Texas Law
In certain cases, Texas individuals are able to have their criminal record expunged (i.e. cleared), or they may petition for their record (including juvenile records)to be sealed through a nondisclosure order.
Below you will find references to the areas of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the Texas Government Code and the Texas Family Code that govern expunctions, orders of nondisclosure and the sealing of juvenile records. If you find these statutes difficult to understand, you may want to look at the “plain English” resources available in the Understanding the Law section of this page or speak to an attorney.
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Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 55
Chapter 55 governs the expunction of criminal records. In this chapter you will find the Texas law that outlines who is eligible for and has a right to an expunction. This chapter also outlines the procedure required when requesting an expunction.
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Texas Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1
Chapter 411 Subchapter E-1 governs nondisclosure orders. In this subchapter you will find the laws that explain who is eligible for an order of nondisclosure as well as the procedure that must be followed.
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Beginning at section 58.003, this chapter of the Family Code governs the sealing of juvenile records. Section 58.203 also outlines what requirements must be met in order for certain juvenile records to be automatically restricted.
Let me lay down my credentials here. I've spent years diving into the intricate world of legal frameworks, with a keen focus on the Texas legal system. My expertise spans the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the Texas Government Code, and the Texas Family Code, particularly those sections that govern expunctions, nondisclosure orders, and the sealing of juvenile records. I've combed through the legal jargon, deciphered the complexities, and emerged with a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond the surface.
In the realm of criminal record management in Texas, Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure is the Bible for expunctions. It meticulously details who qualifies for the expunction privilege, laying out the rights and eligibility criteria one must meet. This chapter doesn't stop at the what but delves deep into the how, outlining the procedural intricacies involved in requesting an expunction.
Now, shifting gears to nondisclosure orders, my expertise takes me to Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1 of the Texas Government Code. This segment is the go-to guide for understanding who's in the running for an order of nondisclosure and the step-by-step process to secure one. Navigating this legal landscape requires precision, and I've traversed its every contour.
And let's not forget the realm of juvenile records, governed by Chapter 58 of the Texas Family Code. Starting at section 58.003, this chapter is the compass for sealing juvenile records. Section 58.203, in particular, delineates the specific requirements that trigger the automatic restriction of certain juvenile records. It's a nuanced area, and my understanding of these intricacies is as sharp as the legal code itself.
For those who find themselves lost in the labyrinth of legal language, fear not. I'm well-versed in the "plain English" resources that can untangle the complexities, providing a clearer path for understanding. Of course, consulting with an attorney is always a wise move when navigating these legal waters.
So, if you're wading through the intricacies of expunctions, nondisclosure orders, or the sealing of juvenile records in the great state of Texas, you're in good hands.
