What convictions Cannot be expunged in Texas?

Asked by: Dovie Crist  |  Last update: June 6, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes)

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.

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.

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.

How long after a felony can you get it expunged in Texas?

However, if you were charged with a felony, you must wait at least three years to file a petition for expunction. Yet, some crimes require a longer waiting period for expungement. The following types of charges typically have a longer waiting period for expungement: Murder.

What felonies Cannot be sealed in Texas?

Texas recognizes that a conviction for certain criminal offenses involving sexual assault or violent acts cannot be removed from your criminal record. For instance, you will likely be unable to obtain an Order of Nondisclosure for offenses requiring you to register as a sex offender.

What Types Of Records Can And Cannot Be Expunged In Texas?

26 related questions 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.

Will a sealed record show up on a background check in Texas?

Do Sealed Records Show up In Texas Background Checks? No, after the court has sealed a record, it typically doesn't show up on background checks.

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.

How much does it cost to get a felony expunged from your record 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.

Does a felony go away after 7 years?

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.

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.

How far back does Texas allow background checks?

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.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

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.

Does Texas have clean slate Law?

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.

What constitutes a clean criminal record?

There are two ways to have your criminal record cleared: having the criminal record sealed or getting the records expunged. Reputable California attorneys will provide their clients with legal advice to help them determine what is the best way to clear criminal records.

Can FBI see expunged records in Texas?

Expunged records will not appear on most background checks, as they are legally destroyed. Sealed records, however, may still be visible to certain government agencies, though they are hidden from public access, including standard employment checks.

What crimes 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.

Can I file an expungement myself?

Yes. You are allowed to pursue your case “pro se,” meaning without an attorney. The court might provide the forms you need to file the petition. However, the process of expunging a criminal record can be challenging.

How long does a felony stay on your record in Texas?

The short answer is that without any further legal action, a felony charge or conviction will remain on your record for the rest of your life. However, Texas law offers two options to have your criminal record changed or sealed.

What is the Texas 7 year rule?

Summary. 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.

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 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 I buy a gun with a sealed record in Texas?

A person with a sealed record could purchase a gun if the federal background check clears them to do so, or if they decide to buy from a private vendor.

Can you pass a Level 2 background check with a sealed record?

A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.

Can I seal my record myself 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.