Record Expunction

Clearing Records of Your Texas DWI

Record Expunction • Petition for Non-Disclosure

Certain criminal convictions for misdemeanor offenses can be expunged from your record after a period of time. DWI is not one of them. Even a DWI from 30 years ago stays on your record.

• However, if DWI charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty at trial, it is possible to erase any trace that you were even pulled over.
• It is also possible to conceal from public view any additional non DWI-related matter, so that a criminal record does not hinder your personal life.

Record Expunction

Expunction (also known as expungement), is a District Court order to destroy all records associated with a criminal prosecution. Essentially, it is a lawsuit against the government to provide relief for those falsely accused or found not guilty. If you were not convicted, it's not fair that the information should be later held against you.

If you took your DWI case to trial and won, or the prosecutor dismissed charges, an expunction order compels law enforcement agencies, state agencies, and courts to eliminate all records: your arrest, mug shot, fingerprints, blood or breath samples, and any record of the traffic stop. This may prove crucial when the cop on your tail is running your license plate through the computer to obtain your criminal history.

Expunction is often misunderstood. Some Texas counties allow - or previously allowed - deferred adjudication for DWI. Many people who completed probation believe they have no criminal record, when in fact those records are on file and accessible to state and federal law enforcement agencies in Texas and beyond. A "deferred" sentence for DWI may still be considered a prior conviction or enhancement of penalties for a new offense of drunk driving.

Petition for Non-Disclosure: Sealing DWI-Related Records

A straight DWI conviction cannot be expunged. However, in those counties that allow deferral or pleading to "lesser included" offenses (e.g., reckless driving, public intoxication), the deferred adjudication or lesser offense can be sealed.

An order for non-disclosure enables law enforcement to retain records associated with a DWI arrest or conviction, but shields the records from public view Eg. PublicData.com. This enables the person to apply for loans, college, jobs, or auto insurance without mentioning the DWI case and its disposition.

Christopher N. Hoover, P.C. has helped hundreds of clients clear their criminal record. In a FREE consultation, our lawyers can determine whether your case qualifies and fully explain the process. Call us at 1-888-252-4DWI. Credit cards accepted.