What is an Expunction of Criminal Records?

If you are charged with a criminal offense and those charges are either dismissed, dropped or you are found "not guilty" after a Trial then you likely will be able to erase all government records of that charge. If the Court agrees to expunge your records then the Court shall Order the applicable Texas Courts to destroy all files, arrest records, and records of the prosecution. The Court will also will Order the Texas law enforcement agencies to destroy all jail records, police reports, prosecution reports and their court files. After an expunction is granted, the defendant may legally deny that she was ever arrested for or charged with a criminal offense.

What Criminal Charges Can Be Expunged/Sealed in Texas?

Some of the outcomes for criminal cases that can qualify for an expunction are:

• Dismissed Cases
• Dropped Charges
• No-Billed Cases
• Not Guilty Verdicts
• Certain Deferred Adjudication Cases
• Certain Juvenile Cases

How to Obtain an Expunction of Criminal Records

Our attorneys have helped several clients successfully expunge criminal records. The first step is to obtain the records of your charged offense and determine if you are eligible. Once we have determined your eligibility, we will file the appropriate paperwork to begin the expunction process. After the Court grants an expunction, the Order will be sent to the appropriate agencies to ensure that the records of your criminal charge are erased.

What Options are Available if an Expunction is not Possible?

Some people are not able to qualify for an expunction because they plead guilty to an offense and were placed on Deferred Adjudication Probation. Upon completion of the Deferred Adjudication Probation, and if other certain requirements are met than it may be possible to obtain an Order of Non-Disclosure from the Court. An Order of Non-Disclosure is the “sealing” of the records for a criminal offense that prevents most people from seeing the records. A Non-Disclosure is not as powerful as an Expunction, but it is an effective way to limit the exposure of your criminal records.

Please call our office at 817-424-3405 to speak with one of our attorneys, and we will be happy to discuss your options for expunging or sealing your criminal records.