How long will my deferred felony show up and give me problems renting?

In Texas, a person who has completed probation for a deferred adjudication is not automatically considered innocent. Deferred adjudication is a type of probation where the court defers a finding of guilt, and if the individual successfully completes the probation, the case is dismissed without a formal conviction. However, the record of the charge still exists and is not erased from public records. To restrict access to this record, the individual must file a petition for non-disclosure after a waiting period, which, if granted, seals the record from private entities.

It’s important to note that deferred adjudication does not equate to a declaration of innocence. The charge remains on the individual’s record, and certain offenses may not even be eligible for non-disclosure. For a person to be considered legally innocent, they would typically need to have the charges against them dismissed without deferred adjudication or be acquitted by a court.

If you’re dealing with rental applications or other situations where criminal history may be a factor, it’s crucial to understand these nuances in Texas law. For specific cases, it’s always best to consult with a legal professional. 

Image above: 159735264 © Franky44 | Dreamstime.com

In Texas, misdemeanors are categorized into three classes: A, B, C

In Texas, misdemeanors are categorized into three classes

In Texas, misdemeanors are categorized into three classes based on their severity, with Class A misdemeanors being the most serious. Here’s a brief overview:

Class A Misdemeanors: These carry the harshest penalties among misdemeanors, with potential punishments of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Examples include assault, violating a protective order, criminal trespass of a home, perjury, and burglary of a vehicle. Ma will result in the second instance of the same offense – DWI is the most common one I see.

Class B Misdemeanors: Conviction can result in up to 180 days’ jail time and a $2,000 fine. Indecent exposure, criminal mischief, and obstructing a roadway are some examples. DWI and POM (possession of Marijuana are the Mb charges I see most often.

Class C Misdemeanors: These are fine-only offenses with no jail time, carrying a maximum fine of $500. Public intoxication, petty theft under $100, and disorderly conduct offenses fall into this category.

Enhanced penalties may apply for repeat offenses or if the misdemeanor involves a vulnerable or protected individual, or is committed in a declared disaster or evacuation area. In some cases, misdemeanors can escalate to felonies based on prior convictions or the level of harm involved.

Understanding these distinctions can help you navigate rental criteria, or for simplification, contact an apartment locator that specializes in helping people with criminal issues. 

 

© Copyright 2024, 24x7 Apartment Find and its associated websites.

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Can a TX Apartment ban me because of my Criminal Issues? Isn't that Discrimination?

In Texas, apartment management companies have the discretion to establish their own rental criteria, which can include background checks for criminal history. 

While some misdemeanors may not automatically disqualify a potential tenant, others might, depending on the nature of the offense and the policies of the individual apartment complex.

It’s important to note that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. However, this federal law does not protect individuals with criminal records from being denied housing based solely on their criminal history.

Each apartment complex may have different policies regarding misdemeanors. Some may be more lenient, especially if the misdemeanors are non-violent, older, or if the individual has shown evidence of rehabilitation1. It’s advisable to check with various apartment complexes to understand their specific policies. Additionally, some legal resources may provide assistance or advice on how to approach renting with a misdemeanor on one’s record.

If you believe your rights under the Fair Housing Act have been violated, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities. For more detailed information, it would be best to consult with a legal professional or a tenant’s rights organization in Texas or look into an Apartment Locator that specializes in helping people with criminal issues. Copyright 2024, 24x7 Apartment Find and its associated web sites. 

Image 15358513 © Krutov Igor | Dreamstime.com

© Copyright 2024, 24x7 Apartment Find and its associated web sites.

The Texas Triangle

"The Texas Triangle" also known as the TEX-A-PLEX

We all know that Texas is a vast state, but most people are unaware of "The Texas Triangle," also known as the TEX-A-PLEX!

Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio form a triangle region that is undergoing unprecedented expansion. In 2020, the Texas Triangle's population was almost 21 million. The Texas Triangle is home to more than 70% of all Texans and includes five of the country's 20 largest cities: Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

Did you know:

µ µ  The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is larger than all of Manhattan.

µ µ  The The University of Texas at Austin is the third largest landowner in the US.

µµ  San Antonio is larger than New York City and Detroit combined.

µ µ  Houston has a higher population than Colorado and 34 other states.

µ µ  Texas has four of the top ten SMSAs (metropolitan statistical areas according to the US Census Department).

µ µ  Texas is the biggest exporter of goods in the US.

µµ  Dallas has the fourth most billionaires in the world.

µ µ  Houston boasts over 5,000 energy-related enterprises and is the energy capital of the world.

µ µ  The Texas Medical Center is the world's largest, located in Houston.

µ µ  Texas accounts for 25% of the total retail space in the United States

µ µ  Austin is the live music center of the world, hosting South By Southwest, Austin City Limits, and the Moody Theater.

µ µ  The Tex-A-Plex hosts 12 professional sports teams.

µ µ  The Texas economy is booming, with Dallas leading the way by far. Last year, the state added 650,100 new employments, more than any other state and double its historical average. That equates to more than 50,000 new employment per month, or 2,000 new jobs per day for the whole year.

µ µ  No state income tax!

µ µ  The Tex-a-Plex boasts over 50 Fortune 500 corporations and more Fortune 1000 companies than any other state.

µ µ  Texas has the world's ninth largest economy by GDP, ahead of Canada, South Korea, Russia, and Australia, at 2.4 trillion!

µµ  Texas offers 159 institutions and colleges, including 6 medical schools, to help you prepare for a successful career.

µ  In the fall of 2023, Texas A&M University will have an enrollment of 77,491, making it the largest student body in the United States! There are also plans to increase the student body to more than 100,000 in the next years. 

I cover the entire Tex-A-Plex and can find you an apartment even if you have Criminal or Rental History Issues, like a Broken Lease or Eviction!

10 Reasons you should Hire me to find your next apartment

 Why you should select my FREE Service

BELOW: Illustration 38913929 © Timbrk | Dreamstime.com

1.    Passion: I am dedicated and want to give you the best place to live.

2.    Specialist: As a Specialist, I only deal with criminal issues and/or rental history cases.

3.    Broker: My job title is "real estate broker," which is the top level of license you can get in Texas.  

4.    In-Depth-Knowledge: I know how to deal with rental problems that come up when someone has a criminal issue (misdemeanors, deferred adjudication, felony convictions or pending charges) or a rental past (broken leases or evictions).

5.    Years of Experience: I've been doing this job for more than a decade (12+ years). 

6.    Exclusive Process and Database: I came up with a way for my clients to succeed in renting that also makes it less likely that they will lose application fees and processing fees. I also keep a proprietary database for all types of issues..

7.    Free Service: My service is free in the four biggest cities in Texas. I only get paid if you get hired.  There is a small fee for my service outside of the four major metro areas. The fee will be returned to you when the apartments pay my commission.

8.    Coach: I teach my clients what to say and how to say it so that they can be accepted at the complex while avoiding any possible embarrassment.

9.    Rebate: Once the complex pays me, I'll get an electronic rebate of up to $100 (bigger amounts are illegal in Texas).

10.         Ethical and Professional: I do the right thing and never lie or break the rules. If you are on probation or parole, this is very important. 

Why don't I guarantee your acceptance into the Apartments?

 

5188729 © Janaka Dharmasena | Dreamstime.com

I start with the Information you give me, then:

• I look up the criminal but only where you tell me to search. If you tell me you were convicted in Texas, then I don't look in Indiana or Florida (or any other state)

• I depend on the amount of income you indicated, if it's low, I ask you if it was the GROSS (or pre-tax income) and not the NET (or paycheck income) but that's all

• Unless you tell me, I don't know if you had any Rental History problems like a broken lease or an eviction. I do tell you to run your credit report and will provide you how to run it, but it's up to you.

• I don't research a roommate or girlfriend or boyfriend or spouse unless you tell me

• I don't control the timeframe. What I mean is if I check out the place in February and you take that information and don't apply until June - the information I gave you in February will probably not be valid in June

I control only one part of the pie. You control most of it. I count on you to follow the steps I give you, including getting back to me on a timely basis.

That's why I can't guarantee acceptance.

5 Memories of Cases where I found a nice apartment when others couldn't

 

8655639 © Julie Flavin | Dreamstime.com

I have help hundreds of people with criminal issues including misdemeanors, deferred felonies and felony charges find nice apartments and townhomes.

I remember the situations and really don’t remember the names or dates.

Here are a few of the cases I will never forget:

·         1.  Man with POM felony from 25 years ago comes back to visit me.

o   He tells me that I found him the first apartment in those 25

Years to not be roach or rat infested

o   He suggests that there is a real need for this and I should consider this arena for my business

·       2. College guy with Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) and parents can't to help him       find an apartment

f                    o   He was busted with less than a gram of cocaine and was given a short sentence                         but the real punishment was not being able to find housing

o   He was thankful and his parents were over-joyed

·     3. Man putting his daughter in college apartment had to be on the lease as a co-signer but he     was denied

o   Had to tell his daughter he had a POT conviction when he was in college

o   I had to find him and her a place that would deal with his felony even though it was almost 20 years old

·     4. Minister had a deferred adjudication because…

o   He took 3 people grocery shopping on a Wednesday

o   One of them left a baggie in his car with trace amounts of cocaine

o   Church stood behind him and I was able to help him

o   Later the deferred felony was discharged

·     5. Man celebrates his 21^st birthday then crashes into Sheriff wife’s car

o   Man picked the wrong car to crash into - the book was thrown at him!

o   Charge was Intoxication Assault; even after 7 years he had difficultly in finding an apartment

o   Found him a great place where he wanted to live and for the amount he wanted to pay

 

These are true stories, my memories, and I just might be able to help you too.  If you are looking for an apartment in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, the DFW Mid-Cities, Austin, San Marcos, or San Antonio, my service is free to you. Just go to my website AptFindCriminal.com and click on the FINDER FORM to submit your request.

 

 

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24x7 Apartment Find and AptFindCriminal.com present this as Real Estate information only. It is not legal advice. © Copyright 2024, 24x7 Apartment Find and AptFindCriminal.com. TX Broker #0573534 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

The 4 Big Questions for your Apartment Locator or Finder - Question 2 of 4

 

Question 2  

                                17064118 © Dmccale | Dreamstime.com

ASK "WHEN DID YOU START APARTMENT FINDING OR

LOCATING APARTMENTS?"

I'm referring to the person, not the business. Few apartment finders are successful while addressing criminal issues. I've been doing this since 2011. The majority of apartment finders are inexperienced in the industry and don't deal with these problems.  It's difficult—much more difficult than placing someone who has no problems at all or someone with only credit problems.

Find out—for example: you want the best physician available to operate on you, not an intern. You want to use the top apartment finder for Criminal Issues.

Image Used by Permission: 17064118 © Dmccale | Dreamstime.com

© Copyright 2024, 24x7 Apartment Find & AptFIndCriminal.com. John is a TX Broker #0573534. John provides only real estate advice. This is not legal advice.

The 4 Big Questions for your Apartment Finder or Locator - Question 3 of 4

 

ASK "HAVE YOU HANDLED A CASE LIKE MINE?"

    113846662 © Phartisan | Dreamstime.com

 

Be precise. Give them the precise charge, such as felony or misdemeanor DWI. Examine them closely to determine whether their goal is to get you into the best place or merely to get you into any place that pays a commission.

Press them, "Have you successfully placed anybody under this charge?" 

If not, find someone else.

 

 © Copyright 2024, 24x7 Apartment Find & AptFIndCriminal.com. John is a TX Broker #0573534. John provides only real estate advice. This is not legal advice.

70% of Texans live in Metro Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, or Austin

So where do the other 30% live? Mostly in these areas:

TX Size	City	Est. Population
5	McAllen	868,707
6	El Paso	844,124
7	Corpus Christi	429,024
8	Brownsville-Harlingen	423,163
9	Killeen-Temple	460,303
10	Beaumont–Port Arthur	392,563
11	Lubbock	322,257
12	Laredo	276,652
13	Amarillo	265,053
14	Waco	273,920
15	College Station–Bryan	264,728
16	Tyler	232,751
17	Longview	286,657
18	Abilene	172,060
19	Wichita Falls	151,254
20	Texarkana	148,761
21	Odessa	137,130
22	Midland	182,603
23	Sherman-Dension	136,212
24	Victoria	99,742
25	San Angelo	122,027

I left Wikipedia links in the name of the city if you want to check any of them out. I cover a couple of these areas for example Sherman & Dension is considered part of the DFW area that my Apt Locating Software provides. I can buy other cities if you have a need and want to sign up for my FEE-Based Service which is currently priced at $100.

The FEE-Based service includes HOW TO RUN YOUR CREDIT FOR FREE (each year - I consider this a $20 value), I will run criminal (a $20 value), a Consultation call ($50 value). During the call I can advise you on the best way to get an apartment or if apartments aren't right for you at this time. If I'm able to place you and receive a commission, I will rebate part of my commission (up to $100). So my special service may end up FREE to you.

To inquire about my FREE or FEE Service, fill out a FINDER FORM at www.AptFindCriminal.com. If you are interested in the FEE Service, place FEE and your phone and timeframe in the NOTE TO FINDER FIELD.