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Expunging Your Criminal Record?
Smith & Vinson Law Firm Can Help.

San Antonio Record Sealing & Expunctions Lawyers

Helping You Eradicate Your Criminal Record

It comes as a shock to many people charged with crimes that they will have a criminal record for the rest of their life despite the fact that they were never convicted. An arrest or dismissal, even without a conviction, will remain on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Computerized Criminal History System. Furthermore, you might think that after completing deferred adjudication, your conviction would vanish from your criminal record – but this does not happen.

If you fail to take action to clear your record, it remains present and will be available to anyone performing a background check. Future employers, landlords, educational institutions, and anyone else will have access to the information. Moving forward with a criminal charge from an arrest or dismissal can seriously impact your life. That is why we recommend that you let our San Antonio record sealing attorneys take the necessary action to help you clear your record.

Contact us now for a free consultation at (210) 960-9557.

Clearing Your Criminal History

Two methods have been authorized in Texas to clear a criminal record. They are Order of Expunction and Order of Non-Disclosure. Only certain charges and convictions are eligible for expunction. Some crimes cannot even be sealed from your record.

Orders of Expunction

In certain situations, an order of expunction can be used to erase a criminal record. You must meet the eligibility criteria to successfully expunge your record.Please note that convictions cannot be expunged.

You are eligible for expunction if you:

  • Were found not guilty
  • Had your charges dismissed
  • Received a deferred disposition on a Class C misdemeanor
  • Won an appeal
  • Were granted a pardon by the governor

To find out if you qualify for an order of expunction, contact our legal team at Smith & Vinson Law Firm. We can review your case to determine the appropriate legal action for clearing your record whether through expungement or an order of non-disclosure.

Orders of Non-Disclosure

Completing deferred adjudication will generally allow you to seal your record through an Order of Non-Disclosure. This means that your criminal history will not be available to the public but can still be accessed by criminal justice groups. In these cases, it is up to the judge to decide whether he or she can grant an Order of Non-Disclosure. Judges are held to a standard of doing what is in the best interests of justice. Because of this, you will need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney to represent you before the judge.

Additional restrictions regarding record sealing after completing deferred adjudication include a two-year waiting period for some types of Class A and B misdemeanors and a five-year waiting period for felonies.

Criminal offenses that cannot be sealed include:

  • DWI
  • Homicide
  • Aggravated kidnapping
  • Sex crimes
  • Domestic violence

To protect your future, keeping your criminal record clean is paramount. By doing so, you will have access to the same opportunities and privileges as everyone else. Call Smith & Vinson Law Firm so that our San Antonio expunction lawyers can evaluate your situation. Our goal is to help you put the past in the past so that you can move forward to the next chapter of your life without barriers or restrictions.

Call now to connect with Smith & Vinson Law Firm and review of your case. We are available 24/7 at (210) 960-9557.

Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers
Hear What They Have to Say

  • He's a real lawyer!

    “A civil issue arose in Austin with a family member. We sought the advice of a well named Austin attorney. This unnamed attorney provided egregious legal advice. In court, a lifetime civil injunction was ruled by the judge on this non-criminal civil issue. Once learning of this judgement we immediately started looking for another attorney and found Brad Vinson, with Smith and Vinson. Simply put, Brad had this entire debacle reversed and a new judgement set for what is customarily ruled in similar cases. It didn't take long either. I only wish we had called Brad first. He's a real lawyer!”

    David

  • Outstanding Lawyer

    “He is well versed in evidence and criminal law nuances, skills which allow him to level the playing field for his clients and make certain they get a fair chance at justice.”

    Matt

  • Second to NONE

    “I would love to add my thanks and heart felt appreciation for the help that your law firm provided me. Before I met you guys my situation looked very bleak and quite honestly your dedication to my case really carried over this past year and the reward was not only one felony dismissal but two. Thank you from the Ramirez family, I will always be great full and you guys have earned a spot in my family. For anyone reading, this firm is second to NONE, they know what there talking about and do exactly what they promise to do. Very professional, on time and and educate you along the whole process. I had alot to lose and you guys gave it all back to me and finally represented what true Justice is here in America. God bless you both and God bless your firm”

    Manuel R.

  • Exceptionally versed in the intricacies of Texas criminal law

    “Having never been exposed to the criminal system, hiring an attorney was daunting task. Attorney Brad Vinson was informative, professional yet sympathetic with his approach to my case. Mr. Vinson was open to opinion and ensured that all legal avenues were considered and addressed before presenting a course of action. Ultiamtely, Mr. Vinson was able to negotiate a reasonable settlement dispite many hoops and hurdles presented by the prosecuting county. I would highly recommend Smith and Vinson for representation in a criminal matter.”

    Michael

  • 110% glad I chose Jarrod to represent and fight for me.

    “Pay them, be honest with them and communicate with them and they will fix your mistake. Plain and simple. Charged 1st DWI offense. Called in. Told them scenario. Worked with payment methods (very important) .I had numerous lawyers to choose from. 110% glad I chose Jarrod to represent and fight for me. Throughout whole process I had the utmost confidence in Mr. Smith and his work. the goal when we first met was to "get the DWI dismissed" and that is exactly what happened. mission accomplished. if you need a DWI removed call jarrod”

    Ronald D.

  • Top Attorney Avvo Rating 10.0
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Avvo 10.0 Rating
  • Texas Bar College
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Avvo 5 Star Reviews
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award

WHY HIRE US?

  • We are accessible to you. Our attorneys can be reached 24/7.
  • Bold and fearless defense are what we are known for.
  • Turn to us for straightforward legal advice when you need it.
  • We offer free consultations to every single client served.