Your Past Doesn't Have to Define Your Future

Your criminal record may be following you into job applications, apartment screenings, and loan decisions — but Texas law gives many people a real path to clear it. We help DFW clients find out exactly what's possible and handle every step of the process.

Hands holding a medical shield with a cross and justice scales above

Expunction vs. Nondisclosure: What's the Difference?

Texas offers two distinct legal tools for clearing or limiting access to your criminal record, and eligibility depends on the specifics of your case. Understanding which option applies to you is the first step.

Expunction

An expunction permanently destroys your criminal record. Once granted, you can legally deny the arrest ever happened on most job applications and background checks. Expunctions are available under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A for cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or where charges were never filed — among other qualifying circumstances.

Order of Nondisclosure

A nondisclosure order seals your record from most public background checks, including private employers and landlords. Government agencies and certain licensed professions can still access the record, but for the majority of everyday situations, it won't appear. Nondisclosure is typically available after completing deferred adjudication probation for qualifying offenses.

Which One Applies to You?

Eligibility depends on the charge, the outcome of your case, whether probation was involved, and how much time has passed. Some people qualify for a full expunction. Others are better served by a nondisclosure order. Some qualify for both options depending on the records involved. We review your history at no charge and tell you exactly where you stand.

What Records Can Be Cleared?

Not every record qualifies, but many do — including arrests that never led to a conviction, dismissed charges, Class C misdemeanors resulting in deferred adjudication, and certain first-time felony offenses. Serious violent crimes and sex offenses generally do not qualify for expunction or nondisclosure under Texas law.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The expunction process in Texas typically runs three to six months from filing to final order. Nondisclosure orders can move faster, depending on the court's docket and whether any agency challenges are filed. We manage the petition, all required agency notifications, and the hearing on your behalf so you don't have to navigate the paperwork alone.

What a Clean Record Can Actually Change

A cleared record removes one of the most persistent barriers people face after an arrest. Employers, landlords, and lenders routinely run background checks — and a record that shouldn't define you often does. Expunging or sealing eligible records means those checks come back clean, opening doors that may have been closed for years.

 

  • Employment: Most private employers cannot see expunged or sealed records, which directly improves your chances during hiring.
  • Housing: Landlords who screen applicants based on criminal history will no longer see qualifying cleared records.
  • Loans and licensing: Certain professional licenses and financial products become accessible once a disqualifying record is removed.
  • Peace of mind: You can answer "no" on most applications that ask about prior arrests — legally and honestly.

How We Handle Your Expunction Case

Pursuing an expunction or nondisclosure order involves filing a verified petition, notifying every agency that holds a record of the arrest, and attending a court hearing. It is a legal process with procedural requirements — and mistakes can delay or derail your case.

 

We handle the full process for you: eligibility assessment, petition drafting, agency notifications, and courtroom representation. Our paralegal-supported model keeps the process efficient and cost-effective without cutting corners on thoroughness.

What It Costs to Clear Your Record in Texas

Attorney fees for expunctions in Texas vary based on the complexity of the case, the number of agencies holding records, and whether a hearing is contested. We provide transparent fee estimates after reviewing your case — no vague ranges, no surprises.

 

The cost of pursuing an expunction is almost always smaller than the cost of a record that keeps limiting your income, housing, and opportunities. We're happy to walk you through the numbers so you can make an informed decision.

Serving Clients Across the DFW Area

We represent clients seeking to clear their records throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro from our two offices — one in Richardson serving Dallas County clients and one in Arlington serving Tarrant County clients. We work with clients in Dallas, Plano, Garland, Irving, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Frisco, McKinney, and surrounding communities.

 

If you're searching for a DFW expunction lawyer or want to know whether your record qualifies for expungement or sealing, we offer a free eligibility review by phone, in person, or online.

|

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Expunctions

  • How do I know if I qualify for an expunction in Texas?
    Eligibility depends on how your case was resolved, the type of charge, and how much time has passed. Arrests that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were never prosecuted are common starting points for eligibility. The clearest way to find out is a case review with our team — we assess eligibility at no charge.
  • What is the difference between expunction and record sealing in Texas?
    Expunction permanently destroys the record, allowing you to legally deny the arrest on most applications. A nondisclosure order seals the record from public view but does not destroy it — government agencies and certain licensing boards can still access it. Which option applies depends on your specific case outcome.
  • How long does an expunction take in Texas?
    Most expunction cases resolve within three to six months from the date the petition is filed. Nondisclosure orders often move more quickly. Timelines can vary based on court scheduling and whether any responding agencies contest the petition.
  • How much does an expunction lawyer cost in Texas?
    Attorney fees vary based on case complexity, the number of agencies involved, and whether the hearing is contested. We provide a clear fee estimate after reviewing your case. Many clients find the investment straightforward when weighed against the long-term cost of a record that limits employment and housing.
  • Can I clear my record myself without a lawyer?
    Texas law does not require an attorney to file an expunction petition, but the process involves precise legal filings, mandatory agency notifications, and a court hearing. Errors in the petition or missed notifications can result in denial or delay. Most people find that professional representation produces a faster, more reliable result.

Ready to Stop Letting Your Record Hold You Back?

A free eligibility review takes minutes and tells you exactly what your options are. Our team serves clients across DFW with plain-language guidance, bilingual staff, and two office locations ready to help you move forward.