Clearing Criminal Records For College Kids
College students don’t always appreciate what a criminal conviction means for their future. Having a misdemeanor or felony conviction on your record can make passing job background checks and buying or even renting a home more difficult. Even as they’re going through the criminal justice system, students sometimes don’t think of the consequences.
Dean Watts has 20 years of experience working with families in Nacogdoches and the surrounding communities to clear criminal records for college students. Mr. Watts is approachable, easy to talk to and honest about what the student can expect after a conviction. He will work closely with you to help you get a fresh start after a criminal conviction.
Expunging Or Sealing Your Criminal Record
Texas provides two methods for removing a criminal conviction from your record: petitioning for an expunction or sealing the record with a court order of nondisclosure. When a criminal conviction is expunged or sealed, you can legally claim that you were never arrested. All records of your arrest and conviction are hidden from the general public, including potential employers, banks and property owners.
Crimes That Qualify For Removal
Not all crimes can be removed from your criminal record. Arrests and convictions that can be removed include offenses not resulting in conviction regardless of level. Arrests that resulted in no charges being filed or having charges dismissed also qualify for removal. Those acquitted or pardoned or who were charged with a Class C misdemeanor that resulted in deferred adjudication also qualify. Attorney Watts can review your situation and advise you on your options. If you qualify, he can help you file for an expungement or a court order of nondisclosure to clear your record.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing Your Record In Texas
The answers break down what matters when clearing your record.
What is the actual difference between expungement and sealing a record?
Expungement destroys your arrest and court records completely. Texas law requires agencies to remove all traces as if the incident never occurred. Once granted, law enforcement, courts and prosecutors must physically destroy their files or return them to you.
Sealing, formally called an order of nondisclosure, works differently. It hides your record from most public searches but does not eliminate the information. However, government agencies and some licensing boards can still access sealed records when conducting their own background investigations.
The eligibility requirements differ significantly between these two options:
- Expungement typically requires an acquittal, dismissed charges or certain arrest situations where no charges were filed.
- Sealing usually applies to deferred adjudication cases or convictions for specific low-level offenses.
- Expungement has no waiting period for most acquittals, while sealing often requires years to pass after completing your sentence.
- Certain convictions can never be sealed or expunged under Texas law.
Texas treats these as distinct remedies with different legal standards. Choosing the wrong path can cost you time and money you do not have to waste.
Will background checks still show something after expungement?
After a successful expungement, private background check companies should find nothing because the records no longer exist in public databases. Texas law makes it illegal for anyone to disclose expunged records.
However, the reality is that some commercial databases do not update immediately after expungement orders take effect. Information already sold to third parties or archived in private systems might linger temporarily in their files.
You may need to follow up with background check companies directly if outdated information surfaces on a report. The law is on your side, but enforcing your rights requires persistence and the help of a lawyer.
Can I legally say “no criminal history” on job applications after expungement?
Texas law permits you to deny the occurrence of an expunged arrest or charge in most situations. You can answer “no” when asked about criminal history on standard employment applications. This protection extends to:
- Private sector job applications
- Apartment rental applications
- Educational program applications
- Most professional interviews
However, applications for government positions, sometimes, require disclosure despite expungement. Positions requiring state licensure (medical, legal and teaching) may also demand honesty about expunged matters. Additionally, if you are applying for a job that requires working with children or vulnerable populations, additional disclosure rules may apply regardless of expungement status.
For Assistance Clearing A Criminal Record, Contact Dean Watts, Attorney at Law
If your child has a criminal record, their future may depend on clearing that record. Your child’s job opportunities and ability to get a loan or find a place to live are greatly impaired with a criminal record. Dean Watts can help you give your child a brighter future. Schedule a consultation today by calling (936) 559-9288 or filling out our online contact form.