Expunctions & Non-Disclosures

Everyone makes mistakes, but at Wayne Bachus & Associates, we do not believe that a mistake made in your past should dictate your future forever. A criminal record can feel like a heavy anchor, dragging you down even years after you have paid your debt to society. It can prevent you from getting the job you are qualified for, renting a nice apartment, obtaining a professional license, or even volunteering at your child’s school. If you are tired of your past limiting your opportunities, we are here to help you clean the slate through Expunctions and Orders of Non-Disclosure. We view this service as the final, victorious step in your legal journey—a way to truly move on.

Many people assume that if their case was dismissed or if they completed deferred adjudication, their record is automatically clean. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Arrest records and mugshots often remain visible in public databases and background checks unless you take affirmative legal action to remove them. We sit down with you to review your criminal history and determine exactly what can be done. Texas law is very specific about who qualifies for a clear record, and the rules differ depending on whether you were acquitted, had your case dismissed, or completed probation. We explain these distinctions in plain English, giving you a realistic picture of your options.

An Expunction is the gold standard of clearing your record. It effectively destroys all records of the arrest and prosecution. If granted, you can legally deny that the arrest ever happened on job applications and housing forms. It is as if the event never occurred in the eyes of the law. We assist clients who were arrested but never charged, or whose cases were dismissed, in filing for expunction. We handle the complex process of notifying every agency that might have a record of you—from the county sheriff to the Department of Public Safety—ensuring that they physically destroy or delete your files. It is a powerful tool for restoring your reputation.

If you do not qualify for a full expunction—perhaps because you pleaded guilty and completed deferred adjudication probation—you may still be eligible for an Order of Non-Disclosure. While this does not destroy the record entirely, it seals it from the public eye. This means that private employers, landlords, and the general public running a background check will see a clean record. The record remains visible only to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies. For many of our clients, this is the key that unlocks better employment and housing opportunities. We guide you through the waiting periods and the petition process to get this order signed by a judge.

We also help clients navigate the newer “Second Chance” laws in Texas, which have expanded the ability to seal records for certain low-level convictions, such as first-time DWI offenses, provided certain conditions are met. The law is constantly evolving in this area, and we stay up to date so that we can offer you every possible advantage. We act as your advocates, arguing to the judge that you have rehabilitated yourself and that keeping your record public serves no purpose other than to hold you back.

The process of clearing a record is paperwork-intensive and bureaucratic. One small error in a file number or date can result in a denial or a record remaining visible in a database somewhere. We are meticulous in our preparation. We track down old case files, verify dates, and ensure that every relevant agency is served with the court order. We follow through to ensure compliance, because we know that a court order is useless if the background check companies don’t update their databases.

At Wayne Bachus & Associates, we love handling expunction and non-disclosure cases because they are fundamentally about hope and redemption. There is a profound sense of relief when we call a client to tell them their record is finally clear. It is a fresh start, a lifting of a burden. You have worked hard to get your life on the right track; let us handle the legal work to ensure your record reflects the person you are today, not the person you were on your worst day. Reach out to us to see if you are eligible to leave your past behind for good.