A criminal record—even for an arrest that didn’t end in conviction—can cast a long shadow over employment, housing, education, and your peace of mind. In Texas, two powerful legal remedies—expunction and nondisclosure—offer eligible individuals a chance to clear or seal certain records. For residents of League City and Galveston, understanding how these processes work and knowing what to expect can make all the difference between lingering barriers and a truly fresh start.
What Are Expunction and Nondisclosure?
Expunction completely erases an arrest, charge, or conviction from public record. It applies when:
- A case is dismissed or no indictment is issued within the statute of limitations.
- You are acquitted at trial.
- Certain Class C misdemeanor deferred adjudications are completed successfully.
Once granted, all law enforcement and court files must be destroyed, and third‑party background services may no longer report the record.
Nondisclosure (Record Sealing) hides eligible convictions or deferred adjudications from public view. It typically applies to:
- Nonviolent misdemeanors and some low‑level felonies after completion of deferred adjudication and a waiting period (2–5 years).
- Convictions that meet statutory requirements and remain conviction‑free during the waiting period. Sealed records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies but are blocked from employers, landlords, licensing boards, and the public.
Who Qualifies in League City & Galveston?
Eligibility depends on the offense type, outcome, and your subsequent criminal history:
Expunction Candidates
- Arrests without conviction and no indictment filed in Galveston County or the county of arrest.
- Acquittals following a jury or bench trial.
- Certain minor misdemeanors with deferred adjudications where all conditions were met.
Nondisclosure Candidates
- Deferred adjudication for Class C misdemeanors up through certain third‑degree felonies (e.g., low‑level drug possession).
- No convictions for any new offenses during the statutory waiting period (usually two years for misdemeanors, five for felonies).
- No outstanding restitution or community supervision obligations.
Because local rules in Galveston County or Harris County (for League City matters) can vary slightly, a personalized review is essential to confirm your specific eligibility.
Step‑by‑Step Petition Process
Comprehensive Case Review
We obtain arrest records, court dockets, disposition documents, and any plea agreements to verify eligibility.
Petition Drafting
Our criminal defense attorney will prepare a detailed petition citing the relevant sections of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (Chapter 55 for expunction; Chapter 411 for nondisclosure).
Filing with the Court
We file in the appropriate county court (e.g., Galveston County District Court or county court at law).
Service to Interested Parties
We serve copies to the District Attorney’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and local law enforcement agencies named in the petition.
Potential Hearing
If the prosecutor or DPS contests, we represent you at the hearing to argue why your petition should be granted.
Order and Compliance
Once granted, the court issues an order instructing agencies to destroy or seal records. We follow up to confirm full compliance, including removal from online background‑check databases.
From filing to final agency confirmation, most expunction or nondisclosure matters resolve within 4–6 months, though complex cases can take longer.
Benefits of Clearing or Sealing Records
- Employment Access: Employers regularly screen applicants. An expunged or sealed record simply will not appear on most background checks.
- Housing & Loans: Landlords, mortgage underwriters, and insurers often deny applicants based on visible criminal history. Sealing removes that barrier.
- Professional Licensing: Certain occupations (e.g., real estate, healthcare) require disclosure of convictions. Nondisclosure can facilitate licensure.
- Personal Freedom: Reduces anxiety and stigma, allowing you to focus on family, education, and career without past mistakes following you.
Why Choose Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates?
Navigating Texas expunction and nondisclosure law is complex—one misstep can delay or derail your petition. Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in League City and Galveston thoroughly review your arrest and conviction history against Texas statutes to determine your eligibility, draft precise petitions that satisfy all local court requirements, advocate vigorously on your behalf at any contested hearings, and then monitor every agency to confirm that your records are fully destroyed or sealed as ordered.
With over 20 years of criminal defense experience in League City, Galveston, and across Texas, we’ve helped hundreds of Texans reclaim their futures.
Take Action Today
Don’t let an old record limit your opportunities. Schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney via our contact page. You can also call our League City office at 281‑280‑0100 to speak directly with a member of our team.
Your past shouldn’t define your future—let the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates help you secure a clean slate in League City, Galveston, and beyond.