Houston Expunction Lawyer
If your Houston arrest ended in a dismissal, a no-bill, or an acquittal, you may be able to work with an expunction lawyer in Houston to have the record erased. An arrest that never led to a conviction can still show up on background checks for jobs, housing, and licenses. Leslie LeGrand has 24 years as a lawyer, is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and is a former Harris County prosecutor. He knows how Harris County records are created and kept, and he can help you seek to clear them.
Free ConsultationFormer Harris County prosecutor · 24 years in Texas criminal law
What an Expunction Does in Texas
An expunction is a court order directing law enforcement agencies, courts, and other agencies to destroy or return records of an arrest. Once it is granted, you may generally deny that the arrest happened, except in certain situations such as testifying under oath in a criminal case. It is the strongest form of record relief available in Texas.
Who May Be Eligible
Expunction is limited by statute. Eligibility depends on how the case ended, and sometimes on how much time has passed.
Dismissed or no-billed charges
If charges were dismissed or a grand jury declined to indict, you may be eligible, but waiting periods can apply depending on the level of offense, unless the prosecutor agrees or the statute of limitations has run. A dismissal that came after completing deferred adjudication generally does not qualify.
Acquittals
If you were found not guilty at trial, you are generally entitled to an expunction, and the trial court may handle it with less delay.
Class C deferred / certain diversion programs
Some people who completed deferred disposition for a Class C misdemeanor, or a qualifying pretrial diversion program, may also be eligible.
Expunction vs. Order of Nondisclosure
An expunction destroys records. An order of nondisclosure seals them from the public while leaving them available to law enforcement and certain agencies. If your case ended in deferred adjudication or certain probation, nondisclosure may be the option to look at instead.
The Harris County Expunction Process
Petition and agencies served
The process starts with a sworn petition filed in district court. It must list the arrest details and every agency that may have records, such as the arresting agency, the Harris County District Clerk, DPS, and others. Missing an agency can leave records behind, so this step needs care.
Hearing and timeline
The court sets a hearing, and the State may agree or object. If the court grants the petition, agencies are ordered to destroy or return the records. From filing to final compliance, the whole process often takes several months.
Why 24 Years of Experience Matters When Hiring an Expunction Lawyer in Houston
With 24 years as a lawyer, board certification in criminal law, and time as a Harris County prosecutor, Leslie understands how charges move through the system and where records end up. That helps him spot eligibility issues early and draft a petition that covers the right agencies. If your record involves a drug charge or a theft or fraud case, record relief can make a real difference. See our criminal defense overview too.
What to Expect: How the Process Works
Here is how an expunction usually moves from start to finish:
- Eligibility review. Leslie reviews your arrest and court records to confirm how the case ended, the offense level, and whether any waiting period still applies.
- Gathering records. We collect the arrest date, offense, case number, and the agencies likely to hold records. A criminal history report helps make sure nothing is missed.
- Filing and notice. The petition is filed, and each listed agency receives notice and a chance to respond.
- Hearing. In many uncontested cases the hearing is brief. If the State objects, Leslie argues your eligibility to the judge.
- Order and compliance. After the order is signed, agencies have time to destroy or return the records and report back. Leslie can help you follow up with private background-check companies.
You do not need to wait until a background check causes a problem. Clearing an eligible record ahead of a job or housing application can save time and stress later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expunge a DWI in Texas?
Only if the DWI arrest did not result in a conviction—meaning you were acquitted at trial, the charge was dismissed or no-billed, you were never formally charged, or you received a pardon—and the statutory requirements are met. A DWI conviction, including one with probation, can never be expunged, though an eligible first-time DWI may be sealed through an Order of Nondisclosure, which hides the record from most private background checks, employers, and landlords while leaving it visible to law enforcement and government agencies.
How long does an expunction take in Harris County?
It varies, but several months from filing to final order and agency compliance is common.
Does an expunction remove my mugshot online?
The order applies to government agencies and certain parties. Private websites that already published a mugshot are not always covered, though some will remove content when shown an order.
Can I expunge a case after deferred adjudication?
Generally no, except for certain Class C cases. Deferred adjudication for Class B or higher may instead qualify for an order of nondisclosure.
What does an expunction cost?
Costs include court filing fees and attorney fees. Leslie will give you a clear quote at your consultation.
Do I need to go to court for an expunction?
Often your lawyer can handle the hearing, and many uncontested petitions move without you testifying. Leslie will tell you if your appearance is needed.
What if I was arrested but never charged?
An arrest that was never filed as a charge may still qualify for expunction, usually after a waiting period or once the statute of limitations has run.
Talk With Leslie About Clearing Your Record
An old arrest should not keep holding you back. Call Leslie LeGrand Law, PLLC at 713-333-8997 for a free, confidential consultation, or send us a message. Our office is at 5300 Memorial Dr., Ste. 750, Houston, TX 77007. You can also read more about Leslie.
Courts we handle: Harris County · Fort Bend County · Montgomery County · All counties we serve
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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