Lubbock Criminal Record Expungement Lawyers

A criminal record expungement lawyer can help you clear your record and restore opportunities—contact Payne, Powell, Truitt Chandler today to let us help you move forward with confidence.

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Lubbock Criminal Record Attorneys

At Payne Powell Truitt and Chandler, we understand that your past doesn’t have to define your future. As experienced Lubbock criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to helping you clear your criminal record and reclaim opportunities that may have been limited by past mistakes. Whether through expunction or nondisclosure, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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Juvenile Record

How Can I Clear My Lubbock County Criminal Record?

The question we hear most often is, “How can I clear my record?” The answer depends on the details of your case, and navigating the legal process can be complex. That’s an experienced criminal record expungement lawyer comes in. If you’ve been arrested—whether your case was dismissed, dropped, or went to trial—our team can help determine your options for clearing your record under Texas law.  

What Are Expunctions and Nondisclosures in Texas?

The terms can be confusing, but we’ll make it clear:  

• Expunction: This completely removes an arrest from your record, as if it never happened. To achieve this, you’ll need an Order of Expunction from a judge. Once expunged, you can legally deny the arrest ever occurred.  
• Nondisclosure: Often called “sealing” in Texas, this prevents your criminal record from being publicly disclosed. It requires an Order for Nondisclosure from a judge and keeps your past private from most employers and the general public.  

How Can Payne Powell Truitt and Chandler Help Clear My Record?

Our skilled criminal record expungement lawyers specialize in evaluating your case to determine if you qualify for an expunction or nondisclosure. We handle the legal complexities, so you don’t have to. From arrests to juvenile records, we offer:  

• Case Evaluations: We’ll review your criminal record and explain your options.  
• Trusted Guidance: With years of experience in Texas criminal record laws, we know how to navigate expunctions, nondisclosures, and juvenile record sealing.  
• Personalized Solutions: Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit your needs.  

Am I Eligible for an Expunction?

Expunction eligibility depends on how your case was resolved. You may qualify if:  

• Your case was dismissed outright.  
• You were found not guilty at trial.  
• It was a Class C misdemeanor (ticket) dismissed after deferred adjudication.  
• No charges were filed (after a waiting period).  
• You were pardoned, or the State prosecutor recommends expunction.  

Waiting Periods for Expunction:  

• Class C Misdemeanors: 180 days from arrest/citation.  
• Class A or B Misdemeanors: 1 year from arrest (in some cases) and 2-3 years (in other cases)
• Felonies: 3 years from arrest (in some cases) or at the expiration of the Statute of Limitations. 

Immediate expunction is possible if acquitted at trial or if the State certifies the records aren’t needed for investigations.  

If you don’t qualify for expunction, a nondisclosure might still be an option.  

What If I Don’t Qualify for Expunction? Nondisclosure May Be the Answer

If you completed deferred adjudication probation for a Class A or B misdemeanor or certain felonies, you may be eligible for a nondisclosure. This “seals” your record from public view, though some government agencies may still access it.  

Nondisclosure Eligibility: 

• Successful completion of deferred adjudication.  
• No new arrests or convictions during or after probation for certain offenses.
• A finding by the judge that the non-disclosure is in the best interests of society.

Waiting Periods for Nondisclosure:

• Most Misdemeanors: Upon discharge and dismissal.  
• Certain Misdemeanors (e.g., assault, weapons): 2 years after discharge.  
• Felonies: 5 years after discharge.  

NOTE: Some offenses, like family violence or sex crimes, cannot be sealed, even with deferred adjudication. We’ll assess your case to confirm eligibility.  

Juvenile Record Sealing in Texas

Most juvenile records are automatically sealed when a person turns 19, and prior to a sealing, the records are confidential. At Payne Powell Truitt and Chandler, we help families seal juvenile records prior to a child’s 19^th birthday so that we can protect future opportunities for the child.  

What Does Juvenile Sealing Mean?

A sealed juvenile record is treated as if it never existed, and you or your child won’t need to disclose it for jobs, schools, or licensing.  

Eligibility for Juvenile Sealing:  

• At least 1 years since final discharge or last official action.  
• No felony or moral turpitude convictions in that time.  
• Exceptions: Records can’t be sealed if transferred to adult court, tied to sex offender registration, or involve certain serious offenses (e.g., murder, aggravated assault).  

Why Choose Payne Powell Truitt and Chandler to Clear Your Records?

Located in Lubbock, Texas, our firm proudly serves clients throughout the state with our experienced criminal record expungement lawyers. We bring:

• Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Lubbock County and Texas criminal record laws.  
• Compassionate Counsel: We care about your future and work tirelessly to achieve results.  
• Proven Results: A track record of successfully clearing records for our clients.