If you have been charged with a crime in Texas, you must continue reading and speak with our Texas criminal defense attorneys to learn more about how a criminal record may affect your life, and how we can fight any charges you may be facing. Here are some of the questions you may have:

How will a criminal record affect my life?

When someone obtains a criminal record, the first, and perhaps most obvious penalty is a jail/prison sentence, which is often accompanied by heavy fines. Unfortunately, the punishment for your crime is far from over, even after serving your jail sentence. In many cases, individuals with criminal records, even after getting out of jail, will find it extremely difficult to obtain employment, as you will have to check the box as to whether you have ever been convicted of a crime. That being said, a criminal record can also make it extremely difficult for individuals to live in certain areas or rent certain homes, take out certain loans, and more. Finally, if you are an immigrant here in the U.S. and are convicted of a crime, it may even warrant your deportation. This is why you absolutely need an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney who can represent your best interests to help fight your charges so you do not obtain a criminal record.

Can I get a crime expunged in Texas?

There are many crimes that do qualify for expungement in Texas. They are as follows:

• If you were a minor and committed a certain alcohol offense, you may qualify for an expungement.
• Convictions for failing to attend school generally qualify for expungement.
• Being arrested for a crime but never charge.
• Having a criminal charge dismissed.
• Certain qualifying misdemeanor juvenile offenses will be eligible for expungement.
• If you were convicted of a crime, though you were late acquitted by the trial court or the Criminal Court of Appeals in Texas, you should qualify for an expungement.
• If you were convicted of a crime, though the President of the United States or the Governor of Texas acquitted you, you should also qualify for an expungement.

Unfortunately, there are more crimes than not that are simply ineligible for expungement in Texas, which is why if you are someone who is charged with any of the following, you must retain the services of an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney from the outset who can work to have your charges mitigated, or even dropped altogether. The following crimes do not qualify for expungement:

• Human trafficking
• Murder
• Aggravated kidnapping
• Crimes that warrant you registering as a sex offender
• Stalking
• Domestic violence offenses
• Child endangerment or abandonment

Contact our experienced Texas firm

We are knowledgeable attorneys who are ready to help preserve your freedom and keep you out of jail. If you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge in the state of Texas, reach out to our firm today. We have been defending individuals in your position for years, and we are ready to do the same for you. If you need a firm who will aggressively fight for your rights, look no further–simply contact Carrol & Hinojosa today.