Who is eligible for expunction?
A petition for expunction may be filed to destroy the public record of your criminal charges and arrest in the following circumstances: • The criminal charges were dismissed • The criminal charges were refused by the prosecuting attorney’s office • You were found ‘not guilty’ at trial • You were found ‘guilty’ at trial, but the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overturned your conviction • You were found ‘guilty’ at trial, but received a pardon from the Governor • You received a deferred disposition for a class c misdemeanor offense When you are arrested a public record is created that is entered into the Texas Crime Information Center database, National Crime Information Center database, and county records. Once entered, arrest records may be obtained by private entities including employers, colleges, banks and landlords. Just about anyone with access to the internet can find your criminal records. Even if the charges against you were dismissed, refused, or if you were found not guilty
