You May Be Able to Clear Your Texas Criminal Record. Most People Don't Know They Qualify.
Texas law allows many people to expunge arrests, dismissed charges, and certain convictions from their record entirely. An Order of Nondisclosure can seal records from most background checks. Jim Wheat evaluates eligibility, files the petition, and guides you through the process from start to finish.
Background checks are standard for employment, housing, professional licensing, college applications, and financial aid. A Texas criminal record, even for an arrest that never led to a conviction, surfaces on these checks and affects decisions made about your future.
Texas law provides two main remedies. An expunction completely destroys the records of an arrest or charge, as if it never happened. An Order of Nondisclosure seals records from most employers and landlords while still allowing disclosure to certain government agencies. Which remedy applies depends on the specific charge, the outcome, and the time that has passed.
Records Jim can help clear include: arrests that were never charged after the statute of limitations has run, dismissed charges, charges resulting in deferred adjudication probation that completed successfully, acquittals at trial, convictions later pardoned, charges resolved through a pretrial diversion program, certain Class C misdemeanor convictions, and juvenile records.
Eligibility for expunction or nondisclosure in Texas depends on the specific offense, the outcome of the case, the sentence imposed, and waiting periods that vary by charge. Jim evaluates every situation individually and tells you honestly what is and is not possible.
Jim reviews your criminal history and identifies every record that may be eligible for expunction or nondisclosure. Many clients discover that arrests and charges they assumed were permanent can be cleared.
Texas expunction requires filing a petition in the court where the case was handled, serving all relevant agencies that hold records, and attending a hearing. Jim manages the entire process.
If you have multiple arrests or cases, Jim evaluates each one. Different records may qualify for different remedies, and multiple petitions can often be coordinated and filed together.
Most Texas juvenile records are eligible for sealing when the person reaches adulthood. Some seal automatically and others require a petition. Jim handles both.
The expunction and nondisclosure process follows a defined path. Understanding it helps you know what to expect and how long it takes.
1
Jim reviews your full criminal history, identifies eligible records, and determines whether expunction or nondisclosure applies to each. This consultation is free. Many clients discover they qualify for relief they did not know existed.
2
Jim files the petition in the correct court, identifies and serves all agencies that hold records of the arrest or charge, and prepares all required documentation for the hearing.
3
A judge reviews the petition and, if granted, signs an order directing all agencies to destroy or seal the records. Jim appears at the hearing on your behalf.
4
After the order is signed, Jim follows up to confirm that agencies have complied and that the record is no longer surfacing on background checks.
Expunction and nondisclosure law in Texas is more complex than most people realize. Eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and the agencies that must be served all require an attorney who knows the system.Read more about Jim's background as a former judge and prosecutor.
Fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys hold this credential. It requires demonstrated experience, peer review, and a rigorous written examination by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Jim's years as a prosecutor give him direct knowledge of how criminal records are created, stored, and accessed by law enforcement and prosecutors. He knows exactly which agencies hold records and which must be served in the petition.
As a judge, Jim signed expunction orders and understands what courts look for when evaluating a petition. He structures every filing to address the legal requirements a judge needs to grant the order.
You will not be handed off to a junior associate or paralegal. When you hire Jim Wheat, Jim Wheat is in the courtroom, at the hearing, and on the phone when you call.
Expunction and nondisclosure are distinct remedies with different eligibility rules and different effects. Jim evaluates which remedy applies and, where both are available, advises on which best serves your goals.
Jim provides free eligibility consultations for expunction and record sealing. Many people spend years living with a record that could have been cleared. A 15-minute call can tell you whether that applies to you.
★★★★★
I had an arrest on my record from years ago that was never prosecuted. I assumed it would follow me forever. Jim filed the petition and had it expunged in a few months. I wish I had called sooner.
Patricia A., San Antonio
Answers to what most people want to know before calling. If you don't see your question here, call — consultations are free.
(210) 224-9300
When you contact Jim Wheat, here is exactly what happens:
1
Jim reviews your criminal history, identifies every record that may be eligible for expunction or nondisclosure, and tells you honestly what is and is not possible.
2
Jim explains which remedy applies to each record, what the timeline looks like, and what the process requires. The eligibility consultation is free.
3
You leave the conversation with a clear picture of your options. No obligation, no pressure, and no charge.