Expungement in Texas
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Texas allows expungement of dismissed charges and certain low-level offenses, with immediate eligibility for acquittals and deferred adjudications.
How Texas treats Expungement
Texas permits expungement of charges dismissed or resulting in acquittal without a waiting period. For deferred adjudication cases, expungement becomes available after the probation period ends. Texas also allows expungement of certain misdemeanors and low-level felonies after a waiting period (commonly three years for misdemeanors, five years for felonies) from discharge or dismissal. Once expunged, the record is destroyed and you may legally deny the arrest occurred.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Texas.