A criminal record doesn’t just affect your reputation—it can follow you into every job application, interview, and background check. In San Antonio, where employers routinely conduct screenings, even minor offenses may limit career opportunities.
The good news? You may not have to live with those barriers forever. By understanding how background checks work and exploring options like expungement or record sealing, you can take control of your future.
Here’s what criminal defense lawyers have to say.
1. Why Employers Run Background Checks
Most San Antonio employers rely on background checks to protect their businesses and employees. These screenings can reveal:
- Arrests
- Convictions
- Pending charges
- Past probation or parole
Unfortunately, this means that even mistakes from years ago may resurface and influence hiring decisions.
2. How a Criminal Record Limits Job Opportunities
A criminal record can affect:
Employment Offers: Some employers automatically reject candidates with convictions.
Professional Licensing: Fields like healthcare, education, and finance often deny licenses to applicants with records.
Career Growth: Even if you secure a job, promotions or higher-level opportunities may be restricted.
In competitive job markets like San Antonio, where multiple candidates apply for every position, a record can make standing out nearly impossible.
3. Expungement and Record Sealing in Texas
The law does offer second chances. In Texas, eligible individuals may seek:
Expungement: Permanently removes arrests or charges from your record, as if they never happened.
Record Sealing (Order of Nondisclosure): Hides certain offenses from most employers and background checks, though law enforcement can still access them.
Both options can dramatically improve your ability to pass background checks and pursue new opportunities.
4. When to Seek Legal Help
The process of expungement or record sealing in Texas can be complex. Eligibility depends on factors like the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether probation or sentencing was completed.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can:
- Evaluate your eligibility
- File the necessary petitions
- Represent you in court hearings
- Ensure your record is properly cleared
With the right legal guidance, you can fight back against the long-term impact of a criminal record.
5. Take Control of Your Future
Your past does not have to define your future career. If you’re struggling with employment opportunities due to a criminal record, exploring your legal options may open doors you thought were closed.
Don’t let a criminal record hold you back from building the career you deserve. At The Law Office of Robert M. Maurer II & Associates, our criminal defense attorneys in San Antonio help residents clear their records and reclaim opportunities.
Every client we represent benefits from our 30 years of courtroom experience across South Texas. Our staff connects with clients personally, provides services in Spanish, and ensures you have access to legal guidance 24 hours a day, whenever you need us most.
Contact our defense lawyers today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future.
