Officials in Travis County have devised a rather unique method to help individuals clear both their records and names this year in the form of the first-ever “Expunction Expo.”
The expo, which is currently scheduled to be held on February 29 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, will feature attorneys who will be on hand to represent applicants free of charge. The event is being held in conjunction with the District Clerk’s office, the District Attorney’s office, and the County Attorney’s office.
Those who are interested in attending will first need to apply, the deadline of which to do so is February 25.
A press release from the District Clerk’s office states the following:
“This great collaborative effort will extend the ability of our community to provide supportive and accessible ways for individuals to remove obstacles that prevent people from living their lives to the fullest potential.”
Furthermore, the District Attorney was quoted as stating the following regarding the upcoming event:
“It affects their employment. It affects housing. It affects some kinds of public assistance. We know it is an onerous burden for some folks, and there are people who have not been able to afford the lawyer’s fees to get this done. We are reaching out to them and saying, ‘We are going to provide this service.’”
Among the attorneys who will be taking part in the expo will be lawyers with Capital Area Private Defender Services, Austin Young Lawyers Association, and Volunteer Legal Services.
Additionally, there are specific qualifications that applicants must meet in order to be considered for the expo. Under Texas law, you will be able to qualify for expunction if you meet one of the following criteria:
*You have been arrested, but no charges were ever filed or billed by the grand jury.
*You have a criminal charge that was later dismissed.
*You were able to successfully complete a diversion program such as Drug Court, Pretrial Diversion, etc.
*A judge, jury, or appellate court acquitted you of a charge.
*You were previously convicted of a crime, only to later be pardoned by either the President of the United States or the Governor of the state of Texas.
In terms of the event being scheduled for Travis County, officials cite their inspiration behind the idea after a similar event in Dallas County for the past three years.
Last year, Dallas County and their District Attorney’s office reported a total 1,281 applicants for expunction. This is said to be the highest number since that area began hosting a similar expo beginning in 2017. Out of that number, 577 of those applicant were able to meet all of the requirements for expunction, thereby receiving invitations to attend the expo. Following the 2019 event, 330 people were granted expunction.
Dallas County’s Criminal District Attorney was quoted in a press release as stating the following:
“We are elated to see so many people seizing the opportunity to clear their criminal records. We are honored to help clear the path to a better life for these individuals.”
Thank you for visiting The Law Office of Gabriella Young blog, an Austin expunction attorney.