Can a Criminal Charge Be Cleared From Your Record in Texas?

A single arrest or charge — even one that never led to a conviction — can show up on background checks for years, affecting jobs, housing, and professional licenses. Texas law provides two important tools that may help: expunction and an order of non-disclosure.

Expunction: erasing the record

An expunction (also called expungement) can allow records of an arrest or charge to be destroyed, so it is as if it never happened. Eligibility is specific, but people may qualify in situations such as:

• An arrest that did not lead to charges
• A case that was dismissed
• An acquittal (found not guilty)
• Certain cases resolved in your favor

Waiting periods and conditions apply, and not every case qualifies.

Non-disclosure: sealing the record

An order of non-disclosure does not destroy the record, but it seals it from most of the public — including many employers and landlords. It is most often associated with cases resolved through deferred adjudication community supervision that were successfully completed. Some offenses are excluded, and waiting periods may apply.

Why it can be worth pursuing

Clearing or sealing a record can remove a real obstacle from your life. It may help you pass a background check, apply for better jobs, qualify for housing, or pursue education and licensing without an old mistake holding you back.

Finding out if you qualify

Eligibility rules in Texas are detailed and depend on the exact charge, the outcome, and the timing. The best way to know your options is to have your record reviewed. Youngs Rosillo Law offers free, confidential consultations in English and Spanish and can help you understand whether expunction or non-disclosure may be available to you.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice, nor does it create an attorney–client relationship. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney. Attorney advertising.