The Legal Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Conviction

There is a big distinction between filing papers and resolving legal concerns. A traffic ticket can be added to a driver’s criminal record. A license suspension will affect the work for many years following the initial offense. Even a conviction for a crime that is dismissed can leave behind records. A will that is not completed in time could leave your family without the clear instructions they need in a critical moment. If you live in El Paso, a little legal housekeeping can help identify issues that are not resolved before they become a problem with work, driving, employment opportunities, or family plans.

If you are a victim of a traffic ticket, do not ignore it beyond the Fine

The price of a citation is printed immediately, so the majority of drivers focus on the amount of money. What happens after you pay the fine? That’s an important issue. In Texas, paying tickets for traffic violations is generally similar to accepting the consequences of a conviction. That’s why it’s vital to look at the impact on the driver’s record prior to selecting the most efficient payment method.

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Lawyers for traffic ticket cases can look at more than the actual citation. The lawyer can examine the alleged violation and deadlines, driving record as well as the defenses available and potential alternatives to the conviction. Depending on eligibility and the circumstances, the options could be dismissed, deferred disposition or defensive driving.

Attorney Robert Navar has spent years representing El Paso County motorists in issues involving warrants and traffic as well as cases that typically can be handled by the driver without having to be present in the court.

Do not let a suspension of your license influence your schedule

Texas is not a place where you can lose the privilege of driving, especially when your business relies on transportation. Picture an electrician who visits several properties each day or a parent whose workday begins only after dropping children at school. Public transportation or rides from friends might not be an adequate long-term solution.

An occupational license can provide restricted legal driving privileges for drivers who satisfy certain requirements during the suspension period. The license is typically tied to essential activities like work at school, household or other obligations and may come with limitations. Driving privileges are only limited. Knowing what is allowed is just as important as getting the permit.

Find out what happened to the Record Following the Case

Imagine someone was detained just a few years ago. The charge was dismissed and they moved on. When they undergo a screening for employment an information relating to that old case appears. A lot of people are uneasy about this because a positive result and the deletion of underlying records is a separate legal question.

A criminal expungement lawyer can review whether an arrest or case qualifies for expunction under Texas law. It depends on the circumstances. When expunction is available, seeking it is particularly beneficial for those worried about the possibility of a record appearing at the time of future background screenings.

For questions, leave instructions instead of asking them.

The majority of legal disputes never get resolved in court. Some begin at home.

Take a couple with two children and a house who have not yet made a will. They also keep bank and retirement accounts. If one of the spouses suddenly dies, the family left behind could be faced with important questions during the midst of a difficult time.

If people make plans for their estates and wills they can make more informed decisions. A will is a legal document which can be used to define property guidelines and determine who should manage the estate. Additional estate planning documents may be required based on circumstances.

The size of an estate not the only way to gauge the value. A family with a modest amount of assets could benefit from clear and precise instructions equally as a person who has a significant amount of wealth.

Close the File for the right reason

Attorney Robert Navar’s El Paso practice addresses traffic warrants and citations, driver’s license matters, criminal expunctions that qualify and estate planning. Although these may seem in a way to be unrelated, they all raise the following question is: Is the case finished?

Finding out the answer is more valuable than assuming it is. It’s easy for people to overlook the effects of a citation, a suspended license or a resolution of a criminal case or the fact that you did not sign an estate plan. Checking the legal status of your case is a good way to determine what still needs attention and what you can removed from your life.