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How do you get a felony expunged in Texas?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 16, 2026

Specifically, you may be able to get misdemeanor or felony records expunged in Texas if:

  1. The felony charge was dropped or dismissed without action;
  2. You went to trial and were acquitted of the offense;
  3. You were convicted of the charge, but later found to be innocent by a court; or.
  4. You were pardoned of the offense.

How much does it cost to expunge a felony 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.

What felonies Cannot be expunged in Texas?

Most offenses that involve children, sexual assault, and violent acts are not eligible for record sealing in Texas. Also, offenders with a DWI, Driving While Intoxicated, (PC 49.04-49.08) are not eligible to have their offense sealed from their criminal record.

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

Even if there were no charges, there is a minimum waiting period before filing an application for expunction: Class C misdemeanors: 180 days. Class A and B misdemeanors: 1 year. Felonies: 3 years.

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

Felony, three years from the date of your arrest.

17 related questions found

What felonies Cannot be expunged?

Crimes involving violence, endangerment to children, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, arson, terrorism, and severe injury or death of another person typically are not eligible for expungement.

Can I expunge 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.

What are the qualifications for expungement in Texas?

You must have been arrested, you must not have been convicted or served probation, and the charge that you want to be expunged must have been a misdemeanor or a felony. If you meet these three requirements, expunction is an option you should absolutely consider before proceeding with your criminal case.

What crimes can be expunged in Texas?

Specifically, you may be able to get misdemeanor or felony records expunged in Texas if:

  • The felony charge was dropped or dismissed without action;
  • You went to trial and were acquitted of the offense;
  • You were convicted of the charge, but later found to be innocent by a court; or.
  • You were pardoned of the offense.

How far back do background checks go in Texas?

How Far Back Can a Background Check Go? The general rule for employee background checks in Texas is that employers can look at a job applicant's history up to the past seven years. Under certain circumstances a prospective employer can extend the background check to go as far back as the applicant's 18th birthday.

How long does it take to expunge a record in Texas?

In most instances, it takes about 30 days to schedule a hearing date after the petition for expunction is filed. The entire process usually takes from four to six weeks. If the court grants an expungement, it usually takes up to 180 days for local, state, and federal agencies to destroy their records.

How long does it take to get a felony expunged?

The courts will have certain information available, but your attorney is your best resource. The procedure to expunge a felony can take between three months to almost a year depending on the court and the severity of your case. If it's accepted, you could walk out with a clean slate.

How can a felon get his gun rights back in Texas?

Currently there only way for a felony to regain his rights to possess a firearm in Texas and that is through full pardon. Given the very limited number of pardons issued from the governor's office, a pardon is extremely unlikely and very expensive.

Can a 3rd degree felony be expunged in Texas?

Yes. The period of time you must wait to file for either expungement or an order of non-disclosure is contingent upon the type of crime police arrested you for committing.

How do I file a nondisclosure petition in Texas?

In order to obtain an order of nondisclosure, you must first file a petition for an order of nondisclosure with the proper court. The petition is to be filed with the clerk of the court that handled the offense for which you were placed on deferred adjudication.

When can you expunge your record?

You can apply to have your criminal record expunged when: a period of 10 years has passed after the date of the conviction for that offence. you have not been convicted and sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine during those 10 years.

How do you get a felony removed?

Expungement. The only way to get rid of a felony record is to have it expunged, which means erasing the record like it never occurred. Requirements for expunging a record vary by state. Many states don't allow violent felony offenders to expunge their records.

Can you seal a felony record in Texas?

In Texas, if you want to seal your criminal record, you will need to seek an order of nondisclosure. As mentioned above, an order of nondisclosure prohibits law enforcement or courts from disclosing your criminal record related to the order.

Can you bond out on a felony charge in Texas?

Felony Charge Bail Bond in Texas

Offenders facing these charges will likely be in for a lengthy and stressful trial. PCS Bail Bonds helps make it so defendants can be out of jail and in their homes while dealing with these charges. Being arrested and charged with a felony is overwhelming enough.

What rights do felons lose in Texas?

Felons are stripped of their right to vote. Texas state law does not allow a convicted felon to regain voting rights until they have completed their sentence, parole, or probation.

Can someone on probation be around a convicted felon?

You must not communicate or interact with someone you know is engaged in criminal activity. If you know someone has been convicted of a felony, you must not knowingly communicate or interact with that person without first getting the permission of the probation officer.

How do you get expunged?

A person seeking to have an arrest or criminal conviction expunged from their record must usually fill out an application or petition, and submit the paperwork to the proper criminal court for a judge's review and decision. In most jurisdictions, a fee must be paid in conjunction with the filing of the application.

Can you expunge a federal felony?

Your criminal record is essentially thrown out, and no one can look up your arrest or conviction in public records. However, most federal offenses are not eligible for expungement. Under 18 U.S.C. 3607(c), only individuals convicted of a minor offense under the Controlled Substances Act can have their record expunged.

Does expungement restore gun rights in Texas?

Firearm rights are automatically restored 5 years after release from confinement or probation. However, the individual may only possess a firearm on the premises where the individual lives. Texas law allows certain convictions to be set aside, meaning the individual is no longer treated as being guilty of the crime.

What state can a felon own a gun?

Of the states that require a person to have a permit or license to carry a handgun, we found only one that appears to allow felons to get permits. Oregon allows a person who has been found guilty of a felony by reason of insanity to apply for a gun license (Or.