two years after deferred adjudication. 

Felonies involving sexual crimes, kidnapping, burglary, compelling prostitution, murder, assault to children or elderly people, child abandonment or endangerment, violating protective orders, stalking, and family violence may never be sealed.

You can use this tool to check your eligibility. 

What if you can’t have your records sealed?

There’s still some hope. There are pushes to ban employers from asking about criminal histories on job applications. In addition, different applications ask for different information. For example, if an application only asks about felony convictions then you don’t have to disclose misdemeanor convictions. Not all jobs perform background checks. And the Texas Workforce Commission does help people with criminal records find jobs. 

There are also apartments that do take felons. Second Chance apartments are often more forgiving.  Small, private, non-corporate landlords or HUD housing are often more forgiving. Local faith-based organizations can often help you find housing as well. Certain re-entry programs are also designed to help. You can find a great many resources here

Get Help Today

Ideally, you’ll be able to avoid being convicted of any crime. That starts with hiring the right criminal defense attorney.

If you or a loved one are in trouble, reach out to our team today. 

See also:

Why Houston, TX Defense Lawyers Accept Guilty Clients

5 Mistakes You Need to Avoid in Your Houston, TX Criminal Case 

How Pretrial Diversion Works in Houston, TX

A+ Rated

Houston Criminal Lawyer

icon-2
Former Prosecutors

On Your Side

experience-min
Trial Proven

State and Federal

thumbsup-min
Over 2,500 Clients

Helped in Texas

Having your criminal records sealed can help you rebuild your life after a conviction. Juvenile records are on “restricted access” automatically, which means they’re sealed to anyone but law enforcement from the time the child turns 21. These records may be unsealed only if the child is convicted of another crime.  

Unfortunately, expunging or sealing criminal records is not the easiest thing in the world to do if you’re an adult.  

Often, you will need help from a Harris County criminal defense lawyer to get your records sealed. 

Expungement

Expungement is only available in certain circumstances but is available for both felonies and misdemeanors. 

A criminal record may be expunged when:

  • Your charges were dismissed
  • You were acquitted 
  • A conviction was overturned

If you qualify, you should apply to have your records expunged immediately. Otherwise, the charges will remain, and can work against you when you apply for jobs or housing. 

Sealing Criminal Records

The official term for a sealed criminal record is “non-disclosure of a criminal record.” This means the record will no longer be shared with potential employers or landlords. Non-disclosure frees you from any obligation to disclose criminal convictions on job applications. It is available only after a defendant has completed a deferred adjudication agreement.

It’s available for some felonies and most misdemeanors, though different crimes have different requirements. For example, if you have deferred adjudication on a felony, you must wait 5 years to apply for non-disclosure. Some misdemeanors require you to wait two years after deferred adjudication. 

Felonies involving sexual crimes, kidnapping, burglary, compelling prostitution, murder, assault to children or elderly people, child abandonment or endangerment, violating protective orders, stalking, and family violence may never be sealed.

You can use this tool to check your eligibility. 

What if you can’t have your records sealed?

There’s still some hope. There are pushes to ban employers from asking about criminal histories on job applications. In addition, different applications ask for different information. For example, if an application only asks about felony convictions then you don’t have to disclose misdemeanor convictions. Not all jobs perform background checks. And the Texas Workforce Commission does help people with criminal records find jobs. 

There are also apartments that do take felons. Second Chance apartments are often more forgiving.  Small, private, non-corporate landlords or HUD housing are often more forgiving. Local faith-based organizations can often help you find housing as well. Certain re-entry programs are also designed to help. You can find a great many resources here

Get Help Today

Ideally, you’ll be able to avoid being convicted of any crime. That starts with hiring the right criminal defense attorney.

If you or a loved one are in trouble, reach out to our team today. 

See also:

Why Houston, TX Defense Lawyers Accept Guilty Clients

5 Mistakes You Need to Avoid in Your Houston, TX Criminal Case 

How Pretrial Diversion Works in Houston, TX

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
TESTIMONIALS

Rated 5/5 based on 52 customer reviews

DarkLogo
GrecoNeylandStars
Kenny McKee
Kenny McKee
17:11 11 Dec 18
They did a great job getting rid of my parking and speeding tickets. I recommended them to my friends and family. And they've also experienced the same professionalism and great quality service at an affordable price.
Brian Gomez
Brian Gomez
16:50 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff create the best team. They know the law, and made me feel like I was involved and understood everything that was going on. Dustan took the time to explain to me and my family what we could expect, and then led the way.
Heidi Etter
Heidi Etter
15:33 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff helped handle my divorce proceedings. He was incredibly knowledgeable and on top of everything I needed to do. Everything was handled in a timely and professional manner. I’m very thankful for his expertise in helping me to manage a difficult situation.
Jordan Bradshaw
Jordan Bradshaw
15:31 11 Dec 18
The staff at Greco Neyland helped a friend of mine on a case. Everyone was so nice and friendly! I definitely recommend them to anyone who needs someone knowledgeable who also really cares about their clients.
Justin Washington
Justin Washington
23:12 06 Nov 18
Dunstan and the staff at Greco Neyland are truly professional and very helpful and understanding through the process. I was facing a felony case and Dunstan got it no billed . I definitely recommend this firm if you want a lawyer that’s going to defend and fight for you.
Next Reviews Write a review
Shadow1
FREE CASE REVIEW

No Pressure. Speak To An Attorney. No Hidden Fees.

OR CALL 713.972.1100