Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in Texas?

Asked by: Shyann Green  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (3 votes)

Texas Laws State law prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from reporting "a record of arrest, indictment, or conviction of a crime" that is more than seven years old. There are exceptions to this general prohibition, including situations where a potential employee's salary will be more than $75,000 a year.

Does Texas follow the 7 year rule background check?

The standard for employment-related background checks in Texas is seven years, except for criminal convictions, which may be reported indefinitely. The seven-year limit applies to tax liens, suits or judgments, and most credit history. Records of bankruptcies may go back as far as 10 years.

Do I have to report a felony after 7 years?

While the FCRA doesn't impose a time limit on the reportability of criminal convictions, some states restrict reporting conviction information to seven-years. Some states have passed clean slate laws that might shorten the time convictions can be reported.

Does a criminal record clear after 7 years in Texas?

The Seven-Year Rule for Criminal Background Checks in Texas

According to 15 U.S. Code § 1681c, when you have a criminal arrest on your record, reporting agencies are prohibited from including it on the report if the arrest was more than seven years old. This does not apply to convictions.

How long does it take for a felony to fall off your record in Texas?

How long do felonies stay on your record in Texas? Under Texas law, criminal charges including felonies and misdemeanors stay on your record permanently. This is true even if the charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you successfully completed deferred adjudication.

Do I Have To Disclose A Felony After 7 Years? - CountyOffice.org

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Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.

How do I get rid of a felony in Texas?

The first step in gaining an expunction is to file a Petition for Expunction with the district court requesting that the court grant an Order for Expunction. A basic form for both the Petition for Expunction and Order for Expunction are included at the end of this pamphlet.

Can a felon own a gun after 7 years in Texas?

Section 46.04 of the Texas Penal Code makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. If more than 5 years have passed since completing their prison sentence (including parole or probation), the law allows possessing a firearm at home. Federal law does not contain that exception.

What is the 7 year rule?

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.

What is the 7 year law in Texas?

Texas' Business and Commerce Code Section 20.05 limits consumer reporting agencies (background screening companies) from reporting criminal convictions older than seven years to employers.

Which states have clean slate laws?

Currently, 12 states have enacted some form of Clean Slate Law: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware , Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Utah and Virginia. Advocacy groups are lobbying to add the remaining states.

How far back does a FBI background check go?

Criminal background checks typically go back 7 to 10 years, but this can vary based on state laws and the type of job. For instance: In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years.

How do you explain a felony conviction to an employer?

It is up to you, but we recommend honesty. On the application, write ”will discuss in interview” rather than a lengthy explanation of past convictions. In an interview, keep explanations brief, and stress what you have learned from your conviction and time in prison, how you have changed, and your skills or assets.

Does Texas have a 7 year rule?

Texas law provides some protections to job applicants by prohibiting reports conducted by consumer reporting agencies to include criminal history information older than 7 years in their reports.

How long do felonies show up on background checks?

Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

Do I have to disclose my criminal record when applying for a job Texas?

There are some legal protections for job seekers with criminal records. Federal law and the laws of many states place some limits on how employers can use these records in making job decisions. Texas has not legislated in this area for private employers, however.

Has the 7 year rule changed?

The gift becomes exempt from IHT if the giver survives for more than seven years after making the transfer, commonly referred to as the seven-year rule. There were expectations that this rule might have been changed as part of the Budget measures, but no changes were made.

What is the 7 year rule life?

The amount you can put into your life insurance policy before it becomes a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC) is determined by the IRS's 7-pay test. This test calculates whether the total premiums paid within the first seven years of the policy exceed the maximum amount that would pay up the policy completely.

What is the 7 year itch rule?

The seven-year itch is the idea that after seven years in a relationship, whether that's as a married couple or cohabitees, we start to become restless. Bored perhaps. Everything begins to feel a little bit mundane or routine. Anecdotally, it's said we're more likely to go our separate ways around this time.

Does the 2nd Amendment protect felons?

The Second Amendment Permits The Disarming of “Dangerous” Felons. Each year, more than 8,000 people are convicted for unlawful possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). About 90% of those cases arose from gun possession by a felon.

Can felons go to gun range in Texas?

While felons are generally prohibited from possessing firearms, there is an exception that allows them to use firearms at shooting ranges in specific circumstances. Texas law recognizes that shooting ranges are controlled environments where safety measures are in place.

Can a convicted felon get a passport?

Who can and cannot get a passport? According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.

Do felony charges ever go away?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

What felonies cannot be expunged in Texas?

WHAT CASES CANNOT BE EXPUNGED IN TEXAS?
  • Murder.
  • Manslaughter.
  • Sexual Assault of a Child.
  • Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
  • Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or Disabled Individual.
  • Indecency with a Child.
  • An offense involving leaving the scene of a collision if resulting in the death of a person.

How much does it cost to expunge a felony in Texas?

How Much Will It Cost to Expunge My Criminal Record in Texas? As a general rule, it costs more to expunge a felony than a misdemeanor. The expungement of a felony will customarily cost a minimum of $1,000, but may cost upwards of $2,500 or even more. Misdemeanors can usually be expunged for $1,000 or less.