When you are charged or convicted for a crime, don't let it remain with you any longer than necessary. Even after your time is served the conviction can continue to set you back when it comes to a job and other important factors in your life. Through expunging the record, the information will be sealed and protected from public access. Not everyone can get an expungement and there will be certain circumstances that need to present in order for the court to consider the case. When seeking an expunction, the first thing that you should do is speak to a Fort Bend County criminal lawyer about your case. This is an important step, as it can get professional insight and guidance that you need.
In certain situations you may be unable to pursue the expungement and this includes if you if the statute of limitations has yet to run out for the crime, if the crime was viewed as part of a "criminal episode" that you are facing other charges for, you are faced with another crime considered a "criminal episode" or if you have a felony conviction from within five years of the time that you were arrested for the crime that you are looking to have expunged. To fully understand if the option of an expungement is on the table for you, have your case looked over by an attorney.
To pursue the expungement, a Petition of Expunction will need to be filed in the correct court. For those that are not found guilty of the criminal accusation, there will be 30 days for you to file the petition in the court that the acquittal took place. Once the petition has been filed, a hearing will take place within a 30 day window. If during that time there are no objections raised and the court approves the decision, then the Order of Expunction will need to be given to the judge to sign. For assistance in expunging your record, contact a Fort Bend County criminal defense attorney.