If I pleaded no contest to a felony charge, is there any way this can be removed from my background, expunged, erased or sealed?

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If I pleaded no contest to a felony charge, is there any way this can be removed from my background, expunged, erased or sealed?

Asked on October 23, 2012 under Criminal Law, Texas

Answers:

B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Many people want to plea "no contest" for personal reasons, but for all practical purposes it does little to change anything on the long-term effect of your plea and subsequent punishment.  A plea of no contest will have the exact same impact and effect as a plea of guilty for purposes of Texas criminal rules.

With that being said, however, you may still have some options.  If you pled to a felony charge and recieved a deferred sentence, then you may be able to petition the court for an "order of non-disclosure."  Even though the courts, the district attorney, and law enforcement will still have access to the information, the general public will be prevented from having access to your sentencing information.  If you were sentenced to jail time or a strait probation, then this will not be an option for you.  The only other remaining option would be to apply for a pardon with the governor-- which is rarely granted in Texas.


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