Dallas Expunction Attorney: Clear Your Record In Texas

Highlights:

• A Dallas expunction attorney helps permanently erase arrest records tied to dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, or unfiled charges.
• Expunction under Texas law deletes records from public view, court files, and background checks.
• Not all cases qualify; eligibility depends on outcomes, timelines, and strict legal rules in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01.
• Expunction offers lasting relief in job searches, housing, licensing, and peace of mind, but it requires proper filing and legal precision.

An arrest, even without a conviction, can limit where you work, where you live, and how people see you. That record doesn’t just disappear on its own. If your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or charges were dropped, a Dallas expunction attorney can help you clear your name for good.

Let’s walk through what an expunction is, who qualifies, how the process works, and why local legal guidance can make or break your petition.

Not every record can be erased. Texas law only allows expunction in specific situations and only if strict conditions are met. But if your case fits one of the categories below, you may be able to clear it for good.

If a judge or jury found you not guilty at trial, you can request expunction. This applies whether it happened at the first trial or on appeal.

If the prosecutor dropped your case without a conviction, you may qualify. Dismissals often happen due to a lack of evidence, legal problems, or completed diversion programs.

If you were taken into custody but the District Attorney never filed charges, you may qualify, after waiting a certain amount of time. The waiting period depends on the type of offense.

Some first-time offenders are offered a chance to avoid court by completing classes or counseling. If you finished the program and the case was dismissed, expunction may be possible.

If you were convicted but later pardoned by the Governor or President, Texas law allows you to apply for expunction. The pardon must be unconditional and in writing.

Identity theft happens, and sometimes innocent people get arrested because of it. If this happened to you, you can file for expunction to correct the record.

Each charge has a time limit for the State to file a case. If that time has passed and no charges were brought, you may qualify for expunction under Texas law.

Texas doesn’t give second chances lightly. But if you qualify, an expunction can give you a clean slate in ways that really matter. Still, not everyone is eligible. In some cases, sealing a record, rather than erasing it, may be the next best option. Let’s look at how that works.

Some people use the terms “expunction” and “record sealing” interchangeably, but they’re not the same. The legal effect, eligibility, and visibility of your record are all different.

If you pled guilty or completed deferred adjudication, you likely don’t qualify for expunction, but nondisclosure might still help. Here’s how the two compare:

If your case doesn’t qualify for expunction, nondisclosure could still keep your record out of public view. It’s a useful alternative for many first-time offenders in Texas.

Expunction is powerful, but it’s not available for every case. If you were convicted, or the case ended in certain ways, Texas law may block expunction.

Here are common situations where expunction is often not allowed:

• A Conviction on Your Record: If you were convicted, expunction usually isn’t available. That includes many guilty verdicts and plea deals.
• Family Violence Convictions: Family violence convictions are treated seriously and often carry lasting record consequences. Expunction is rarely available in these cases.
• Sex Crimes & Crimes Against Children: These offenses usually cannot be erased. Even dismissed cases may face strict limits depending on the facts.
• Cases With Multiple Charges From One Arrest: Texas often requires the entire arrest to qualify. If one charge remains, it can block expunction for the rest.
• Active Cases or Pending Investigations: If your case is still open, or prosecutors can still file charges, expunction usually must wait.

Having one of these situations doesn’t mean your case is hopeless, but it does mean expunction isn’t an option right now. When the law does allow record clearing, the benefits go far beyond the courtroom.

Expunction isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about reclaiming control over your future. Even one dismissed case can affect your life in ways you don’t expect.

Here’s how clearing your record can make a real difference:

• Job Opportunities: Employers often run background checks. Even if you weren’t convicted, an arrest record can disqualify you.
• Professional Licensing: State boards for nursing, teaching, real estate, and other fields may deny or delay licenses due to past arrests.
• Housing Applications: Landlords frequently screen tenants. A dismissed charge may still cause them to deny your rental application.
• Gun Ownership Rights: In certain cases, expunction may help restore firearm eligibility that was lost due to prior charges.
• Peace of Mind: You no longer have to worry about explaining your past or wondering who might see your record.

Having your name tied to a criminal case, even one that went nowhere, can close doors. Expunction helps open them again.

Expunctions are technical and time-sensitive. One missed detail can delay your case or get it denied entirely. Here’s what an experienced attorney does to guide you through.

Some courts require a hearing. Others grant expunctions on paper. If a hearing is needed, your attorney appears with you, or on your behalf, to argue for full record destruction.

After the order is granted, agencies must erase your record. Your attorney follows up to confirm compliance, because clearing your record isn’t complete until every agency does its part.

Expunction is more than filling out a form. It’s a legal petition that must be accurate, timely, and tailored to your situation.

Expunction law can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to handle it alone. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from people hoping to clear their records.