At least 70 million Americans have some kind of criminal record, according to the Sentencing Project. Having a criminal record can create serious problems in your life– it can affect your job prospects, wages, financial opportunities, and even housing applications. Fortunately, Texas law provides a way to erase your criminal record through a process called expungement.
So, what is the cost of expungement in Texas? And what does the process involve? Keep reading for an explanation of the legal fees you can expect to pay to have your record expunged in Texas and how a San Antonio criminal defense attorney can help.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re seeking expungement, your total cost for expungement will typically include court fees, attorney fees, and additional costs.
- In Texas, expunging your record will usually cost between several hundred and several thousand dollars.
- The cost to expunge records in Texas will vary depending on things like the crime for which you were convicted, when your conviction occurred, and your specific sentence.
- To learn about the process, waiting period, and additional costs of expungement, you should get answers from a Texas expungement lawyer.
What is Included in the Cost of Expungement?
When you want to clear your record, there are a few key expungement costs you will need to pay. These fees include:
- Court Fees – Court fees account for the money you’re required to pay when you file your expungement petition with the municipal court, district court, or justice court, depending on your case.
- Attorney Fees – The attorney fees cover the cost of hiring a lawyer to help with your case. Attorneys’ fees can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
- Extra Fees – The extra fees cover other expenses you may face during the legal process, including costs for handling your application paperwork and getting copies of court documents.
Your criminal history can impact countless aspects of your life. If you want to learn about your options for getting a fresh start, you should talk to an expungement lawyer.
How Much Does Expungement Cost in Texas?
The cost of expungement in Texas varies and depends on a variety of factors, including the court and county where you’re filing your application and the severity of the crime for which you were convicted.
Being located in Texas specifically will impact your cost significantly. Generally, you may be charged between $100 and $400 as an initial court filing fee to get your record expunged in a Texas court. In comparison, Maryland often charges just $30 for filing an expungement request, while Louisiana typically charges more than $500, and North Carolina typically sets its fee at $175. If you request a waiver or are below a certain income level, you may be able to get certain c fees waived.
Aside from the initial fee, there may be additional court costs or other unexpected fees that arise as your expungement petition is processed. Drafting and filing an expungement suit could cost between several hundred and $2,500. The cost you’ll pay will depend heavily on the specifics of your case, with felony convictions costing significantly more compared to less serious offenses.
If you need more information about the cost of expunction in Texas for a specific criminal charge or an explanation of what it involves, it’s best to contact a San Antonio criminal defense attorney. An experienced attorney can help you better understand your situation and guide you through the legal process of expungement.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay in Attorney Fees for Expungement?
Hiring a San Antonio criminal defense attorney to guide you through the expungement process can help make your application easier and more likely to succeed. There is no fixed price for hiring a criminal defense lawyer to help you get your record expunged, and the cost will vary from lawyer to lawyer. However, some factors typically affect how much you’re expected to pay in attorney fees, including:
- The state or county you’re in
- When your conviction happened
- The type of crime you were convicted of
- Whether you fulfilled all the requirements of your sentence
- Whether you are dealing with criminal charges at the moment
- Whether you were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony offense
Some law firms charge a flat fee upfront, while others set hourly rates, and some lawyers may require you to pay a retainer fee upfront.
What to Expect from the Expungement Process
When you submit your application to the court to get your record expunged, it will go through a complex legal process. Here’s a breakdown of the expungement process:
- Petition Filing – To file your expungement petition in court, you will need to fill out some forms and pay a filing fee.
- Court Hearing – After filing your petition, the court will pick a date for the prosecution and the defendant to defend why the record should be erased or not.
- Record Clearance – If the hearing goes well and your petition is approved, the court will order all the relevant law enforcement agencies that keep the criminal records to delete your documents.
Keep in mind that there are certain circumstances in which you will be unable to get your records expunged. For example, certain crimes, including violent crimes and sex crimes, usually cannot be expunged.
To learn about the process, waiting period, and additional costs of expungement, you should get answers from a Texas expungement lawyer. We can help you understand who can access expunged records, how the process will affect background checks, and more.
Let a Criminal Defense Attorney Handle Your Expungement Petition
Having a criminal record doesn’t have to be the end of your life as you know it. You can get your record wiped clean to help you move forward. The cost of expungement in Texas depends on court costs, attorney fees, and other expenses unique to your case, but there’s no denying the benefits.
With strong legal support from an experienced expungement lawyer, you have a better chance of getting your arrest records expunged. To know if your case is eligible for expunction in Texas and how to navigate the process, contact the Law Office of John G. Perez Jr. to get the assistance you need. John will help you file your petition and navigate the legal system to increase your chances of getting a positive outcome.