A past arrest or deferred adjudication should not define your future. Even when a case is resolved, the record can still appear on background checks and create obstacles in employment, housing, and professional licensing. An Order of Non-Disclosure allows eligible individuals to seal certain criminal records from public view and regain control over their reputation.
David Smith Law Firm helps clients throughout Houston seek nondisclosure relief with precision, discretion, and a clear legal strategy focused on protecting long term opportunities.
An order of non-disclosure seals your criminal record from public access, including employers, landlords, and most background check agencies. Law enforcement and certain government entities may still view the record, but it is hidden from private parties.
Whether you have a job offer on the line right now or simply want to put a past record behind you for good, the process starts with a single conversation. David Smith Law Firm offers a free, confidential consultation to assess your eligibility and explain exactly what a nondisclosure order would mean for your record.
David Smith Law Firm understands that your future matters. The firm evaluates your eligibility, prepares a comprehensive petition, and represents your interests throughout the legal process.
With a focus on discretion, accuracy, and strategic advocacy, the firm works to seal eligible records and help clients rebuild their professional and personal lives with confidence.
Even if you were never convicted even if your case was dismissed after completing deferred adjudication the arrest and proceedings can still appear on standard background checks. Employers, landlords, and professional licensing boards in Texas regularly access this information. A sealed record removes it from those searches.
Benefits of Expunction or Non-Disclosure:
Eligibility for a nondisclosure order in Texas depends on how your case was resolved, the type of offence, and whether any required waiting periods have passed. The following circumstances generally support eligibility:
Step 1: Eligibility Review: The process begins with a thorough review of your criminal history including the specific offence, how the case was resolved, whether deferred adjudication was completed, and how much time has elapsed. Eligibility under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 depends on these specific facts, not general rules.
Step 2: Petition Preparation and Filing: Once eligibility is confirmed, a petition for an order of nondisclosure is prepared and filed in the appropriate court, the same court that handled the original case. The State must be notified, and in some cases, a hearing may be required before the judge signs the order.
Step 3: Order Issued and Agencies Notified: When the judge signs the order, the court clerk sends copies to the Department of Public Safety and all relevant agencies within 15 business days. DPS then seals the record and notifies required federal agencies. The sealed record is removed from most public background check databases.
A nondisclosure order seals your record from public view but if your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you completed a pretrial diversion programme, you may qualify for an expunction, which destroys the record entirely. Expunction provides a stronger remedy where it is available.
Learn about Expunction in Texas
Answer: An order of nondisclosure seals an eligible criminal record from public view. This means most private employers, landlords, schools, and standard background check companies should not be able to see the sealed offense. The record is not destroyed, but access is limited. Law enforcement, prosecutors, the federal government, and certain licensing agencies may still be able to view it. A nondisclosure order can help protect your reputation, your job opportunities, your housing options, and your ability to move forward after a past case.
Answer: Eligibility depends on the type of offense, how the case was resolved, your criminal history, and whether the required waiting period has passed. Many people seek nondisclosure after successfully completing deferred adjudication, but some first time misdemeanor convictions may also qualify. Certain offenses are not eligible, including many violent offenses, sex offenses, family violence offenses, and other disqualifying charges. A Houston nondisclosure attorney can review the original case, the court outcome, and your background to determine whether you qualify.
Answer: A nondisclosure order seals a criminal record from public view, but the record still exists. Certain agencies may still access it. An expunction is stronger because it removes or destroys eligible records entirely. Expunction is usually available only in limited situations, such as certain dismissed cases, acquittals, pardons, or qualifying diversion outcomes. If your case involves deferred adjudication, nondisclosure may be the better option. If your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, expunction may be worth reviewing.
Answer: After a nondisclosure order is granted and processed, the sealed record should not appear on most standard public background checks used by private employers, landlords, and many private screening companies. However, nondisclosure does not erase the record. Law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, hospitals, schools, daycares, and the federal government, and certain professional licensing agencies may still have access. The answer can also depend on the type of job, license, or background check involved.
Answer: In most situations, yes. After a nondisclosure order is granted, you can usually deny the sealed offense when applying for jobs, housing, loans, or school. There are important exceptions. You may still need to disclose the record in a future criminal proceeding, and some government agencies, licensing boards, federal employers, banks, or critical infrastructure employers may still be allowed to see it. Before answering a sensitive application question, it is best to understand exactly what the application is asking and who will review it.
Answer: No. A nondisclosure order usually applies only to the specific offense listed in the order. If you have more than one eligible record, each record may need its own nondisclosure request. This is one reason the eligibility review matters. A lawyer can check your full record, identify which cases may qualify, and help avoid filing for the wrong offense or missing a record that still appears on background checks.
Answer: You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but nondisclosure filings can be technical. The petition must be filed under the correct statute, in the correct court, with the right case information and notices. Some cases require a hearing, and the judge may need to decide whether granting the order is in the interest of justice. We can review your eligibility, prepare the filing, handle the court process, and help make sure the order is sent to the proper agencies.
Answer: The cost depends on the case, the court, the type of nondisclosure request, and whether a hearing is needed. Court filing fees are separate from attorney fees. Some cases are straightforward, while others require more review because of the offense, waiting period, criminal history, or eligibility questions. We offer a free initial consultation, so you can understand whether you qualify and what the filing may require before making a decision.
