An expunction is the legal process of completely erasing certain criminal records in Texas. Once granted, the arrest, charge, or case is removed from public and government databases, as if it never happened. This means background checks will no longer show the offense, and in most situations, you can legally say you were never arrested. Because eligibility depends on your specific case, it’s important to consult an attorney to confirm whether you qualify

You may qualify for an expunction in Texas if your case was dismissed, you were arrested but never charged, you were acquitted, or if your record resulted from certain juvenile offenses or cases of mistaken identity. Eligibility rules can be complex and depend on timing and the type of offense, so a quick consultation with an attorney is the best way to know for sure.

In many cases, yes. The waiting period depends on whether charges were filed, how they were resolved, and the applicable statute of limitations. For example, some misdemeanors require a waiting period of up to two years, while other dismissals may be eligible right away. In some cases, the waiting period can be waived if the prosecutor agrees. An attorney can help you calculate the correct timeline, so you don’t file too early

You are allowed to represent yourself in an expunction case, but the process is highly technical and small errors can result in denial. An experienced attorney can ensure the paperwork is accurate, the petition is filed correctly, and the order is properly enforced.

When an expunction is approved, the court orders law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and other government entities to delete or destroy your records. These agencies have up to 12 months to fully comply. Requesting a criminal background check after 12 months is advisable to confirm your record has truly been cleared.

You can pay in full or choose monthly payments through Affirm (subject to approval).