Houston Criminal Record Clearing
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Having a criminal record can reduce your chance of getting a job offer by 50%.1
1. Binyamin Applebaum. Out of Trouble, but Criminal Records Keep Men Out of Work, NYTimes.com, February 28, 2015.
Houston Expungement Lawyer
Having an arrest record can make it seriously difficult to get a new job, mortgage approval, rent an apartment, get a credit card, or obtain or keep a professional license.
Everyday Texans can be affected by a criminal charge even if the charge was DISMISSED or the person was found not guilty (acquitted) by a judge or jury.
This is where a Houston expungement lawyer can provide life-changing help.
What is Criminal Record Expungement?
Legally known as expunction, expungement is a legal procedure that, if successfully completed, allows an individual to completely destroy any records of a prior criminal offense. This allows charges that were dismissed, acquitted, or resolved through pretrial diversion to be destroyed. This means that your Houston criminal records will not appear on background checks when you apply for employment, housing, or financial products and services.
For a comprehensive overview of expunction law, see the Texas expunction statute here or read our Texas Expungement Guide.
What is an Order of Nondisclosure?
An order of nondisclosure is a legal procedure that allows a person to seal certain criminal offense records. Unlike an expunction, the records are only available to certain state agencies. The court orders these agencies to seal the records and they may not disclose them to private employers, lenders, or the public. This means that if you apply for a job at private company, a loan, or an apartment, those businesses will not be able to see your sealed charges.
For an in-depth look at Texas nondisclosure law, see the Texas nondisclosure statute here or read our Texas Nondisclosure Guide.
How Does Expungement & Nondisclosure Work in Houston/Harris County?
An expunction in the Harris County Court system or any court in Houston typically begins with your Houston expunction attorney filing of a “petition for expunction of criminal records.” Although the point is to clear criminal records, the petition is a civil lawsuit that your attorney files on your behalf.
The petition is then filed with the Harris County District Clerk’s office in Houston, TX. In the petition, your expungement lawyer will ask the court to order state agencies with copies of your criminal record to destroy or seal those records.
After the petition is filed and the filing fee is paid at the Harris County Clerk’s office, the petition will be served upon the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. This office, representing the State of Texas, will have a chance to oppose your petition.
Whether the State chooses to oppose your petition or not, the court will set your case for an expungement or nondisclosure hearing. At this hearing, the judge will decide whether to grant you what you’re asking for. If you have an expungement attorney, you do not need to go to this hearing (or deal with the court at all).
If the judge rules in your favor, your lawyer will file the judge’s order with the court clerk for service upon every State agency we suspect has a record of your offense.
How Can a Houston Expungement Lawyer Help You?
#1. Eligibility Determination
The is one of the most important steps in the record clearing process. If you apply for relief from the court and are not eligible, you could lose several hundred dollars in filing fees (and a lot of time). Your Houston expunction attorney will research your criminal record as well as the Texas expunction statute to make sure you’re eligible for legal relief.
#2. Draft & File Your Legal Documents
Expunction and nondisclosure petitions have strict legal requirements. The State will often object to a petition if it is not perfectly drafted. Hiring a Houston expunction attorney can ensure that your documents are drafted by an experienced professional who regularly handles expungements and nondisclosure in Harris County. Not only will we draft the documents, we’ll handle all filings as well.
#3. Properly Serve Important State Agencies
Even after the court rules in your favor, your case is not complete. State agencies with records of your charge need to be properly notified (served) a copy of the judge’s order. Your Houston expunction attorney will make sure that this is handled correctly.
How Much Does an Expunction Cost in Harris County/Houston?
We have multiple options available with flat-rates starting at $695.00.
How Much Does an Order of Nondisclosure Cost in Harris County/Houston?
We have multiple options available with flat-rates starting at $695.00
For more information on benefits and pricing, see our expungement and nondisclosure pricing section.
Article Written By:
Eric Ramos
Houston Expunction Attorney
What Houston Courts Do We Clear Criminal Records In?
We represent clients for expunctions and orders of nondisclosure in the following Houston and Harris County Courts. If your court is not listed here, we still may be able to help. Call us at (844) 282-6511.
Harris County Civil Courthouse
Harris County Civil Court
Address: 201 Caroline St 5th floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 755-7300
Harris County Criminal Justice Center
Harris County Criminal Justice Center
Address: 1201 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 755-7300
Houston criminal record clearing
Having a criminal record can reduce your chance of getting a job offer by 50%.1
1. Binyamin Applebaum. Out of Trouble, but Criminal Records Keep Men Out of Work, NYTimes.com, February 28, 2015.
Houston Expungement Lawyer
Having an arrest record can make it seriously difficult to get a new job, mortgage approval, rent an apartment, get a credit card, or obtain or keep a professional license.
Everyday Texans can be affected by a criminal charge even if the charge was DISMISSED or the person was found not guilty (acquitted) by a judge or jury.
This is where a Houston expungement lawyer can provide life-changing help.
What is Criminal Record Expungement?
Legally known as expunction, expungement is a legal procedure that, if successfully completed, allows an individual to completely destroy any records of a prior criminal offense. This allows charges that were dismissed, acquitted, or resolved through pretrial diversion to be destroyed. This means that your Houston criminal records will not appear on background checks when you apply for employment, housing, or financial products and services.
For a comprehensive overview of expunction law, see the Texas expunction statute here or read our Texas Expungement Guide.
What is an Order of Nondisclosure?
An order of nondisclosure is a legal procedure that allows a person to seal certain criminal offense records. Unlike an expunction, the records are only available to certain state agencies. The court orders these agencies to seal the records and they may not disclose them to private employers, lenders, or the public. This means that if you apply for a job at private company, a loan, or an apartment, those businesses will not be able to see your sealed charges.
For an in-depth look at Texas nondisclosure law, see the Texas nondisclosure statute here or read our Texas Nondisclosure Guide.
How Does Expungement & Nondisclosure Work in Houston/Harris County?
An expunction in the Harris County Court system or any court in Houston typically begins with your Houston expunction attorney filing of a “petition for expunction of criminal records.” Although the point is to clear criminal records, the petition is a civil lawsuit that your attorney files on your behalf.
The petition is then filed with the Harris County District Clerk’s office in Houston, TX. In the petition, your expungement lawyer will ask the court to order state agencies with copies of your criminal record to destroy or seal those records.
After the petition is filed and the filing fee is paid at the Harris County Clerk’s office, the petition will be served upon the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. This office, representing the State of Texas, will have a chance to oppose your petition.
Whether the State chooses to oppose your petition or not, the court will set your case for an expungement or nondisclosure hearing. At this hearing, the judge will decide whether to grant you what you’re asking for. If you have an expungement attorney, you do not need to go to this hearing (or deal with the court at all).
If the judge rules in your favor, your lawyer will file the judge’s order with the court clerk for service upon every State agency we suspect has a record of your offense.
How Can a Houston Expungement Lawyer Help You?
#1. Eligibility Determination
The is one of the most important steps in the record clearing process. If you apply for relief from the court and are not eligible, you could lose several hundred dollars in filing fees (and a lot of time). Your Houston expunction attorney will research your criminal record as well as the Texas expunction statute to make sure you’re eligible for legal relief.
#2. Draft & File Your Legal Documents
Expunction and nondisclosure petitions have strict legal requirements. The State will often object to a petition if it is not perfectly drafted. Hiring a Houston expunction attorney can ensure that your documents are drafted by an experienced professional who regularly handles expungements and nondisclosure in Harris County. Not only will we draft the documents, we’ll handle all filings as well.
#3. Properly Serve Important State Agencies
Even after the court rules in your favor, your case is not complete. State agencies with records of your charge need to be properly notified (served) a copy of the judge’s order. Your Houston expunction attorney will make sure that this is handled correctly.
How Much Does an Expunction Cost in Harris County/Houston?
We have multiple options available with flat-rates starting at $695.00.
How Much Does an Order of Nondisclosure Cost in Harris County/Houston?
We have multiple options available with flat-rates starting at $595.00
For more information on benefits and pricing, see our expungement and nondisclosure pricing section.
Article Written By:
Eric Ramos
Houston Expunction Attorney
What HoustonCourts Do We Clear Criminal Records In?
We represent clients for expunctions and orders of nondisclosure in the following Houston and Harris County Courts. If your court is not listed here, we still may be able to help. Call us at (844) 282-6511.
Harris County Civil Courthouse
Harris County Civil Court
Address: 201 Caroline St 5th floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 755-7300
Harris County Criminal Justice Center
Harris County Criminal Justice Center
Address: 1201 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 755-7300
Why Choose Us?
5-Star Rated Attorney
We have served thousands over clients and our law firm has over 200 five-star reviews on Google.
Lowest Prices, No Hidden Fees
The amount we quote you is all you pay. We’ll match or beat published offers.
Money Back Guarantee
If we are unable to obtain the order of expunction or nondisclosure, we’ll refund every penny you paid us (minus filing fees paid to the court).
Click a Legal Service Below to View Prices
All consultation and eligibility review fees will be credited toward expungement or nondisclosure services you purchase.
Hidden Tab
Hidden Tab
Consultation/Eligibility Review
Consultation/Eligibility Review: $50.00-$75.00
1. Review and phone/virtual consult for to check your eligibility for either expunction or nondisclosure of one charge (15 minutes) – $50.00
2.Review and phone/virtual consult for to check your eligibility for either expunction or nondisclosure of multiple charges (30 minutes) – $75.00
Expungement Pricing
Help Me Out
- $695.00*
- *Filing fees not included (estimated at $450-$550)
- Attorney Pre-Screen & GuaranteeYou fill out a 60 second survey and the attorney will check to make sure you're eligible for expungement. If you're not, we'll refund 100% of your payment ($695.00)
- Copy of Texas Background CheckWe'll perform a background check through the State of Texas central criminal database (CCD) and provide you with a complete copy.
- Attorney Drafts All DocumentsNo robots or glitchy software here! When you hire us, you get attorney Eric Ramos to personally draft your legal documents.
- We Give You Filing InstructionsWe will give you detailed instructions on the where and how to file your case. Our guide covers everything from the first filing to the last step of serving agencies with copies of the expunciton order. We'll even tell you how to communicate with the State prosecutor and what to expect at your court hearing in front of a judge.
- Go to Court on Your Own ScheduleOnce your expungement petition (lawsuit) is drafted, you can go to court to file it during their normal operating hours. The court clerk will give you a confirmation document, forward your case to the prosecutor, and assign a hearing date.
- See Plan DetailsThis is similar to that other "Easy" service except you get a real, live attorney to draft the documents for you. You won't get that level of care elsewhere!
Premium Package
- $1,150.00*
- *Filing fees not included (estimated at $450-$550)
- Attorney Pre-Screen & GuaranteeYou fill out a 60 second survey and the attorney will check to make sure you're eligible for expungement. If you're not, we'll refund 100% of your payment ($895.00)
- Copy of Texas Background CheckWe'll perform a background check through the State of Texas central criminal database (CCD) and provide you with a complete copy.
- Attorney Drafts All DocumentsNo robots or glitchy software here! When you hire us, you get attorney Eric Ramos to personally draft your legal documents.
- We File All Documents for YouDon't be left in the lurch. Filing your own documents means driving to the courthouse, paying for parking, waiting in line, and hoping everything is correct so your petition doesn't get rejected. Why worry about it? Let us do it for you!
- We Go to Court for YouEvery case requires a hearing. The hearing can be contested by the prosecutors for the state or not. Either way, you have to show up to court to attend your hearing. If the Judge grants your expunction, you still have to file the documents with the court clerk. Overall, the process can take several hours. Avoid the stress and confusion and let us handle everything for you.
- Online Access to Your FileWe'll give you inside access to our case management system so you can view your case notes, updates, and documents.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, qui enim nusquam minimu ad, duo utamur legimus ad, id nec eleifend perpetua. Et erant paulo quo.
- See Plan DetailsThis is our most popular service. We do all of the work for you. Don't worry about double checking documents, filing them, or attending a court hearing. Choose this option if you want to know your case is being handled by a professional. You'll be happy you made the investment!
Above & Beyond
- $1,895.00
- Includes filing fees (up to $500) and $500 in Add-On Services
- Attorney Pre-Screen & GuaranteeYou fill out a 60 second survey and the attorney will check to make sure you're eligible for expungement. If you're not, we'll refund 100% of your payment ($1,695.00)
- Copy of Texas Background CheckWe'll perform a background check through the State of Texas central criminal database (CCD) and provide you with a complete copy.
- Attorney Drafts All DocumentsNo robots or glitchy software here! When you hire us, you get attorney Eric Ramos to personally draft your legal documents.
We File All Documents for You
Don't be left in the lurch. Filing your own documents means driving to the courthouse, paying for parking, waiting in line, and hoping everything is correct so your petition doesn't get rejected. Why worry about it? Let us do it for you!We Go to Court for You
Every case requires a hearing. The hearing can be contested by the prosecutors for the state or not. Either way, you have to show up to court to attend your hearing. If the Judge grants your expunction, you still have to file the documents with the court clerk. Overall, the process can take several hours. Avoid the stress and confusion and let us handle everything for you.Online Access to Your File
We'll give you inside access to our case management system so you can view your case notes, updates, and documents.Receive Updates by Text & Email
We'll assign a private text number just for you. We'll send you updates from that number and you can text us back at any time - day or night!"Clean Slate" Eliminator Add-On (a $250 Value)
After you have had your criminal record expunged, sealed, or otherwise cleared by the court, private background check companies may still be reporting your criminal record to potential employers and landlords. To help solve this problem, RecordPurge.com will send out a copy of your expungement order to help clear criminal records from over 650 private background check companies."Two-Day Expedited Filing (a $250 Value)
In a hurry? We handle a lot of cases and our current time from intake to filing is 10-14 business days. With this options, we'll move your case to the top of the list and get it drafted and filed with the court within 48 hours of you hiring us.- See Plan DetailsThis really is the works! We do all of the work for you. Don't worry about double checking documents, filing them, or attending a court hearing. Choose this option if you want to know your case is being handled by a professional. In addition to notifying state agencies that your record has been cleared, we'll forward the order of nondisclosure to hundreds of private background check companies with our eliminator package. You'll be happy you made the investment!
Nondisclosure Pricing
Help Me Out
- $695.00*
- *Filing fees not included
- Attorney Pre-Screen & GuaranteeYou fill out a 60 second survey and the attorney will check to make sure you're eligible for expungement. If you're not, we'll refund 100% of your payment ($595.00)
- Copy of Texas Background CheckWe'll perform a background check through the State of Texas central criminal database (CCD) and provide you with a complete copy.
- Attorney Drafts All DocumentsNo robots or glitchy software here! When you hire us, you get attorney Eric Ramos to personally draft your legal documents.
- We Give You Filing InstructionsWe will give you detailed instructions on the where and how to file your case. Our guide covers everything from the first filing to the last step of serving agencies with copies of the expunciton order. We'll even tell you how to communicate with the State prosecutor and what to expect at your court hearing in front of a judge.
- Go to Court on Your Own ScheduleOnce your expungement petition (lawsuit) is drafted, you can go to court to file it during their normal operating hours. The court clerk will give you a confirmation document, forward your case to the prosecutor, and assign a hearing date.
- See Plan DetailsThis is similar to that other "Easy" service except you get a real, live attorney to draft the documents for you. You won't get that level of care elsewhere!
Do It For Me
- $995.00*
- *Filing fees not included
- Attorney Pre-Screen & GuaranteeYou fill out a 60 second survey and the attorney will check to make sure you're eligible for expungement. If you're not, we'll refund 100% of your payment ($895.00)
- Copy of Texas Background CheckWe'll perform a background check through the State of Texas central criminal database (CCD) and provide you with a complete copy.
- Attorney Drafts All DocumentsNo robots or glitchy software here! When you hire us, you get attorney Eric Ramos to personally draft your legal documents.
- We File All Documents for YouDon't be left in the lurch. Filing your own documents means driving to the courthouse, paying for parking, waiting in line, and hoping everything is correct so your petition doesn't get rejected. Why worry about it? Let us do it for you!
- We Go to Court for YouEvery case requires a hearing. The hearing can be contested by the prosecutors for the state or not. Either way, you have to show up to court to attend your hearing. If the Judge grants your expunction, you still have to file the documents with the court clerk. Overall, the process can take several hours. Avoid the stress and confusion and let us handle everything for you.
- Online Access to Your FileWe'll give you inside access to our case management system so you can view your case notes, updates, and documents.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, qui enim nusquam minimu ad, duo utamur legimus ad, id nec eleifend perpetua. Et erant paulo quo.
- See Plan DetailsThis is our most popular service. We do all of the work for you. Don't worry about double checking documents, filing them, or attending a court hearing. Choose this option if you want to know your case is being handled by a professional. You'll be happy you made the investment!
Give Me The Works
- $1,695.00
- Includes filing fees
- Attorney Pre-Screen & GuaranteeYou fill out a 60 second survey and the attorney will check to make sure you're eligible for expungement. If you're not, we'll refund 100% of your payment ($1,595.00)
- Copy of Texas Background CheckWe'll perform a background check through the State of Texas central criminal database (CCD) and provide you with a complete copy.
- Attorney Drafts All DocumentsNo robots or glitchy software here! When you hire us, you get attorney Eric Ramos to personally draft your legal documents.
We File All Documents for You
Don't be left in the lurch. Filing your own documents means driving to the courthouse, paying for parking, waiting in line, and hoping everything is correct so your petition doesn't get rejected. Why worry about it? Let us do it for you!We Go to Court for You
Every case requires a hearing. The hearing can be contested by the prosecutors for the state or not. Either way, you have to show up to court to attend your hearing. If the Judge grants your expunction, you still have to file the documents with the court clerk. Overall, the process can take several hours. Avoid the stress and confusion and let us handle everything for you.Online Access to Your File
We'll give you inside access to our case management system so you can view your case notes, updates, and documents.Receive Updates by Text & Email
We'll assign a private text number just for you. We'll send you updates from that number and you can text us back at any time - day or night!"Clean Slate" Eliminator Add-On
This really is the works! We do all of the work for you. Don't worry about double checking documents, filing them, or attending a court hearing. Choose this option if you want to know your case is being handled by a professional. In addition to notifying state agencies that your record has been cleared, we'll forward the order of nondisclosure to hundreds of private background check companies with our eliminator package. You'll be happy you made the investment.- See Plan DetailsThis really is the works! We do all of the work for you. Don't worry about double checking documents, filing them, or attending a court hearing. Choose this option if you want to know your case is being handled by a professional. In addition to notifying state agencies that your record has been cleared, we'll forward the order of nondisclosure to hundreds of private background check companies with our eliminator package. You'll be happy you made the investment!
Class C Misdemeanor Representation
Class C Misdemeanor Defense: $495.00
We charge a flat rate of $495.00 for all misdemeanors in San Antonio Municipal Court. This amount includes ALL fines, court costs, and attorney’s fees. We do not handle these cases in any other courts.
– Theft Under $100.00
– Theft of Service
– Public Intoxication
– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
– Assault (non-family)
– Most other class C misdemeanors
Recent Record Clearing Results
Every case is different. Take our free eligibility test to find out if your record can be cleared.
San Antonio, TX
Theft
Offense Level: Felony
San Antonio, TX
Drug Possession
Offense Level: Misdemeanor
Austin, TX
Theft
Offense Level: Misdemeanor
“Clearing your criminal record can ensure a more prosperous future.”
– Eric Ramos, Houston, TX Expunction Attorney
clear the path to a brighter future
Find Our if You’re Eligible for Expunction or Nondisclosure
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