Petition for Nondisclosure
What Is a Petition for Nondisclosure?
A petition for nondisclosure allows people to seal their criminal records if certain requirements are met. Anyone who requests a background check won't be able to see the criminal charge unless they're a government agency or law enforcement. Private entities such as lenders or places of employment will have no idea the record exists, ensuring you never have to disclose criminal history information.
How Does a Criminal Record Affect Your Future?
A criminal record on background checks can affect your ability to rent a home, get a loan, or be accepted into school. A criminal record impacts every part of your life, making it difficult to move forward from the past.
Getting a job can feel impossible with criminal charges on your record. An employer may only hire people without a criminal history, making it much harder for you to get a job, regardless of how qualified you may be.
A misdemeanor or felony shows up on your public record, making it visible to anyone searching for it. This can negatively affect your reputation and cause you to live in fear of people uncovering your criminal history.
Why Choose Us?
In Practice Since 1999
Jason Trumpler has been practicing law since 1999. He knows the legal system and understands how to tackle even the most complicated intricacies when it comes to petitioning for nondisclosure on behalf of his clients.Practiced Both Prosecution and Defense
Our attorney has the unique background of having been both a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer. He understands both sides and presents petition for nondisclosure cases to the court in a way that can ensure a desirable outcome.Top-Rated
Our Austin law firm regularly receives five-star reviews for the level of service we provide. We truly care about helping our clients seal their criminal records and strive to provide the most seamless, stress-free legal experience possible.
Values
We value the relationships we build with our clients and always keep them informed throughout the nondisclosure process. Jason Trumpler will not leave you worrying with unanswered questions."Jason & Team are amazing!!!!" Hear From Our Clients
Dee Eubanks
Austin TX
2023
Jason & Team are amazing!!!! They helped my little brother on two felony cases one of which was completely dismissed the other was reduced to a misdemeanor! I am forever thankful to The Law Offices of Jason Trumpler!
View on GoogleQuyette Gunter
Austin TX
2023
My experience with Jason was very professional and he meant business.. handle what he needed to handle and got my felony charges dismissed
View on GoogleYou Don't Have to Do It Alone Book A Free Consultation Today
Get the Legal Support You Need
Are you interested in filing for nondisclosure but overwhelmed with the legal process? You can try to figure it out yourself, but think of the time you could save and stress you could avoid by speaking with a lawyer. Jason Trumpler has practiced law since 1999 and can help you navigate your next steps the right way. If you live in Williamson County or nearby, we encourage you to book a free, no-obligation consultation at our Austin or Round Rock, TX, office to better understand your case and how to move forward. To get started, fill out our online form and we'll be in contact to schedule your consultation. You can also call our offices serving Austin and Round Rock at:
(512) 457-5200
How Do I Become Eligible for Nondisclosure?
A person is eligible to seal their criminal record through nondisclosure after completing deferred adjudication. Deferred adjudication gives people a chance to avoid a conviction if certain conditions are met. The defendant pleads guilty or no contest and is placed on probation. If the defendant fulfills all the terms and conditions of their probation, they are then eligible to petition for nondisclosure. If the defendant does not complete all the terms, the individual will be "adjudicated," meaning they are formally found to be guilty of the crime.
It is important to note that completing deferred adjudication does not automatically remove a criminal charge from someone's record. A petition for nondisclosure must always be filed through the court. However, certain crimes (such as family violence) do not qualify to be considered for nondisclosure. Others require a two- or five-year waiting period depending on the type of crime committed. Our lawyer, Jason Trumpler, can help determine whether you are eligible to petition for nondisclosure and what the exact timeline will look like.
Which Criminal Offenses Are Eligible for Nondisclosure?
Not all criminal offenses are eligible for nondisclosure through deferred adjudication. In addition to family violence, other crimes that are never considered for deferred adjudication include:
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Murder
- Stalking
- Second- and third-offense DWIs
- Any criminal offense that requires someone to register as a sex offender
Additionally, any defendant convicted of a second criminal offense after initially being dismissed does not qualify.
When Can I Petition for Nondisclosure?
Each criminal offense has a different time period in which you can petition for nondisclosure. While some misdemeanors allow for immediate filing, other crimes require a longer waiting period. Jason Trumpler reviews your case to determine when the appropriate filing date will be and to ensure all paperwork is ready ahead of schedule.
After Case Ends
Certain misdemeanors are eligible to be petitioned for nondisclosure once the court issues an order of dismissal and discharge, meaning the case is over.
After Two Years
Other misdemeanors require a two-year waiting period. These include kidnapping, unlawful restraint, assault, disorderly conduct, or carrying a weapon.
After Five Years
If the criminal offense is a felony, the defendant must wait five years after dismissal and discharge before petitioning for nondisclosure.
"One of the best lawyers in Austin!"
joshua raglin
Austin TX
2022
Truly one of the best lawyers in Austin!!!
View on GoogleBenji A
Austin TX
2022
Case Dissmissed! Jason is straight forward and honest. I am beyond grateful. Jason and his team (Tony Sun in particular) exceeded expectations. Put your future in hands you can trust, go with Jason Trumpler.
View on GoogleWhat Do We Have to Prove at My Hearing?
After filing a petition for nondisclosure, you will need to attend a court hearing. Jason Trumpler will gather all necessary evidence and paperwork to prove the following requirements on your behalf:
You are eligible to file a petition for nondisclosure.
You successfully completed deferred adjudication.
You entered a guilty or no contest plea.
The petition was accurately filled out and filed on time.
Issuing the order results in the best interest of serving justice.
How Much Does Petitioning for Nondisclosure Cost?
Our attorney is transparent about all our legal fees. We generally charge between $1,500 to $2,500 per petition for nondisclosure for our clients from Williamson County and surrounding areas, with court filing fees included.
We ensure a client is eligible for nondisclosure before we collect any fees. We only take cases we believe will be successful and result in a favorable outcome. We will explore the criminal charges and other factors to determine this likelihood at your initial consultation.
We're On Your Side Request Your Free Consultation Today
Are you worried about criminal charges following you for life? Whether you committed a misdemeanor or felony, our lawyer can help you make a fresh start after completing deferred adjudication. We encourage you to contact our law firm serving Austin and Round Rock to take the first step toward a brighter future. To schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you leave criminal charges in the past, fill out our online form or call our office at:
(512) 457-5200
"Very responsive with great results."
Jason Porter
Austin TX
2021
Mr. Trumpler helped me with a really bad speeding ticket and got deferred disposition with defensive driving. Very responsive with great results. If you're in need of an attorney for criminal defense, he's a great one.
View on GoogleGustavus Kanai
Austin TX
2021
To whom it may concern I highly recommend Jason Trumpler if you need a great attorney and find yourself in a situation beyond your control. He kept me informed and worked very hard on my case and got it dismissed, if you're a veteran and/or civilian he will work hard to represent your case I'm very thankful for everything he did.
View on GoogleNondisclosure vs. Expunction Explained
In some cases, a person may be eligible to erase their criminal record entirely, known as expunction or expungement. Expunction ensures that no one, including government agencies, will ever find out about a criminal charge. Clients must wait until the statute of limitations period expires before filing for expunction. Compared to an order of nondisclosure, expunction is rare. It is typically reserved for people who had a case dismissed, were convicted and later pardoned, or were acquitted by a jury or judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after the order of nondisclosure is granted?
After the order of nondisclosure is granted, the judge sends a notice to government agencies, law enforcement, and other record-keeping companies to update all court and state records. They are directed to hide the criminal charge from the general public, ensuring it won't show up on background checks.
Can I file a petition for nondisclosure on my own?
Yes, but we strongly advise against it. Drafting and filing a petition for nondisclosure is a long process with many complex legal steps involved. The process requires an expert understanding of the law to ensure the best chance of a successful outcome. We always recommend clients seek the help of an attorney to avoid costly mistakes and adding unnecessary time and stress to the process.
How long does it take to obtain an order of nondisclosure?
The timeline varies anywhere from four to nine months. This varies mainly on how quickly the court is able to handle cases. Our team keeps you well-informed every step of the way and is always in close communication with any updates pertaining to your case.
Should I file for expunction or petition for nondisclosure?
It depends on what you're eligible for. A petition for nondisclosure is typically more common than expunction because an expunction has stricter requirements. Jason Trumpler has helped numerous clients from Williamson County and nearby find success in both nondisclosure and expunction cases. He will evaluate your case and help determine which option you qualify for during your initial consultation at our offices in Austin and Round Rock.
Can a felony criminal record be sealed from the public?
Yes, depending on the nature of the crime and if deferred adjudication was completed. Certain crimes such as family violence automatically disqualify someone from nondisclosure and expunction. Defendants with felony criminal records must wait five years after completing adjudication to petition for nondisclosure.
