Record Expungement Versus Sealed Record?

By Jeff Kennedy

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRIMINAL RECORD EXPUNGING AND RECORD SEALING A IN TEXAS?

One of the difficult aspects of a criminal record is that, for many people, it never truly goes away—making your job search, apartment renting, and other day-to-day tasks more complicated.

Fortunately, for some folks with a past criminal record, the opportunity to have their records expunged or sealed could allow them to turn over a new leaf. If you’ve ever considered the possibility of improving your past criminal record, you’ve probably looked into one of these options. But what’s the difference between an expunged and sealed record?

Expunging or Sealing a Criminal Record: Main Differences

Sealing and expunging a criminal record both accomplish different things; consequently, there are different rules regarding eligibility to seal or expunge your record.

Sealing your record means that members of the general public will be unable to see it—only government agencies and law enforcement requesting a private background check can see the record. On the other hand, expungement of your criminal record makes the record, for all intents and purposes, disappear.

If you want to seal your record, you have to successfully file an order of nondisclosure preventing the government from revealing the record to others. Eligible applicants must meet a set of strict requirements to have their records sealed. Similarly, eligibility for expunction can depend on whether you were convicted for a crime.

In both cases, most people with major felony convictions will be ineligible for either record sealing or expunction. If you’re unsure and would like some help, a criminal defense lawyer will review your case.

Do You Still Have Questions? Schedule A Free Consultation Today.

Are you eligible for a clean slate? If so, an experienced expungement lawyer from The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy is standing by to help you see this process through.

Call 817-605-1010 or fill out the form below to get started.

WHAT DO OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY?

Jeff C. Kennedy was the light of hope at the end of very dark storm. He was not only able to defend my case swiftly, but had the alleged charges dismissed completely. His calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to myself and those I care about most. My children and I are eternally grateful for his excellent service and I hereby recommend Jeff C. Kennedy without reservation.

Kishta

Jeff Kennedy truly cares. He and his staff kept me informed all the way throughout my case and provided me with all my options and the potential outcomes for my case. When the day finally arrived to resolve my case, Jeff was able to negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge. He was well prepared and coordinated everything perfectly. Jeff is not only a good lawyer, but a good man.

N.C.L.

I hired Mr. Jeff Kennedy to handle a DWI charge. From day one, I knew I had picked the right attorney. Jeff always took the time to answer any of my questions, treated me very professionally, and truly cared about my case. I have never been in any kind of trouble before and I was very nervous about the thought of going to trial. Jeff thoroughly explained the entire process to me and made me feel at ease. Jeff took my case to trial and the jury found me NOT GUILTY!

P.T.S.

Jeff Kennedy is a professional, intelligent, easy-to-talk-to lawyer with an excellent understanding of how the system works. Jeff was able to get my twice the legal limit BAC thrown out and he kept me from having an interlock device put on my car. This has been my only big mistake in life so far (hopefully the last) and I am glad he was there to walk me through it. You will not regret hiring him.

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