Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

New Texas Resident w/Criminal Past wants to Teach

I am a fairly new resident of Texas. I am interested in obtaining a teacher certification. In Indiana 10 years ago when I was 18, I was arrested for theft. The record was SUPPOSED to be expunged (or maybe sealed), but I don't think it happened. I paid restituion and served the probation. Now I would like to become certified to teach here. With the morals clause what are my chances of becoming certified. I would hate to spend the money on schooling only to be denied. Is there anything I can do in Texas to get my record cleared in Indiana? Does anyone know how strict the morals clause is in obtaining a teaching certificate?


Asked on 6/20/06, 8:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: New Texas Resident w/Criminal Past wants to Teach

I would suggest you contact the licensing board directly to address the specific circumstances of your case.

I personally know of teachers that have a criminal case in their past. In each case, the person appropriately demonstrated to the board that the case was unrelated to their fitness to teach, and that the case was, as yours, old or minor.

Unfortunately, in your situation, a theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude. It also appears to be a misdemeanor, and ancient history.

You may want to contact an Indiana attorney as well, to determine if the case can still be expunged. Expunction laws vary from state to state.

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Answered on 6/21/06, 2:05 pm


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