How long does it take to get a felony expunged in Texas?
Asked by: Dr. Loyal Grimes I | Last update: June 15, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (24 votes)
In most cases, you can expect to wait 30-90 days to schedule the hearing date after you file this petition. The entire process can take up to six months to complete. Once the court grants your expungement, however, it may take agencies up to 6 months to destroy records complete.
How hard is it to get a felony expunged in Texas?
This also results a felony conviction. Under current Texas law, a conviction is permanent. It cannot be expunged from your record. The only option you have at this point is a pardon, and these are extremely hard to obtain.
What is the waiting period for felony expungement in Texas?
The timeframe for receiving an expunction is (1) at least 180 days from the date of the arrest for an offense punish- able as a Class C misdemeanor, (2) at least one year from the date of the arrest for an offense punishable as a Class B or A misdemeanor, or (3) at least three years have elapsed for an offense ...
How much does it cost to expunge a felony 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.
Do felonies go away after 7 years in Texas?
No. Criminal records do not automatically clear after 7 years in Texas. Even dismissed charges remain on criminal records permanently unless they are expunged.
📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
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.
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.
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.
What offenses Cannot be expunged in Texas?
Crimes That Cannot Be Expunged in Texas
Most offenses that involve children, sexual assault, and violent acts such as criminal assault, are not eligible for record sealing in Texas. Regardless of your current situation, if you commit certain offenses, you are not eligible to expunge your criminal record.
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.
How long can a felony case stay open in Texas?
The procedures for a crime's statute of limitations can be found under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure under section 12.01. The statute goes on to state that crimes classified as misdemeanors have a statute of limitations of 2 years while felonies have a statute of limitations of up to 3 years.
Can you be a police officer with a expunged felony in Texas?
Applicants must not have been dismissed or resigned in lieu of dismissal from employment for inefficiency or misconduct. Expungements. Under Texas law expungements are not accepted on convictions, even if the sentence was probation. Expungements from another state must meet the same standards as Texas law.
Does a felony stay with you for life?
A felony will stay on your record forever in California unless you choose to take action and get the conviction removed. This is called the “expungement process” and generally requires the help of a legal representative to get underway.
Can a felon get a passport?
Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.
How long do felonies show up on background checks?
Under Cal. Civ. 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.
How long after a felony can you get it expunged in Texas?
Class A and B misdemeanors: 1 year. All felonies: 3 years.
Can the FBI see expunged records?
Will expunged records show up on an FBI background check? It is possible. Although records that undergo expungement should not appear in most systems, the federal government's background check processes work differently.
How many years back does a background check 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 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 own black powder guns in Texas?
Under this description, most muzzleloaders and black powder guns would be considered antique firearms. Due to their unique characteristics, these antique weapons are excluded from the definition of firearms under Texas state and federal law. This means that a felon can own an antique firearm without prohibition.
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.
Do felonies go away after 7 years?
Felonies stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, if you seek expungement, it is possible to clear your record of the offense.
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 a felon carry a gun after 10 years in Texas?
Under these state laws, a convicted felon can have a gun as long as these two statements are true: 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.