When someone is facing a serious felony charge, one of the biggest concerns is what that record might mean for their future. A criminal conviction can affect employment opportunities, housing, professional licenses, and more. Naturally, many people want to know whether there is any way to remove or limit public access to that record later on.
Texas law does allow certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged, but the rules are strict and often misunderstood—especially when it comes to felony convictions. The type of charge, how the case was resolved, and a person’s criminal history can all affect what options may be available.
Below, we answer a common question about whether a serious felony conviction can ever be sealed or expunged in Texas.
Q: Can a serious felony conviction in Texas ever be sealed or expunged?
A: This depends on so many factors: what the original case was, what the final resolution is, how the person handled any probationary supervision, and more. Understanding your specific charge and outcome of your case is critical to ensure that you comply with all post-conviction requirements.
MC Tip
Every plea negotiation should involve an attorney talking to the client about the ability to seal or expunge a case. At MC Criminal Law, we like to set calendar appointments to check how our clients are doing on probation as well as reminders for when they are eligible to have a case sealed or expunged. This does not happen automatically—even when a case is outright dismissed. This is just another reason it’s important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable in the type of case and county where you’re charged. We will see your case through to the end, including expunction/non-disclosure, if eligible.
If you or someone you love needs serious criminal defense help, call MC Criminal Law today for a complimentary consultation.