Texas Updates Procedures for Clearing Criminal Records
A criminal record in Dallas–Fort Worth can follow you long after a case is resolved. Even arrests that never led to convictions can appear on background checks, limiting opportunities for employment, housing, and education.
In Texas, as in other states, some criminal actions can be expunged or removed from your record. Texas has updated its expunction rules for 2025, making relief available to more people. These changes give many more DFW residents a fresh chance to move forward without the shadow of a past mistake.
This article explains the new rules, who qualifies, and why working with a Dallas expungement attorney is essential.
What Are Expunction and Nondisclosure in Texas?
Texas law provides two main ways to clear a criminal record: through expunction and orders of nondisclosure.
- Expunction is the legal erasure of records. Once granted, an arrest or charge is treated as though it never happened, and government agencies must delete, return, or remove all related files as set forth in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
- Nondisclosure seals a record from public view but allows law enforcement and certain agencies to retain access. It shields the record from employers, landlords, and most background checks.
The difference is important: expunction provides a clean slate, whereas nondisclosure offers strong but limited protection.
Key Changes Under the 2025 Texas Expunction Law Updates
The 2025 update to the Texas expunction law expands access to relief in several important ways:
- Expanded eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, particularly non-violent, first-time offenses
- Reduced waiting periods for some nondisclosure petitions, allowing individuals to seal their records sooner after completing probation or deferred adjudication
- Clearer guidance on eligibility for cases dismissed after probation or diversion programs
- Streamlined procedures in some counties, including Dallas and Tarrant, to speed up record-clearing petitions
For many DFW residents with old arrests or minor convictions, these changes open the door to opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Who Qualifies for Expunction in 2025?
Eligibility depends on the type of case and outcome. Under the updated law, you may qualify for expungement if:
- You were arrested but never charged, or charges were dropped.
- You were acquitted at trial.
- You completed deferred adjudication for certain non-violent misdemeanors.
- You were convicted of a low-level misdemeanor now eligible for nondisclosure under the 2025 changes.
However, serious crimes, such as violent felonies, sex offenses, and family violence, remain excluded. Repeat offenders may also face restrictions. Each case must be evaluated individually to determine eligibility.
The Expunction Process in DFW
Expunction is not automatic — it requires a formal petition. The process generally involves:
- Filing a petition in the correct county where the arrest or case occurred (Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, etc.)
- Gathering documentation, such as arrest records, case numbers, and court orders
- Attending a hearing where a judge reviews the petition
- Receiving a court order, which must then be distributed to law enforcement and state agencies to clear or seal the record
Timelines vary, but a petition for expunction can take several months to be resolved. Errors or omissions can result in delays or denials, which is why legal representation is strongly recommended.
Why You Want to Work With a Dallas Expungement Attorney
The 2025 updates create new opportunities, but they also add complexity. Judges retain discretion in many nondisclosure cases, and prosecutors may oppose petitions if the paperwork is incomplete or eligibility is unclear.
An expungement attorney can:
- Evaluate eligibility under the new law
- Prepare accurate petitions and supporting evidence
- Represent you at hearings and respond to objections
- Ensure that agencies comply with the court’s order to fully clear or seal your record
Read Also: Expunging or Sealing a Criminal Record in Texas
Let a Dallas Expungement Attorney Help Clear Your Record
At the Law Offices of Bailey & Galyen, we guide clients through the expunction and nondisclosure process under Texas law. To schedule a meeting with a knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced attorney, contact our office by email or call us at (844) 402-2992. Our phones are answered 24/7 — because your second chance should not wait. Se habla español.
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