Asked 7/22/2016 – Dallas, TX

I’m thinking about being a paralegal but have a felony, and wanted to know if I was wasting my time and money. I plead not guilty to a class 2 felony (can’t be expunged) but can sealing the felony help with passing the background check for being a notary, certification, and the job itself? I live in TX but am looking to move after I finish my education, It takes 5 years to seal a record to I could finish my bachelors in paralegal studies before then, I’m close to asking to finish my probation early and I want to pick a career that is worth the effort.

Answer

There is no licensing board for legal; assistants in the state of Texas, so you may become a paralegal if you wish. Certification is not required, so I suggest you contact local attorneys who practice in the area of law you find interesting. If you were found guilty on the case you describe, the only;y way to remove the matter from your record is via pardon from the Governor.