What is a petition for Non-Disclosure?

If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense in the state of Texas, then you have an obligation to share this information with certain entities such as potential employers. Also, public entities such as police departments and courts have the ability to disclose this information to those who ask, such as employers. A non-disclosure order will prevent any public entity from sharing information concerning your arrest or charges. Furthermore, you will not be legally required to tell potential employers about this information.

HOW TO OBTAIN A NON-DISCLOSURE ORDER

In order to obtain this order, you will need to file a petition with The State of Texas Office of Court Administration, and you will need to meet these requirements:

  1. You have you have been placed on deferred adjudication, and you should attach a copy of this with your petition. You will know that you were placed on this because a court will have issued you an order of deferred adjudication. Also, you must have completed this deferred adjudication you have been placed on. Without completion, you will not qualify for an order of non-disclosure.
  2. The offense that you were charged with must qualify for non-disclosure. It cannot be an offense that requires sex offender registration, and it cannot include family violence as well as other offenses. Also, if you have a criminal history of any these same offenses, then you will be disqualified as well.
  3. There is a time period that you are required to wait after your case has been dismissed in order to file. Depending on the offense you were charged with, you may need to wait a longer period of time. Also, you cannot incur additional charges during this wait time, or you will be disqualified as well.

These requirements can seem daunting, and you may be confused as to whether or not you qualify. It is crucial that you have an attorney on your side who can provide you with the legal guidance and information that you need for your future. Contact Wheeler Law Office today for the services that you need.