Can I expunge a dismissed charge in Texas?

Often yes. Texas expunction is generally available for arrests that didn't result in conviction, subject to waiting periods. A record review confirms eligibility.

Who can still see a sealed record?

Sealing hides a record from most public background checks, but certain law-enforcement, government, and licensing agencies may still access it.

Can I Get a Charge Off My Record? Expungement vs. Sealing

What's the difference between expungement and record sealing?

Expungement (called expunction in Texas) removes or destroys the record so it no longer appears on most background checks. Record sealing — an order of nondisclosure in Texas — hides the record from most public background checks but still lets certain government and licensing agencies see it. Eligibility for each depends on the outcome of the case, the offense, and waiting periods under Texas or Oklahoma law.

Why it matters

Employers, landlords, and licensing boards run background checks. A dismissed charge or old arrest can still surface and cost you a job — even if you were never convicted. Clearing it lets you honestly answer "no."

Expungement (expunction in Texas)

Generally destroys or removes the record. In Texas, expunction is typically available for arrests that did not lead to conviction — dismissals, acquittals, no-bills — after applicable waiting periods. Oklahoma has its own expungement categories.

Sealing / nondisclosure

Hides the record from most public view but not from all government/licensing access. In Texas this is an order of nondisclosure, often available after successfully completing deferred adjudication and a waiting period.

Which applies to you

It turns on how your case ended (dismissal vs. deferred vs. conviction), the specific offense, and time elapsed. A record review is the only way to know for sure — and it's what the free consultation covers. See expungement and record sealing.

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The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Contacting the firm, submitting a form, or using the chat does not create an attorney-client relationship. A relationship is formed only through a signed written engagement agreement.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every matter is different and depends on its own facts.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I expunge a dismissed charge in Texas?: Often yes. Texas expunction is generally available for arrests that didn't result in conviction, subject to waiting periods. A record review confirms eligibility.
Who can still see a sealed record?: Sealing hides a record from most public background checks, but certain law-enforcement, government, and licensing agencies may still access it.

Can I get a charge off my record? Expungement vs. sealing