Texas Defenders
3302 Swiss Cir, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: (214) 306-9696
The Law Office of Kevin Bennett
1411 West Ave #100, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 476-4626
DFW Criminal Lawyers L.L.C.
2603 Oak Lawn Ave STE 200, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (817) 229-0319
Warren Abrams, P.C.
10300 N Central Expy #283, Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: (972) 960-9040
Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys
816 Congress Ave Suite 950, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 599-9000
The Medlin Law Firm
2550 Pacific Ave #866, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (214) 833-5642
Michael & Associates, Attorneys at Law
500 W 2nd St Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 488-5775
The Law Offices of Jed Silverman
1221 Studewood St Suite 200, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (713) 597-2221
Ceja Law Firm PLLC
2211 Norfolk St #735, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: (713) 360-2258
Shane Phelps Law
400 N Washington Ave, Bryan, TX 77803
Phone: (979) 596-6843
Amanda Webb
207 Simonton St #202, Conroe, TX 77301
Phone: (936) 756-6394
Cowboy Law Group
1095 Evergreen Cir #200, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone: (346) 340-0510
Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy, PLLC
301 W Vickery Blvd Suite #101, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (817) 605-1015
Gallian Firm
3500 Maple Ave Suite 1150, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (469) 746-3135
Deandra Grant Law
609 W 9th St #2B, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 788-9914
David B. Frank
1212 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 499-0969
Price & Twine, PLLC
310 S Austin Ave #100, Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 354-1880
Law Office of Michael D. Mercer
917 Franklin St #550, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 236-9700
ATX Legal
505 W 12th St #200, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 677-5003
The Hampton Law Firm P.L.L.C.
4275 Little Road Suite 205, Arlington, TX 76016
Phone: (817) 765-4345
Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
5700 Granite Pkwy STE 200, Plano, TX 75024
Phone: (469) 817-5332
Texas Criminal Defense Group
316 W 12th St Suite 400, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 410-8680
Law Offices of Steve Gibbins
1411 West Ave #200, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 474-2441
Trey Porter Law
816 Camaron St Suite 124, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: (210) 673-1180
Sean Henricksen Law Firm
106 S St Mary’s St #445, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 966-8425
Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC
310 Main St Suite 201, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 703-1718
Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian
7300 State Hwy 121 Suite 400, McKinney, TX 75070
Phone: (972) 544-9319
Navigating Texas expunction and nondisclosure takes real homework because eligibility turns on the charge, case outcome, waiting periods, and prior history. Expunction under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 is designed to destroy records of arrests that ended in dismissal, no bill, acquittal, or a pardon, while Orders of Nondisclosure under Government Code 411 seal records after deferred adjudication or other limited outcomes. Many offenses have specific waiting windows and disqualifiers, and completing fines, fees, and restitution is often required before you file. Relief changes what employers, landlords, and most private background screeners can see, but courts and some agencies still keep access for limited purposes. Work with the correct county, use clean petitions, and focus on DPS record cleanup so your results show up across common databases.
Can I get my record expunged in Texas?
Yes, if your arrest ended in dismissal, no bill, acquittal, or a pardon, you may qualify for an expunction. Convictions do not qualify unless they were later pardoned. If you received deferred adjudication, you usually look at an Order of Nondisclosure instead of expunction.
What is the difference between expunction and nondisclosure in Texas?
Expunction requires agencies to destroy or return records, and you may lawfully deny the arrest in most situations. Nondisclosure seals records from the public but allows courts, police, and some licensing bodies to view them. Your eligibility depends on the statute that matches your outcome and offense level.
How long does the expunction process take in Texas?
A common range is four to six months from filing to a signed order. Busy court dockets, service problems, or a challenge from the state can extend the timeline. Clean paperwork and complete service on every listed agency keep the case moving.
Do I need a lawyer to file for expunction or nondisclosure?
You can file pro se, but the statutes and local rules are strict and mistakes cause delays or denials. Many people hire counsel to draft the petition, serve all agencies, and appear at any hearing. A lawyer also handles follow up with DPS and private background vendors after the order is signed.
What cases cannot be expunged in Texas?
A conviction that remains on the books cannot be expunged unless you received a pardon. Many offenses that ended in a plea to guilt or no contest are not expungable. Chapter 55 sets out specific exceptions and timing rules that decide eligibility case by case.
Is expunction worth it compared to nondisclosure?
Expunction gives the broadest relief because the records are destroyed and you can deny the arrest in most private settings. Nondisclosure is still valuable because it removes the case from public view and typical background checks. The right choice depends on what you qualify for under the facts of your case and your goals for employment and licensing.
How much does expunction cost in Texas?
Court filing fees vary by county and are usually a few hundred dollars. Attorney fees depend on the complexity of your history and whether the case is contested. Some clinics and legal aid programs offer help at reduced or no cost for eligible clients, but filing fees can still apply.
Will an expunged arrest still show on a background check?
After expunction, standard private background checks should not show the arrest. If a report still lists it, send the signed order to the reporting company and request removal. Always keep certified copies of the order for corrections and employer questions.
Can police and courts see a nondisclosed case?
Yes, a sealed record under an Order of Nondisclosure remains visible to courts, law enforcement, and certain licensing agencies. The public and most private screeners cannot access it. This balance protects privacy while preserving limited access for public safety and regulatory checks.
What are the waiting periods for Texas nondisclosure?
Waiting periods vary by offense and whether you received deferred adjudication or straight probation. Many misdemeanors have short or no waiting period after successful completion, while some felonies require multiple years. Check Government Code 411 Subchapter E1 to match your offense class and outcome to the correct timeline.
How do I confirm my record is clear after relief is granted?
Request your criminal history from the Texas Department of Public Safety and check for removals or sealed entries. Compare that record to commercial background reports to make sure they updated their databases. If anything lingers, send the order and follow up until every source reflects the change.
Can I own or buy a firearm after expunction or nondisclosure?
Expunction removes the arrest from most screens, which can resolve many firearm background issues under state law. Federal rules and prohibitions can still apply based on the underlying facts, so you should confirm before you buy. When in doubt, speak to counsel who can review both state and federal impact.
Do Texas clean slate laws clear everything automatically?
Texas does not erase every record automatically. Some cases qualify for quicker relief or simplified paths, but many still require a formal petition and a signed order. You should not wait for an automatic fix if you need a clean background for work or housing.
Official Sources
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 — Expunction of Criminal Records
- Texas Government Code § 411.071 et seq. — Orders of Nondisclosure
- Texas Department of Public Safety — Criminal History Record Information
- Texas Judicial Branch — Courts and Self Help
- Texas Courts — Expunctions and Nondisclosures Self Help