Any type of criminal conviction, even for charges involving marijuana or first-time drug possession, can haunt a Longview, Texas, resident for a long time. This is true even when the charge and conviction itself only involved probation or a fine. For example, someone convicted of a crime, even a misdemeanor, may have a harder time getting a job or securing adequate housing. Getting a loan can also be difficult, and a criminal history may mean that the person attracts the attention of about every police officer that sees them traveling along the road.
Fortunately, Texas does have some options for people who have been convicted of a crime, or charged with a crime, that allow these people a true second chance under certain circumstances. So long as they meet the applicable eligibility criteria, people with minor convictions for which they have “done their time” can get all of their criminal and even arrest records related to those convictions expunged, meaning that they will be deleted and, as a matter of law, treated as if they never existed.
Our law office attempts to help Texas residents evaluate whether expungement is a viable option. If the person so chooses, we can help pursue expungement of a criminal record on the person’s behalf.
In other cases, in which a Longview resident is offered the option of “deferred adjudication” of a minor drug or other charge, our law office can attempt to file and argue a motion that will keep the arrest out of the public’s eye, again allowing someone who may have made a one-time mistake the ability to bounce back without too much trouble.
