Call Us Now
Email Us Now
Expunction & Nondisclosure of Property Crime Convictions in Houston, TX
Clearing Your Record After a Property Crime Case
A property crime charge—whether theft, burglary, or fraud—can follow you long after the case is resolved. Even if charges were dismissed or you completed deferred adjudication, the arrest and case history may still appear on background checks. Fortunately, Texas law provides two potential remedies: expunction and nondisclosure.
See Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 (Expunction) and Texas Government Code §411.072 (Orders of Nondisclosure).
What Is an Expunction?
Expunction is the legal process of completely removing an arrest or charge from your criminal record. Once an expunction is granted:
- The records are destroyed or sealed;
- You may legally deny the arrest ever occurred (with limited exceptions);
- The record will not appear on most background checks.
Expunctions are only available in limited circumstances, such as:
- Charges that were dismissed or never filed
- Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
- Certain cases of mistaken identity or wrongful arrest
What Is an Order of Nondisclosure?
An order of nondisclosure does not destroy the record but seals it from public view. This means most employers, landlords, and the public cannot see it, but law enforcement and certain agencies still can.
You may qualify for nondisclosure if:
- You successfully completed deferred adjudication probation
- You have no disqualifying offenses (such as violent crimes)
- You satisfied mandatory waiting periods, which vary depending on the offense
Eligibility for Expunction vs. Nondisclosure in Property Crimes
- Theft charges dismissed – Expunction may be possible
- Deferred adjudication for shoplifting – Nondisclosure may be available
- Conviction for burglary or fraud – Typically not eligible for expunction; nondisclosure may be an option in limited cases
Benefits of Clearing Your Record
- Improved job and housing opportunities
- Eligibility for professional licenses
- Relief from stigma in personal and professional settings
- Peace of mind knowing your record is no longer public
Defenses & Strategic Considerations
Timing Matters
Some expunctions and nondisclosures require waiting periods, while others can be filed immediately. Acting too early may result in denial.
Case-Specific Eligibility
Not all property crime cases qualify. We carefully review whether your case meets statutory requirements.
Proper Filing & Procedure
The petition must be filed in the correct court, served on the right agencies, and argued effectively before a judge. Mistakes can delay or jeopardize relief.
Immediate Steps If You Want to Clear Your Record
- Obtain your criminal history and court disposition records
- Consult with an attorney to determine eligibility
- Do not rely on online “record clearing” services—they often fail to comply with Texas law
- File promptly once eligible, to speed relief and prevent lost opportunities
Why Choose Cory Roth Law Office
Focused Property Crime Defense & Record Clearing
- Experience with expunctions and nondisclosure petitions in Harris County
- Understanding of how property crime charges affect eligibility
- Personalized strategy to restore your future opportunities
Related Houston Practice Areas
- Houston Property Crime Attorney
- Houston Theft Defense Attorney
- Houston Burglary Defense Lawyer
- Houston Robbery Defense Attorney
- Houston State Jail Felonies Attorney
Speak with Cory Roth Law Office Today
Your past doesn’t have to define your future. Whether through expunction or nondisclosure, we fight to clear property crime charges from your record so you can move forward with confidence.
Contact Cory Roth Law Office today for a confidential consultation.
Don’t let a property crime case haunt your background checks. Choose a defense team that knows how to clear records and protect your future. Start your defense today.
Yes. These processes are complex and require proper filing, service on agencies, and legal arguments in court. Mistakes can delay or prevent relief, so having an experienced attorney is essential.
Violent crimes, sex crimes, family violence, and certain other serious offenses are excluded. Some property crimes may be eligible if they meet statutory requirements.
Yes. An expunction erases records entirely, while nondisclosure seals them from most employers, landlords, and the public. Certain government agencies may still see sealed records.
Expunctions can sometimes be filed immediately after dismissal or acquittal. Nondisclosure waiting periods vary depending on the offense, ranging from immediate eligibility to several years.
You may qualify if you successfully completed deferred adjudication probation, have no disqualifying offenses, and meet the required waiting periods set by Texas law.
Generally, no. Expunction is only available for cases that were dismissed, never filed, resulted in acquittal, or involved wrongful arrest. Convictions are not eligible for expunction.
Expunction completely erases an arrest or charge from your record, while nondisclosure seals the record from the public but allows law enforcement and certain agencies to access it.