Does Expungement Clear Your Record in Texas?

Having an arrest on your record can affect almost every area of your life. Your criminal record can make it harder to find a job or a place to live and might even affect your relationships. There is a stigma associated with an arrest record, and that stigma can cost you a lot of opportunities.

Expungement is a legal process that can remove certain information from your criminal record. Each state has different requirements for which records can be expunged. But does expungement clear your record in Texas?

Expungement: What is it?

In general, a person’s criminal record is available to the public. Arrests and criminal charges, even if they did not lead to a conviction, are listed in a criminal record.

Expungement is the removal of information from an individual’s criminal record. When a person files for expungement and the court approves their petition, the official information is destroyed and removed from their criminal record, as if the case never happened.

Which Records Can Be Expunged?

Not all criminal records can be expunged. Most crimes that led to a conviction cannot be expunged unless evidence overturns the conviction and proves the person’s innocence. There are some exceptions for first-time offenders who commit minor crimes, however.

Arrests that did not result in charges or a conviction are usually eligible for expungement. For some crimes, a waiting period is required before the records can be expunged. During the waiting period, any criminal charges will affect eligibility for expungement.

Some criminal and civil records cannot be expunged under any circumstances unless the case was dismissed. These are typically serious and violent offenses.

Will Expungement Clear Your Record?

Legal expungement is an important tool for allowing people to get a fresh start. However, it won’t necessarily clear your whole record, depending on the circumstances. If you only have a minor arrest on your record, for instance, then an expungement could leave you with a clean record. If you have been convicted of a major crime, however, then expungement probably won’t be an option.

It’s also important to note that if you need multiple records expunged, then the process must be repeated for each case that is eligible. This will increase the cost of the expungement but can be well worth the investment.

Moving on with your life can be difficult if your past is haunting you. An expungement can help you improve your reputation and make it easier to live a normal life. If you’d like to know more about your eligibility for an expungement, call our law offices at 214-575-8300. We have experienced lawyers in Dallas and Houston ready to help you with your case.