Most criminal records in Texas are public and are available to anyone who runs a background check. If you’ve been arrested, charged, or convicted of a DWI, your records may stop you from owning a home, finding a job, and receiving a financial loan. Your DWI arrest and charge may follow you for years and prevent you from participating in many activities you once could enjoy.
While most DWI convictions are not expungeable in Texas, there are a few options for those whose DWI charges did not result in a final conviction or if other circumstances were involved. Even if you have a DWI conviction, you may be eligible to have your DWI sealed. Talk with an experienced DWI defense attorney about your best legal options for getting a DWI off your record and how they will represent you in court.
When Do You Qualify for a DWI Expungement in Texas?
There are a few exceptions to Texas law which allows a judge to expunge a DWI from an individual’s record. Consider the following exceptions to consider your eligibility for a DWI expungement:
You Were a Minor at the Time of the Arrest
Texas law understands that children often make mistakes. If you were under the age of 17 when you are charged with a DWI and also not convicted of any other violation under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, you may be eligible for expungement of your DWI arrest and conviction.
DWI Charges Were Never Filed
Individuals arrested for a DWI but never formally charged can seek an expungement of their record. When a judge expunges an arrest, it will no longer exist on your record, and future employers or other individuals will not be able to see that you were arrested for a DWI. You may also ask the court to grant you the ability to legally deny that you were arrested for a DWI.
Court Dismissed Your DWI Case
If a court dismisses your DWI case, you may seek to expunge the arrest record and the charge. Both the arrest and indictment stay on your record and may cause problems with your lifestyle. Many believe that a DWI falls off the record. However, this is untrue, and you must file a petition to have your record expunged.
You Were Found Not Guilty of Your DWI
Some individuals may take their DWI case to trial. However, even if you won your DWI trial, the fact that you were arrested and tried will stay on your record unless you file for expungement. You have the right to seek an expungement to fully rid yourself of a DWI on your record.
You Won Your DWI Conviction Appeal
Texas law allows anyone with a criminal conviction to request an expungement of their DWI if they win their appeal. This will assist with future endeavors like applying for graduate school, financing a house, and future job prospects.
Regardless of whether you fall under the above eligibility, contact Sophia C. Martinez to discuss your best legal options for handling a DWI conviction. With years of experience handling Texas DWI cases, you can count on Sophia Martinez Law to provide you with the best possible legal representation.
Speak With Sophia C. Martinez, an Experienced Texas DWI Attorney
A DWI arrest, charge, and/or conviction may significantly limit your abilities in the future. Former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez believes that everyone deserves professional and highly-qualified legal representation. We tailor our services specifically to you and your cases’ needs. By offering our qualified guidance and resources, you’ll have a thorough understanding of your options and the complexities of your case.
Schedule a consultation with Sophia Martinez Law by filling out our contact form or calling (210) 226-3000. We also speak Spanish.