In September 2017, a new Texas House Bill now allows certain DWI convictions to be sealed from the general public's view. Sometimes called the "Second Chance" law, While this is not a full Expunction, the new DWI sealing law is considered part of the existing NonDisclosure Laws, which had only applied in the past to cases dismissed through Deferred Adjucation Probation.
As long as the DWI case and the applicant is eligible, the DWI sealing progresses just like a regular Motion for NonDisclosure.
.Not all DWI convictions are eligible for sealing under the new DWI Nondisclosure law. To be eligible, a person (and their DWI case) must meet the following guidelines:
This is a very beneficial law. Years ago, employers didn't bat an eye at a DWI. Now, Austin is growing so fast that the good jobs and housing are very competitive. A DWI on your record may make the difference in a whether you get a new job, promotion, car loan, mortgage, and more.
There are two drawbacks First, this is not an expunction. A DWI Nondisclosure will not shield the offense from everyone. Several state agencies listed within the statute as having the authority to view sealed records: mainly banks, education boards, licensing agencies, police, and prosecutors.
Another drawback to Nondisclosure is that we now live in a digital age where information is posted on websites, blogs, and online databases. Even after an offense is sealed, it is not a 100% guarantee that the offense will be hidden from the public. Still, it remains the best method by which to seal a criminal offense in Texas for those who have successfully completed Deferred Adjudication.
Related areas to Nondisclosure include DWI Sealing of Record -- which is a specific Nondislosure, but for DWI cases that can also be sealed. Also, if a case was dismissed, read about Expunctions.
If you're looking for other topics that are related to this one, you can see more information below, or click related legal offenses.
Hiring the right attorney from the beginning is important. The Keates Law Firm has over 16+ Years Experience handling Nondisclosure.
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