IN Texas?
2007-06-13 17:00:07 · 5 answers · asked by ? 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Even death does not erase it. Bush "bought" his arrest record and it disappeared forever. The rest of us don't have that option.
2007-06-13 17:06:02 · answer #1 · answered by lcmcpa 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Awww, Damn! I'm not a lawyer and I don't want to get technical, but I DO have experience with the legal system. The answer to your question is: It depends...
If you are of age (18+) and convicted of a crime or plead "guilty" or even "no contest" to a crime (which you should never do unless you DID the crime) -- your record will reflect it pretty much forever, depending on the crime. In my city for instance, when I sign a parking ticket and pay a $4.00 fine I am "pleading guilty " to parking in an illegal spot. Nothing really happens, because it's a parking ticket. It's a tiny little "crime" and it won't show up anywhere important.
I am thinking that you're asking about something bigger...
Simply for RECORDS purposes it is important to note whether you have BEEN ARRESTED FOR a crime or CHARGED WITH a crime or CONVICTED OF a crime. Simply being arrested for certain crimes will stay with you big time: Sex Crimes; Crimes against children; felonies; Murder, etc...Hello?.
BUT:
One can be arrested for a serious crime and never charged. If the Statute Of Limitation runs out, depending on the crime, that's that, it disappears. OR, one can be tried and aquitted (found not guilty), but one would have to list the CHARGE on , say, a job application...Or, a person found guilty can appeal. and if he wins, it "goes away," but he might still have to list the ARREST on job apps, etc...
SOoOOOOOOoOooOOOOOoooooo,
The bottom line is:
It's complicated !!!!! -----
If you are accused of a serious crime, and you really did not do it, get the best lawyer you can. And don't let some cheapy tell you to "just plead guilty." At the very least call the "legal aid" office. There is one listed in every phone book. Even in Texas.
You are not at the mercy of the legal system. Find an attorney, (a genuine one!) and get on it...
2007-06-13 17:56:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of time served, if you are over the age of 18, that crime will be on your "rap sheet" permanently
2007-06-13 17:04:52 · answer #3 · answered by Spark of Insanity 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
unless it is sealed the rest of your life and then some, even if the records are sealed it still says you broke the law, but why is not known. criminal records are not like your credit report.
2007-06-13 17:09:09 · answer #4 · answered by Harold F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Permanently, unless you hire an attorney to "try" to get it expunged.
2007-06-13 17:06:15 · answer #5 · answered by Lissy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋