Record Expungement Articles

DIY Record Expungement

Sunday, Sep 18, 2022 by Brian Laviage

Although you do not need an attorney to manage your petition for record expunction, it cannot be expressed in strong enough terms that these requests are not something that you want to try on your own. Aside from not collecting all the information that will be necessary for you to even file your petition, you run the chance that you may not be able to refile if your petition is dismissed on any technical point. You also must remember that your petition may be opposed by the District Attorney’s office and that they will be represented at your hearing.

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National Expungement Week: Helping Those with Cannabis Convictions and More

Wednesday, Sep 25, 2019 by Brian Laviage

The sudden cultural shift to legalizing cannabis and medical marijuana has left a bitter taste in the mouth of those already convicted of possession. It is a cruel irony that marijuana convictions continue to inflict penalties while the newest round of laws make these same practices legal. This change, while welcomed by advocates, is small consolation to individuals, families and entire communities who faced a relentless decades-long assault from the legal system under the euphemistic War on Drugs.

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Do Expunged Records Show Up On Background Checks In Texas?

Thursday, Aug 15, 2019 by Brian Laviage

Expungement of a criminal record can greatly improve your life’s outcome, allowing you to attend college, live in student housing, secure professional licensing and certification, land your dream job or even obtain financing for major purchases.

As an experienced record clearing lawyer in Texas, one of the main questions the Law Office of Brian S. Laviage is routinely asked is whether or not expunged criminal records will show up on criminal background checks.

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What's the difference between expunging and sealing a juvenile record in Texas?

Monday, May 20, 2019 by Brian Laviage

If you were referred to a juvenile court for conduct before the age of 17 – even without being taken into custody by law enforcement before the referral – you have a juvenile record in the state of Texas. This includes any Class A or B misdemeanors, felony offenses or conduct indicating a need for supervision (CINS) like underage drinking, truancy or running away.

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Employment and the Potential Downsides of Having a Criminal Record in Texas

Friday, Dec 28, 2018 by Brian Laviage

Having a criminal record in Texas often results in negative repercussions, many of which last long after the sentence or fine has occurred and the debt to society repaid. One example is employment related; potential employers often categorically deny jobs to applicants with criminal records. It often doesn’t matter when the arrest occurred or even the relevancy to the job.

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Traveling with a Criminal History

Saturday, Dec 8, 2018 by Brian Laviage

To what extent does a criminal history affect international travel? The answer is far from simple.

Some countries require individuals with criminal records to apply in advance for pre-clearance to enter. Others require only a passport for admission, and there is no background check. Permission to enter could depend on the seriousness of the crime.

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Are Texas Arrest Records Public?

Thursday, Oct 18, 2018 by Brian Laviage

An arrest record is never a good thing. It can ruin a person’s reputation, ability to find a decent job, and it releases personal information about the individual. Other negative effects include losing driving privileges or child custody rights. If you already have an arrest record you may be looking at more severe penalties and sentencing.

Having a criminal record can affect you in many areas of your life and when public, it can be searched and accessed by anyone. There are some ways that a person may expunge or seal their record which we’ll get to a little later. First, let’s cover the basics when it comes down to a Texas arrest record.

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How Expungement of Criminal Records in Texas Can Improve Your Life

Friday, Aug 17, 2018 by Brian Laviage

A criminal record has the potential to affect just about every area of your life. In the state of Texas, people who meet requirements established by current laws have the right to request what is known as an expungement of a criminal record.

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What happens if you get caught drinking under 21 in Texas?

Tuesday, Nov 15, 2016 by Brian Laviage

I get asked regularly what happens if you get a minor in possession in Texas and how to get an MIP off your record.

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Third public intoxication charge in 10 years

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2016 by Brian Laviage

Hi Mr. Laviage, I have a question I’m hoping you can help me out with. I was arrested for public intoxication one year in college while floating the Guadalupe river. I was put on deferred adjudication for this charge in 2006. Then, a few years later in 2010, same thing, different place - this time in Austin outside of a restaurant. Now I’m thinking about getting out of my typical office job and applying for a job as a police officer. But, I just got another public intoxication charge about a month ago in Houston and am worried that they won’t accept me due to these infractions.

Is there anything I can do to get these public intoxication charges cleared from my record? How fast can this be done? And can all three be done at the same time to save money?

Thanks!

Jesse in Houston, TX

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