Expunctions & Nondisclosures in Texas | Clear Your Record in Rockwall & North Texas 

A past arrest or criminal charge—even one that didn't result in a conviction—can cast a long shadow over your life. It can unfairly impact your ability to secure new employment, find suitable housing, pursue educational opportunities, or even volunteer in your community. Fortunately, Texas law provides vital legal avenues to clear or seal certain criminal records, offering eligible individuals a true fresh start and the chance to move forward unburdened by their past.

At Larman Law, we specialize in helping clients navigate the intricate complexities of Texas expunctions and orders of nondisclosure. With a primary focus on individuals in Rockwall County, Larman Law's service is available throughout Kaufman, Hunt, Dallas, Collin, Ellis, and other surrounding North and Northeast Texas counties. We understand the profound difference a clean or sealed record can make for your future.

Understanding Your Options: Expunction vs. Order of Nondisclosure

While both legal remedies aim to limit public access to your criminal history, they are distinct processes with different eligibility requirements, legal effects, and benefits. Understanding which option applies to your specific situation is the first, most crucial step.

Expunctions: The Complete Clean Slate

An expunction (often called "expungement") is the most comprehensive way to clear a criminal record under Texas law.

• What it Does: An expunction orders the complete destruction of all records related to a specific arrest from all relevant government agencies (police departments, courts, prosecutors, detention facilities). It's as if the arrest never happened.

• Who It's Generally For: Expunctions are typically available if your arrest:

  • Did not result in a criminal charge being filed.

  • Was ultimately dismissed by the prosecutor (and certain waiting periods have passed without a felony charge arising from the same incident).

  • Resulted in an acquittal (a "not guilty" verdict) at trial.

  • Resulted from a pardon or a finding of actual innocence.

  • Was for certain qualifying juvenile offenses or Class C misdemeanors that resulted in successful completion of deferred disposition or diversion programs.

  • Or in other limited circumstances where no conviction was ultimately obtained and all statutory requirements are met.

• The Key Advantage: Once an expunction is granted, you can legally deny that the arrest ever occurred (with very limited exceptions, primarily in future criminal proceedings or for specific licensing agencies). It offers the closest thing to a truly clean slate.

For a detailed look at eligibility and the process, Click here to read a more in-depth post on Expunctions

Orders of Nondisclosure: Sealing Your Record from Public View

An Order of Nondisclosure is a court order that prohibits public entities, like courts and police departments, from disclosing certain criminal history information to the general public.

• What it Does: It "seals" your record from public view. While the record is not physically destroyed, it is removed from most public databases and background checks. This means that most employers, landlords, and private citizens will not see it.

• Who It's Generally For: Nondisclosure orders are most commonly available for individuals who have successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for most misdemeanor offenses and certain felony offenses. There are specific waiting periods (which vary based on the offense type) and other stringent criteria that must be met, including never having been convicted or placed on deferred adjudication for specific ineligible offenses (e.g., family violence, offenses requiring sex offender registration).

• The Key Advantage: While not a complete erasure like an expunction, an order of nondisclosure significantly restricts public access to your record, opening doors that might otherwise be closed due to a past legal issue. However, you generally cannot legally deny the arrest or deferred adjudication occurred, and law enforcement and certain state licensing agencies will still have access to the information.

For a detailed look at eligibility and the process, Click here to read a more in-depth post on Orders of Nondisclosure

Why Professional Legal Guidance is Essential for Clearing Your Record in Texas

The laws governing expunctions and nondisclosures in Texas are complex, constantly evolving with legislative changes, and subject to strict interpretation by the courts. Determining your exact eligibility, identifying the correct remedy, and properly navigating the process can be challenging without experienced legal counsel.

Larman Law will:

• Analyze Your Eligibility: Meticulously review your entire criminal history, including arrest records and court dispositions from Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Dallas, Ellis, and other North Texas counties, to accurately determine if you qualify for an expunction or an order of nondisclosure.

• Guide You to the Right Remedy: Clearly explain your options, outlining the specific benefits and limitations of each, and help you pursue the most effective legal path for your unique situation.

• Prepare and File All Necessary Petitions: Handle all detailed paperwork, ensuring accuracy and compliance with every legal requirement and deadline.

• Represent Your Interests: Advocate on your behalf with prosecutors, various government agencies, and in court hearings, if necessary, to secure the relief you deserve.

Securing an expunction or order of nondisclosure can be truly life-changing, dramatically improving your prospects for employment, housing, professional licensing, and ultimately, your peace of mind. If you have a past arrest or charge in Rockwall County or elsewhere in North or Northeast Texas that you believe may be eligible for removal or sealing, don't let it hold you back any longer.

Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact Larman Law today for a confidential consultation to discuss your eligibility and how we can help clear your record.