Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
A criminal record can follow you for decades, creating barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Fortunately, Texas law provides two powerful legal remedies—expunction and non-disclosure—that allow eligible individuals to either completely erase or seal their criminal records from public view.
Our Arlington criminal lawyers have helped countless residents obtain fresh starts by successfully clearing or sealing their criminal histories.
Don’t let your criminal record limit your future. Contact our Arlington record-clearing attorneys today at (972) 528-0478 for a free consultation to see if you qualify for expunction or non-disclosure.
Understanding the difference between expunction and non-disclosure is crucial when determining which option best fits your situation. Both processes offer significant benefits, but they work in fundamentally different ways under Texas law.
Expunction is the complete erasure of your criminal record, as if the arrest or charge never occurred. When a Texas court grants an expunction order, all records related to your case are destroyed or returned to you, including:
Once expunged, you can legally deny that the arrest or charge ever happened on employment applications, housing forms, and most other situations. The record becomes invisible to standard background checks and public record searches.
For those dealing with DWI-related charges, our firm also specializes in DWI record expunging in Texas, helping clients navigate the specific requirements for alcohol-related offenses.
Non-disclosure creates a legal barrier that prevents most entities from accessing your criminal record, though the records still exist. Unlike expunction, sealed records remain in government databases but become invisible to:
However, certain government agencies, law enforcement, and some professional licenses can still access sealed records. Texas offers two types of non-disclosure orders:
Standard Non-Disclosure: Requires a petition filed with the court and may involve a hearing.
Automatic Non-Disclosure: Becomes effective automatically for certain misdemeanor offenses after completing deferred adjudication and waiting periods.
The impact of clearing your criminal record extends far beyond simple peace of mind. Our clients consistently report life-changing improvements in multiple areas:
Employment Opportunities: According to the National Employment Law Project, approximately 65 million Americans have criminal records that can limit employment prospects. Clearing your record opens doors to careers requiring background checks, professional licenses, or security clearances.
Housing Applications: Many landlords automatically reject applicants with criminal histories. A cleared record eliminates this barrier and may reduce security deposit requirements.
Educational Access: Universities and vocational schools often inquire about criminal history during admissions. Some federal financial aid programs restrict eligibility based on certain convictions.
Professional Licensing: Texas requires background checks for numerous professions. A clear record can be essential for career advancement.
Criminal records in Texas are generally public information, accessible through:
⚠️ Important Note: Even dismissed charges appear on background checks until formally expunged. Many people incorrectly assume that dismissed cases automatically disappear from their records.
Immigration consequences can also arise from criminal records, even for lawful permanent residents. Clearing eligible records may help avoid complications with citizenship applications or family-based petitions.
Texas Penal Code Chapter 55 establishes specific eligibility requirements for expunction. You may qualify if:
| Scenario | Waiting Period | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Charges Dismissed | None (if acquitted/dismissed) | No conviction on the offense |
| Not Guilty Verdict | None | Complete acquittal |
| No-Bill by Grand Jury | None | Grand jury refused to indict |
| Arrest Without Formal Charges | Varies by offense level | No charges filed within statute of limitations |
| Class C Misdemeanor Conviction | None | Trial conviction only (not guilty plea) |
| Certain Identity Theft Cases | None | Victim of identity theft |
| Juvenile Offenses | Varies | Specific requirements under Family Code |
Important Texas Waiting Periods:
Non-disclosure eligibility primarily applies to individuals who completed deferred adjudication probation successfully. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, you may qualify if:
✅ Qualifying Scenarios:
❌ Disqualifying Offenses (cannot be sealed):
Waiting Periods for Non-Disclosure:
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains detailed eligibility requirements on their official website, which our attorneys reference when evaluating your specific situation.
Understanding the local process helps reduce anxiety and ensures proper preparation for your case.
Initial Filing (Week 1-2) We file your petition at the Tarrant County District Clerk’s office (401 W Belknap St, 1st Floor). Filing fees vary by case type – please contact the District Clerk for current fee information.
Service of Process (Week 2-4)
All relevant agencies must receive notice, including:
Waiting Period (4-12 weeks) Most cases involve a mandatory waiting period where agencies can file objections. We monitor for any opposition and prepare responses if needed.
Court Hearing (If Required)
Order Entry & Distribution Once granted, we ensure certified copies reach all agencies within the required timeframes.
Local Law Enforcement Agencies Arlington cases often involve multiple agencies requiring separate notifications:
Nearby Resources for Clients
| Case Type | Average Timeline | Factors Affecting Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Expunction | 8-12 weeks | Single agency, no opposition |
| Complex Expunction | 12-20 weeks | Multiple agencies, requires hearing |
| Standard Non-Disclosure | 6-10 weeks | Routine deferred adjudication cases |
| Contested Non-Disclosure | 16+ weeks | DA opposition or complex eligibility issues |
Courthouse Navigation Assistance
Document Preparation & Management We handle all complex paperwork and ensure compliance with local filing requirements. Tarrant County requires specific formatting for expunction orders, and we maintain relationships with court staff who expedite properly prepared documents.
Communication Throughout Process
Arlington Office Convenience: Our office serves clients throughout Tarrant County, with easy access from major Arlington corridors including I-20, Highway 360, and Cooper Street.
We begin with a comprehensive case evaluation to determine your eligibility and identify the best strategy. During our free consultation, we:
Expunction and non-disclosure procedures require precise legal filings that comply with Texas statutory requirements. Our team handles every aspect of the process:
Petition Preparation: We draft comprehensive petitions that address all legal requirements and potential objections from prosecutors or law enforcement agencies.
Court Representation: While many non-disclosure petitions are granted without hearings, some cases require court appearances. We represent clients in all proceedings and advocate zealously for record clearing.
Order Enforcement: After obtaining court orders, we ensure all relevant agencies comply with expunction or sealing requirements.
Our 35+ years of combined experience in Tarrant County courts provides distinct advantages for Arlington residents navigating the expunction and non-disclosure process.
Tarrant County Criminal Courts
Arlington Municipal Court
Required Forms & Procedures:
Local Advantages We Provide:
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy brings over 35 years of criminal defense experience to every record clearing case. Our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal matters across North Texas, providing unique insights into:
Our track record includes:
We understand that criminal records often represent difficult periods in our clients’ lives. Our approach emphasizes:
Whether you’re seeking to completely expunge dismissed charges or seal a conviction through non-disclosure, the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy has the experience and local knowledge to guide you through the process successfully.
We offer free consultations to evaluate your eligibility and explain your options. During this meeting, we’ll review your circumstances, discuss realistic timelines, and provide an honest assessment of your chances for success.
📞 Call (972) 528-0478 today or contact our Arlington criminal defense lawyers online to schedule your consultation.
Don’t wait—start building your fresh start today.
Expunction timelines vary based on case complexity and court schedules:
Factors affecting timeline include the number of law enforcement agencies involved, prosecutor objections, and court docket availability.
Expunction completely destroys records—as if the arrest never happened. You can legally deny the incident occurred.
Non-disclosure hides records from most background checks but keeps them in government databases. Certain agencies can still access sealed records.
DWI expunction is possible only in limited circumstances:
DWI non-disclosure became available in 2017 for first-time DWI offenders who complete deferred adjudication, but requires specific conditions including ignition interlock installation.
Cannot be expunged:
Cannot be sealed:
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
