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Criminal history background checks have become a common part of life in the computer age. A background check often will be conducted when you apply for a job, mortgage, or to live in an apartment complex. If you apply for college or graduate school, you may have to disclose your criminal record.

People often ask me whether a criminal conviction falls off their record after seven years. The answer is no. First of all, let’s clarify what a record is. Your criminal history record is a list of your arrests and convictions. When you apply for a job, an employer will usually hire a consumer reporting agency to run your background...

The most common misconception about deferred adjudication in Texas is that successful completion removes the criminal charge from one’s record. This is not true. Deferred Adjudication does not disappear if the terms are successfully completed. Rather, one must file a petition for Non-Disclosure to seal the record. Some offenses are not even eligible for non-disclosure. Additionally, with a felony charge, one will also have to wait five years from the day one finishes the probation before one can file for non-disclosure.

This section contains articles that will help you understand the criminal appeals process in Texas.

What are your rights when a police officer stops you on the street? Can they stop you to ask questions? When can an officer arrest you? There are three basic types of interactions between officers and citizens: the encounter, the investigatory detention, and the arrest.

Most counties set bail amounts with a standardized schedule. Most accused persons have a right to bail. However, bail may be denied in two instances...

Shortly after an arrest, the accused will be required to appear in court. At the first trial setting, the defense lawyer will meet with the prosecutor to discuss your case. Usually, the prosecutor will allow the defense lawyer to look at the state’s file. The state’s file will contain offense reports by police officers along with other information related to the case like lab test results or sworn affidavits by witnesses to the crime.