How Can I Get a Criminal Record Expunged in Texas?

A criminal record can follow you for years, affecting your ability to get jobs, secure housing, and pursue educational opportunities. The good news is that Texas law allows expunction in certain situations, giving you a chance to clear your record. At Pelley Law Office, our experienced Texas expungement attorneys have helped countless clients throughout the state successfully navigate the expungement process.

If you want to expunge your criminal record in Texas, call Pelley Law Office today at (214) 560-1919 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What Does Expunction Mean in Texas?

Expunction is a legal process that destroys your arrest and court records. Once your record is expunged, you can legally deny the arrest ever occurred in most situations. The arrest will not appear on background checks for employment, housing, or professional licenses.

A Texas expungement lawyer from our firm can explain that expunction is different from sealing records. When records are expunged, they are physically destroyed by all agencies, including police departments, courts, and prosecutors. This provides the most comprehensive form of criminal record relief available in Texas.

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Texas?

Not everyone qualifies for expunction in Texas. Understanding these requirements is the first step toward clearing your record. You may qualify if you were arrested but never charged, your charges were dismissed (not deferred adjudication), you were acquitted at trial, you were convicted but later pardoned, you completed certain pretrial diversion programs, or you are a victim of identity theft.

Waiting Periods Required:

• Class C misdemeanor: 180 days after arrest
• Class A or B misdemeanor: 1 year after arrest
• Felony: 3 years after arrest
• No waiting period for acquittals

You are NOT eligible if you have a conviction (except pardons), your case involves deferred adjudication, or you have pending charges. These requirements are outlined in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A. A Texas expungement attorney from Pelley Law Office can review your specific situation to determine eligibility. Understanding your rights during an arrest can help protect your eligibility for expungement.

What Is the Expungement Process in Texas?

The expungement process in Texas involves several legal steps. Missing even one requirement can result in denial. The process includes verifying eligibility, filing a petition for expunction with the court, serving that petition on all relevant agencies (DPS, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts), attending a hearing (typically 30 to 60 days after filing), obtaining the judge’s order if granted, and ensuring that agencies destroy the records within the required timeframe.

The entire process typically takes three to six months. The petition must identify every agency with records. Missing one agency means those records remain. Working with an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney significantly increases your chances of success.

Clear Your Record with a Texas Expungement Attorney

If you have an arrest record in Texas, our experienced expungement lawyers at Pelley Law Office can carefully evaluate your eligibility and guide you step by step through the entire process. Expunction permanently destroys your criminal records, giving you a true fresh start and peace of mind. Call (214) 560-1919 or contact us online today. Since 1974, we’ve helped countless Texans clear their records and confidently move forward with their lives.

Contact Our Texas Criminal Defense Law Firm For Help Today

If you’re facing criminal charges in Texas, we’re here to help. Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Pelley Law Office, L.L.P., today to schedule a free consultation.

We proudly serve Plano, Dallas, Sherman, and the surrounding areas.

Pelley Law Office L.L.P. – Plano Office
Address: 1312 14th St, Plano, TX 75074
Phone: (972) 608-0335
Hours: 24/7

Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.0180322,-96.6952916,863

Pelley Law Office L.L.P. – Sherman Office

Address: 905 N Travis St, Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 813-4778
Hours: 24/7

Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.6445846,-96.6113141,857