What is the difference?
In the State of Texas, there are two different methods of “sealing” your record.
The first, and most desired, is an expunction. An expunction does more than seal your records, it completely destroys them. If you receive an expunction there will be no record of the offense. As you will see below, however, expunctions are very difficult to get.
On the other hand, a non-disclosure merely seals your record. If you receive a non-disclosure, your employer will not be able to see the offense, but government agencies and police will.
It is very helpful to seal or clean your record, because everyone makes mistakes and The Coffey Firm is here to help you legally put those mistakes behind you.
If you meet one or more of these criteria you may qualify for an Expunction.
- A finding of Not Guilty by either a judge or a jury.
- No charge for an offense after arrest.
- Arrest, charge, or conviction on a person’s record due to identity theft by another (actually charged) individual.
- A conviction pardoned by the Governor of Texas or the US President.
How do I Qualify for a Non-Disclosure?
The eligibility to seal records or have a Judge order a Motion for non-disclosure is widening constantly. The requirements vary from case to case depending on a number of factors:
- Eligibility due to wait period.
- Consideration as to any intervening offenses and their time periods.
- The type of offense.
- The disposition of the offense.
- The type of punishment served.
In the past, one could not “seal” a DWI. Now, under very limited circumstances a Judge can grant a Motion for Non-Disclosure. Generally speaking the consideration for eligibility includes:
- Is this a first time DWI?
- Is there any criminal history outside a class C ticket?
- Was the case disposed (crime classification of class A versus class B) of as having an alcohol concentration of over .15?
- Was there an accident involving another person (including a passenger)?
Eligibility and the process are complicated matters. We are here to take away the anxiety and frustration of what a criminal charge can cause. Call us to help you with this process. Don’t let a criminal charge prevent you from being your best you!
*two or five years is a standard waiting period. However, the facts of the case determine eligibility.
More about Mimi Coffey
When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.
The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), and Possession charges.
Mimi is also listed on several “top” directory listings such as DWI Lawyers for Wise County, DWI Lawyer Tarrant County, DWI attorney Dallas County, DWI attorneys Collin County and DWI attorneys Parker County. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in DFW, She is also involved in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using the skills she has developed to give back to the community.