David Smith is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a former Brazoria County prosecutor. He knows how criminal records are created, maintained, and searched – and he knows exactly what it takes under Texas law to have one permanently destroyed. An expunction is not a seal. It is total erasure. When the court grants the order, law enforcement agencies must physically destroy their files. You may legally deny the arrest ever occurred.
An expunction is the legal process of completely erasing a criminal record from public view. Once granted, the record is destroyed, and you are legally allowed to deny the incident ever occurred.
You may qualify for expunction if:
Expunctions are governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and eligibility depends on the offense type, case outcome, and waiting periods.
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.
You may qualify for non-disclosure if:
Non-disclosure is governed by Texas Government Code §411.072, and recent updates have expanded eligibility for many Texans.
Whether you have a background check coming up or simply want to put a past arrest behind you permanently, the process starts with a single conversation. Consultations are free and confidential.
Even a single arrest, even one where charges were dropped or you were acquitted can appear on background checks and create real obstacles in employment, housing, and professional licensing. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards in Texas routinely access this information. They make decisions based on what they find, often without distinguishing between an arrest and a conviction.
An expunction is the only remedy that removes the record entirely. Once the court grants the order, the arrest and proceedings are permanently destroyed. You are legally entitled to deny they ever occurred – on job applications, housing applications, and professional licence renewals.
Every expunction case turns on specific facts, the nature of the charge, how the case was resolved, and whether all eligibility requirements have been met. David Smith reviews each situation individually before preparing a petition, because the right approach depends entirely on your specific circumstances.
We manage filings, court appearances, and communication with focus and speed. Our structured process reduces delays and keeps your case moving forward without unnecessary complications.
We charge a flat fee for expunction petitions. You know the total cost at the outset, with no hourly billing or unexpected charges. The fee is discussed at your free consultation before you make any commitment. “You’ll always know where your case stands”
Navigating the expunction and non-disclosure process in Texas requires more than filling out forms. Each county – including Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston – has its own procedures, filing fees, and court requirements. David Smith brings local experience and strategic insight to every case.
