Does Texas have a clean slate law?
Asked by: Consuelo Kshlerin | Last update: October 22, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (68 votes)
Texas Law. In certain cases, Texas individuals are able to have their criminal record expunged (i.e., cleared), or they may petition for their record (including juvenile records) to be sealed through a nondisclosure order. Chapter 55 governs the expunction of criminal records.
Does Texas have a clean slate program?
Clean Slate Texas is a coalition of community organizations, advocacy groups, businesses, faith leaders, directly impacted individuals, and families dedicated to expanding access to criminal record sealing.
What crimes 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.
Does a criminal record clear after 7 years in Texas?
There is a common myth that criminal charges are automatically removed after 7 years, however, this is simply not true.
What states have the clean slate law?
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.
Commonly Asked Questions About Clean Slate
Can you clean your record in Texas?
In Texas, an expunction can permanently remove entries from an adult criminal history record, but it is very limited. Nondisclosure (sealing) hides certain offenses from public disclosure, but they are still visible to criminal justice agencies, licensing agencies, and certain government entities.
Do felonies go away after 10 years?
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. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Texas?
The Seven-Year Rule for Criminal Background Checks in Texas
However, if you are found guilty of the crime, you can expect the conviction to continue being reported on your criminal background check for the rest of your life unless you contact a Houston expungement lawyer.
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 Texas 7 year rule?
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.
Will my expunged record show up on a background check in Texas?
If you've had records sealed or expunged, they should not appear on a background check. However, errors occur, and it's crucial to ensure that these records have been properly removed from your history.
How much does expungement cost in Texas?
The legal fees to research, draft and prepare the lawsuit that will be filed on your behalf to expunge or seal your records can range from $750 to $2,500, again, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the original charges.
Can I file for expungement without a lawyer in Texas?
Most people can file and successfully process their own Texas expungement forms without the assistance of a lawyer. All you need is the proper forms and easy step-by-step instructions to complete your Texas expungement.
What disqualifies you for an expungement in Texas?
So, if you pled guilty or no contest, if you were found guilty at trial, or if you were placed on community supervision during a period of deferred adjudication, you are generally not eligible for expunction.
What is the second chance program for felons in Texas?
In Texas, certain types of first-time, low-level offenders are given this second chance at a fresh start. This helps them to obtain employment without their record being a part of their application. Once you have met all of your obligations under the law, Texas's "Second Chance Law" allows you to move on.
Does Texas have the Ryan White program?
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funds the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to administer the Ryan White Program across the state of Texas. The funding subcontracts to seven administrative agencies (AAs) to carry out the program's local functions.
What states restore gun rights to felons?
- Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon and South Dakota automatically restore firearms rights to convicted felons - including those who committed violent crimes - but make them wait five to 15 years after they complete state supervision, the center and ATF found.
What is the 7 year felony rule in Texas?
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. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act provides similar protections. However, there are some exceptions to this “7-year” rule.
Can felons go to a 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 felon carry a gun after 10 years in Texas?
Five years have elapsed from the individual's release from confinement for the felony or their release from supervision under parole or community or mandatory supervision, whichever date is the latest. The felon possesses the gun at their own home or property where they live.
How far back do most background checks go in Texas?
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.
What is a red flag on a background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.
Can you get a passport with a felony?
Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.
How to find out if your criminal record has been expunged?
You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.