Clearing Your Criminal History in Texas: Non-Disclosures vs. Expunctions

Your criminal history can have an outsized effect on many aspects of your life. It can make a difference in the jobs you can get (or even invited to interview for), residences you are able to buy or lease and credit worthiness.

Navigating the Texas legal system is daunting, especially when it comes to clearing your criminal record. There are two main paths that can lead to a cleaner slate: non-disclosures and expunctions. These are similar but It’s important to understand the differences between the two.

Understanding Non-Disclosures

Non-disclosures are the most common tool used to remove allegations of criminal conduct. A non-disclosure is a legal process that prohibits public access to the covered criminal records. These records are not completely erased however. The government will still maintain records related to the allegation. But the records will be hidden from most private entities, such as employers, banks and landlords.

In Texas, there are a few routes one can take to get a non-disclosure. This is typically available for people who successfully completed a type of probation called deferred adjudication. Even still, only certain cases can be non-disclosed and you must fit within the remaining criteria.

Exploring Expunctions

An expunction offers a more complete form of relief. This is the golden ring – this is what everyone that is every accused of a criminal offense seeks. Expunctions involve the legal “erasure” of a criminal record. It is as if the arrest or charge never occurred. Expunctions in Texas are only available under very specific circumstances. Mostly commonly, when charges are dropped and a waiting period has passed, when the person is found not guilty, or in a narrow band of reduced misdemeanor cases. An expunction goes beyond merely restricting public access to these records; it orders any government entity to destroy their copy of the records as well. In the expunction orders my office drafts, the Court ORDERS the arresting agency, the jail, the Sheriff’s office, the FBI and other entities to shred all records related to the allegation.

Comparing Non-Disclosures and Expunctions

Both non-disclosures and expunctions can be used to clear your criminal history, but they differ significantly in scope and eligibility. Non-disclosures seal records from the public eye and only governmental agencies can see information related to the offense. Expunctions give people a more thorough cleaning but are much harder to obtain. The choice between the two largely depend on the nature of the offense, how the case was concluded, and the person’s criminal history.

Contact Our Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys at Collin County Law Group For Help Today

Clearing your criminal history can be a huge step toward a brighter future. Whether through non-disclosure or expunction, understanding these legal avenues is essential. However, navigating the legal requirements and processes can be complex.

If you’re considering clearing your criminal record in Collin County, Texas, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and help determine the best course of action for your situation.

Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Collin County Law Group today.

We proudly serve Collin County, Texas, and its surrounding areas:

Collin County Law Group
700 Central Expy S #550, Allen, TX 75013
Phone: (972) 548-7167
Hours: Open 24/7

Our law firm is located near you. We have an office in Allen, TX. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.09371360, -96.68167360