How long does a class B misdemeanor stay on your record in Texas?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 09, 2026
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. Class A and Class B misdemeanors may be expunged after one year from the date of the arrest.
How do you get a Class B misdemeanor off your record in Texas?
You must petition the court, requesting the removal of the offense from your record. If you have complied with all required conditions such as serving jail time, community service hours, and paying fines and restitution, then the court will grant your petition.
How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record in Texas?
Legally speaking, a misdemeanor is on your record for life. However, in some cases, background checks will only go back a certain number of years. For instance, in Texas, there is a “seven-year rule” in place discussed more below.
How serious is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas?
Class B misdemeanors are a class of criminal offense in Texas. They are midrange misdemeanors. They are not as severe as felony offenses. A conviction for a Class B misdemeanor carries up to 180 days in county jail.
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.
45 related questions foundWhat 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.
Does 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.
Can a Class B misdemeanor be dropped in Texas?
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. Class A and Class B misdemeanors may be expunged after one year from the date of the arrest.
Can you be a police officer with a Class B misdemeanor in Texas?
All Sworn Police Officer applicants shall be disqualified for the following reasons: Convicted of, at any time, any felony offense. Convicted of or on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of class B misdemeanor.
What does a class B misdemeanor mean in Texas?
Under Texas's laws, a Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of as much as $2,000, or both. For example, possession of up to two ounces of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor.
How long do convictions stay on your record in Texas?
Criminal records do not “clear” after 7 years. This is a common misconception. In Texas, misdemeanor and felony convictions remain on the record forever, and misdemeanor and felony charges remain on the record unless expunged or sealed.
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 for criminal record to clear?
If the person was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense (i.e. legally considered to be an adult), then the conviction will be expunged from their record 11 years after the conviction date (not the offense date).
How much does it cost to seal 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.
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.
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 is a Class B misdemeanor?
Class B misdemeanors are less severe than Class A, but more serious than Class C misdemeanors. Examples of Class B misdemeanors include: Harassment. Possession of marijuana, between 2.5 and 10 grams. Aggravated speeding (more than 30 mph over the limit)
Can you work for police with criminal record?
Criminal convictions and cautions
All convictions, cautions (including any received as a juvenile), involvement in any criminal investigation and bind-overs imposed by a court must be declared. They don't automatically mean you'll be rejected from joining the police service.
How do I become a jailer in Texas?
In order to become licensed as a peace officer or county jailer in Texas there are three requirements: 1. successful completion of the basic licensing course; 2. passing of the state licensing examination; and 3. appointment by a law enforcement agency.
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.
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.
What causes a red flag on a background check?
Common background report red flags include application discrepancies, derogatory marks and criminal records.
How can I get out of a misdemeanor?
While it's true that a misdemeanor conviction can stay with you forever, it is also possible for it to be erased from your record. But this does not happen automatically after you've paid your fines and served your jail sentence. You must file a petition for an expungement to get the information removed.
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.
How do I seal my record in Texas?
Can I Seal My Texas Criminal Record? 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.