{"id":376549,"date":"2017-05-05T15:34:15","date_gmt":"2017-05-05T20:34:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-dallas.html"},"modified":"2025-06-12T15:05:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T20:05:49","slug":"how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-dallas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/how-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-in-dallas.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Expunge a Criminal Record in Dallas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Expunge a Criminal Record in Dallas<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Texas has some of the most restrictive expungement laws in the nation. If you need to have your criminal records erased or sealed in the state of Texas, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. An arrest record makes it difficult to get a job, find a place to live, and qualify for some government benefits.<\/p>\r\n

Expungement or expunction is a way to start over, but not everyone may qualify. This article discusses the ways to have your record expunged or sealed in Dallas or anywhere in Texas.<\/p>\r\n

Expungement vs. Sealing<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

An expungement<\/b> permanently removes your entire criminal record from public record. Anyone performing a background check for any reason will not see your history. If an employer asks about your criminal history, you can say you have none. Expungement makes your criminal record disappear.<\/p>\r\n

An order of nondisclosure<\/b> seals parts of your record. Law enforcement agencies and some licensing agencies can see your record, but most public searches cannot find it. You must disclose your arrest and conviction record on applications and interviews.<\/p>\r\n

Under Texas law, convictions are not expunged from your record. You may only expunge misdemeanors with deferred adjudication and offenses that did not result in a conviction. However, many crimes can receive an order of nondisclosure after a waiting period.<\/p>\r\n

Eligibility for Expungement<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Texas law<\/a> allows for expungement in cases of:<\/p>\r\n