A criminal record can follow you for years, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, or pursue educational opportunities. In Plano, Texas, expunction and non-disclosure orders provide legal pathways to seal or completely erase certain criminal records from public view.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our experienced attorneys understand the complex requirements for clearing criminal records in Texas and have successfully helped hundreds of clients in Plano move forward with a clean slate.A criminal defense lawyer in Plano can also review your record in detail to determine the fastest and most effective path toward a clean background.
Whether you’re seeking to expunge an arrest record or seal a completed deferred adjudication, we provide the skilled legal guidance you need. Contact us today at (972) 528-0478 for a free consultation to discuss your options for clearing your criminal history.
What Is the Difference Between Expunction and Non-Disclosure?
Understanding the distinction between expunction and non-disclosure is essential when seeking to clear your criminal record in Texas. These two legal remedies serve different purposes and have varying eligibility requirements.
What Is an Expunction?
An expunction is the complete erasure of your criminal record from all government databases and files. When a record is expunged, it’s as if the arrest or charge never occurred. This means:
- The record is destroyed by law enforcement agencies
- You can legally deny the arrest ever happened on job applications
- Background checks will show no trace of the incident
- Court records are sealed and destroyed
Expunction eligibility in Texas typically applies to situations where you were not convicted, including:
- Cases dismissed by the prosecutor or court
- Not guilty verdicts after trial
- Certain juvenile offenses
- Class C misdemeanor cases with completed deferred adjudication
- Wrongful arrests where no charges were filed
What Is a Non-Disclosure?
A non-disclosure order seals your criminal record from public access but doesn’t destroy it completely. Under non-disclosure, your record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies, but private employers and the general public cannot view it during background checks.
📋 Key features of non-disclosure:
- Record is hidden from public view
- Law enforcement retains access
- Certain employers (schools, healthcare, finance) may still see sealed records
- You can answer “no” to most employment questions about criminal history
Non-disclosure is typically available for individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication probation for eligible offenses and have met required waiting periods.
Who Qualifies for Expunction or Non-Disclosure in Plano?
Texas law sets specific criteria for both expunction and non-disclosure eligibility. Our Plano attorneys carefully review each client’s case to determine the best path forward.
Expunction Eligibility in Texas
To qualify for expunction in Texas, you must meet one of these conditions:
- No conviction occurred – charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or the case was no-billed by a grand jury
- Charges were dismissed following completion of a pretrial diversion program
- Certain juvenile records where you successfully completed the sentence
- Class C misdemeanor cases where you completed deferred adjudication
- Wrongful arrest where no charges were filed and the statute of limitations has expired
Important waiting periods apply – typically ranging from 180 days to three years depending on the type of offense and circumstances of your case.
Non-Disclosure Eligibility in Texas
Non-disclosure requires that you:
- Successfully completed deferred adjudication probation
- Have no subsequent criminal convictions
- Meet required waiting periods (immediate to 5 years depending on the offense)
- Were not charged with certain excluded offenses like family violence, murder, or sexual offenses
| Comparison | Expunction | Non-Disclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Record Status | Completely destroyed | Sealed from public view |
| Eligibility | No conviction required | Deferred adjudication completion |
| Access | No one can see record | Law enforcement retains access |
| Employment | Can legally deny | Can deny to most employers |
| Cost | Court fees + attorney | Court fees + attorney |
Why Expunction or Record Sealing Matters
A criminal record creates significant barriers in many areas of life. Even arrests that didn’t result in conviction can appear on background checks and negatively impact your opportunities.
Employment consequences are often the most immediate concern. Many employers conduct background checks and may automatically disqualify applicants with criminal records, regardless of the circumstances or outcome of the case.
Housing applications frequently require disclosure of criminal history. Landlords may reject rental applications based on past arrests or convictions, limiting your housing options and forcing you to accept substandard living conditions.
Educational and financial aid eligibility can be affected by certain criminal convictions. Some professional licenses, college admissions, and federal student aid programs consider criminal history in their decisions.
Beyond practical concerns, carrying a criminal record affects your reputation and peace of mind. The constant worry about disclosure and judgment from others creates ongoing stress that impacts personal relationships and professional confidence.
🌟 Start fresh — talk to a Plano expunction lawyer today at (972) 528-0478.
How Our Plano Expunction & Non-Disclosure Attorneys Can Help
With over 35 years of combined experience in Texas criminal law, the attorneys at Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy provide comprehensive expunction and non-disclosure services to clients throughout Plano and Collin County. We regularly appear at the Collin County Courthouse located at 2100 Bloomdale Road in McKinney, handling expunction matters in the very courts where your original case was processed.
Case Review and Eligibility Assessment
Our first step involves a thorough evaluation of your criminal history and circumstances. We obtain certified copies of all relevant court records, review arrest reports, and analyze the specific details of your case.
This comprehensive assessment allows us to:
- Determine your eligibility for expunction or non-disclosure
- Identify any potential obstacles or complications
- Recommend the most effective legal strategy
- Provide realistic timelines and expectations
Filing Petitions and Handling Court Hearings
The legal process for expunction and non-disclosure involves complex paperwork and strict procedural requirements.
Our attorneys handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Preparing and filing proper petitions with the Collin County District Clerk’s office (2nd floor of the courthouse)
- Serving notice to all required parties (Collin County DA’s office, Plano Police Department, and other relevant agencies)
- Gathering necessary supporting documentation and certified court records
- Representing you at court hearings when required in the Collin County Courts at Law
- Following up to ensure all agencies comply with court orders
🏛️ Local Court Navigation: The Collin County Courthouse offers free parking in the adjacent lots, with additional metered parking along Bloomdale Road.
Court hearings typically occur Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. We’ll coordinate all court appearances and handle the procedural requirements so you don’t need to navigate the courthouse system alone.
Avoiding Delays and Legal Pitfalls
Experienced legal guidance is essential for navigating Texas expunction and non-disclosure laws. Common mistakes that delay or jeopardize cases include:
- Filing in the wrong court or jurisdiction
- Missing critical deadlines or waiting periods
- Incomplete or incorrect petition paperwork
- Failure to properly serve all required parties
Our proven approach includes:
✅ Free case consultation to assess your situation
✅ Clear, step-by-step guidance throughout the process
✅ Proven success in Plano and Collin County courts
Common Types of Cases We Help Seal or Expunge
Our Plano expunction attorneys have successfully cleared records for a wide variety of criminal charges. Common cases include:
Theft and shoplifting charges
Many clients seek to clear shoplifting and retail theft charges that resulted in dismissals or completed deferred adjudication. These charges are particularly damaging for employment in retail, healthcare, or positions requiring financial responsibility. Most of these cases originated from incidents at Plano-area retail centers like Legacy West, The Shops at Willow Bend, or Collin Creek Mall, and were processed through the Plano Municipal Court or Collin County Court system.
Public intoxication
Often stemming from college-age mistakes or one-time poor judgment, these cases frequently qualify for expunction when dismissed or result in deferred adjudication eligible for non-disclosure. Common locations include entertainment districts near Legacy West, downtown Plano bars, or events at venues like the Courtyard Theater.
Minor drug offenses
Possession of small amounts of marijuana or drug paraphernalia charges may qualify for relief, especially with recent changes in Texas marijuana laws. These cases often involve traffic stops on major Plano thoroughfares like Preston Road, Park Boulevard, or US-75 (Central Expressway).
Juvenile misdemeanors
Young people deserve the opportunity to move forward from mistakes made as minors. Texas law provides pathways to clear many juvenile records.
Arrests without charges
If you were arrested but never formally charged, or if charges were later dropped, you may be eligible for immediate expunction of the arrest record.
Contact Our Plano Expunction Lawyer Today
Don’t let past mistakes continue to limit your future opportunities. Whether you’re facing employment barriers, housing discrimination, or simply want peace of mind, our experienced criminal defense team can help you navigate the expunction and non-disclosure process successfully.
Richard C. McConathy and his legal team have helped hundreds of clients in Plano clear their criminal records and move forward with confidence. We understand the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures that affect your case outcome.
⏰ Time is important – some expunction opportunities have deadlines, and the sooner you begin the process, the sooner you can put the past behind you.
Ready to clear your record? Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today:
📞 Call (972) 528-0478 for immediate assistance
💬 Schedule a consultation to discuss sealing your record
📧 Contact our office to clear your criminal history
Take the first step toward a fresh start. Your future is too important to leave to chance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the expunction process take in Texas?
The typical expunction process takes 2-4 months from filing to completion in Collin County. Factors that affect timing include:
- Collin County Court schedules and hearing availability (most hearings scheduled 4-6 weeks out)
- Complexity of your case and number of agencies involved
- Response time from Plano Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for record verification
- Whether the Collin County District Attorney’s office contests the petition
⏱️ Timeline Note: The Collin County Courthouse typically processes expunction orders within 30 days of the judge’s signature. Most cases involving Plano Police Department records take an additional 2-4 weeks for complete destruction across all databases.
Can I seal a DWI conviction in Plano?
DWI convictions cannot be expunged or sealed under Texas law. However, if your DWI charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible for expunction. Some clients with dismissed DWI cases that were refiled as obstruction of a roadway may qualify for non-disclosure.
What’s the cost of an expunction lawyer in Plano?
Legal fees vary based on case complexity, but most expunction and non-disclosure cases involve fixed fee arrangements. Collin County filing fees are currently $303 for expunctions and $331 for non-disclosure petitions, paid directly to the District Clerk’s office. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a clear fee structure with no hidden costs.
Payment and Filing Process: The District Clerk’s office (located on the 2nd floor of the Collin County Courthouse) accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks for filing fees. We handle all filing procedures on your behalf, so you won’t need to visit the courthouse during business hours or navigate the clerk’s office procedures.
Will expunction remove my arrest from Google?
Expunction removes records from government databases, but private websites and news articles may still contain information about your arrest. While you cannot force private companies to remove this content, most background check companies will update their records once the official expunction is complete.
Do I need a lawyer to file for non-disclosure?
While Texas law allows you to file pro se (without an attorney), the process involves complex legal requirements and one mistake can result in denial. Given that you typically have only one opportunity to file for non-disclosure, having experienced legal representation significantly increases your chances of success.