How to clear my criminal history record?
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How to clear my criminal history record?
About 10 years ago, I was just returning home from college when I wrote a check for a pizza which subsequently was declined. I took a check writing class in the later part of that year and the case was dismissed. Fast forward to today, and I was just declined on a rental application for having a “criminal record.” After searching through the public records online, I found my case and it shows that it was indeed dismissed almost 10 years ago. Beyond that, I have no criminal record. Is there any way to have this removed or at least a way to avoid something like what has happened with my apartment rental application in the future?
Asked on November 12, 2012 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Texas has two different procedures for clearing up a criminal history: expunction and order or non-disclosure. How your case was actually handled will determine which one you can use. You can use the expunction route if your case was dismissed outright. If you were placed on a deferred probation and then received a dismissal, then you would want a non-disclosure order. The non-disclosure doesn't get it off of your record completely, but it does prevent anyone other than law enforcement and the courts from seeing the information.
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