How long do misdemeanors stay on your record in Texas?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 19, 2026
Misdemeanor charges linger on a criminal record forever. They can, however, be removed through the expunction process or sealed through an order of nondisclosure. Do misdemeanors go away after 7 years? No, misdemeanor convictions stay on a criminal record forever in Texas.
Can you remove a misdemeanor from your record in Texas?
Can a Misdemeanor be Expunged in Texas? A misdemeanor may be expunged if your arrest did not result in a guilty verdict. If you were convicted with a serious misdemeanor, you must wait two years before applying for an order of non-disclosure. However, most misdemeanors are eligible for record sealing immediately.
Does criminal record clear after 7 years in Texas?
In the state of Texas, criminal background checks generated by an employer can go back seven years into an applicant's criminal and personal history.
How far back can a background check 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 misdemeanor 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.
23 related questions foundDoes a misdemeanor show up on a background check after 7 years?
A misdemeanor stays on your record for life unless you successfully petition for expungement. There is no preset “expiration date” for misdemeanor crimes. Even though misdemeanor offenses are less serious than felonies, they are still serious breaches in the eyes of the law.
What 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.
What is the 7 year rule for background checks in Texas?
Under Texas law, most employers are limited to a seven-year criminal background check for positions paying under $75,000. If the position will pay more than $75,000, employers are entitled to check the applicant's criminal background back to the age of eighteen.
How long does a Class C misdemeanor stay on your record in Texas?
Check out our other blog post to learn how long a misdemeanor and other types of crimes stay on your record. In Texas, a Class C Misdemeanor may be removed from a person's record or “expunged” 180 days after the date of the person's arrest.
How long does a criminal background check take in Texas?
A state criminal background check in Texas typically takes one to three business days to process. County checks vary by jurisdiction and may take longer if, for instance, records are not digitized and must be searched or verified manually. Civil court searches in most Texas counties average seven to 10 business days.
Do misdemeanors go away after 7 years in Texas?
This means a misdemeanor stays on your record for life unless you successfully petition for expungement. There is no preset “expiration date” for misdemeanor crimes.
Does your criminal record clear after 5 years?
“In common belief, most criminal records are not automatically cleared after five or 10 years. If you were convicted for a minor or major case, the court of law will automatically clear it without any concern of a lawyer,” she says.
How long do things stay on your criminal record?
Since 2006, the police retain details of all recordable offences until you reach 100 years of age. Your conviction will always show on your police records but the conviction may not show on your criminal record check that is used for employment vetting purposes.
How long does a class B misdemeanor stay on your record in Texas?
Class A and B misdemeanors: 1 year.
How serious is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas?
Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in the county jail, and/or a fine of up to $4000. Class A misdemeanors are considered the most serious type of misdemeanor in Texas.
What are Class C misdemeanors in Texas?
Examples of Class C misdemeanors are traffic tickets, disorderly conduct, simple assault, andtheft of less than $50. A Class C misdemeanor can be a much more serious affair. For example, this will be the case if you were convicted of disorderly conduct or public intoxication three times in a row.
Do misdemeanors stay on your record?
A misdemeanor might be considered a minor criminal offense compared to a felony charge, but it is a criminal offense. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, the misdemeanor remains on your criminal record for the rest of your life, unless the court expunges the offense.
Can I buy a gun with a Class C misdemeanor in Texas?
A Class A, Class B, or Class C misdemeanor conviction or deferred adjudication will not prohibit a person's purchase or possession of firearms, excepting findings of family violence as outlined above.
How much does it cost to get a Class C misdemeanor expunged in Texas?
Class C's that you have received deferred adjudications on and haven't been convicted of a felony within 5 years can qualify you to have those Class C's expunged. The cost of the Class C expunction should cost around $1,000. This price may or may not include filing fees.
How far back do Apartments check criminal history in Texas?
Information is considered outdated if it is more than seven years old for negative information or for bankruptcies more than 10 years old. It could be a violation of the Fair Housing Act for a landlord to have a blanket policy of refusing to rent to anyone with a criminal record.
How long does a background check take in Texas?
A common question then arises: how long does a background check take in Texas? A background check in Texas (or anywhere else in the U.S. for that matter), should take no more than 3-10 business days to complete and be handed over to you. A level 1 background check may even come back instantly or within 24 hours.
How do I lookup my criminal record in Texas?
The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a Crime Record Search Service which serves as the state's central repository for statewide criminal information. Interested persons may perform free public criminal record checks on the TDPS online database.
Who qualifies for expungement?
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. the sentence was corporal punishment.
Who qualifies 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.
Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record 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.