A criminal arrest—even without a conviction—can follow you for years, affecting your job prospects, housing, and reputation. If your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible to have your record permanently erased through an expunction. At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we help clients across Houston and throughout Texas take advantage of this powerful legal remedy and move forward with a clean slate.

Attorney Jose Ceja is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—a distinction held by less than 5% of attorneys in the state. As a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Ceja has helped countless clients in the Houston area expunge their records after a dismissal or acquittal at trial. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward clearing your name.

How Do Expunctions Work in Texas?

Being arrested for a crime you didn’t commit can have lasting consequences—even if your case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty. In Houston and across Texas, the expunction process gives eligible individuals the opportunity to permanently erase all records related to an arrest, charge, or prosecution.

The process begins by filing a verified petition in the appropriate district court. Once the petition is filed, the court schedules a hearing. At that hearing, your attorney presents evidence and argues why you meet the legal requirements for expunction.

If the judge grants the petition, the court issues an order requiring all agencies—including law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts—to destroy or return any records related to the case. This includes police reports, jail records, court filings, and prosecutor documents.

Once your expunction is granted, you are legally allowed to deny the arrest ever occurred—with only a few limited exceptions. For many people in the Houston area, this is a vital step toward restoring their reputation and peace of mind. Texas expunctions are governed by Chapter 55A of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Do I Qualify for Expunction?

To qualify for expunction in Texas, you generally must not have been convicted or placed on probation (with the exception of Class C misdemeanors). Common scenarios that may qualify include:

  • An arrest where your name was listed by mistake
  • A case that was dismissed
  • A not guilty verdict at trial
  • An acquittal on appeal
  • Arrest without charges, where the statute of limitations has expired

If your case was dismissed, you may only be eligible if you did not receive deferred adjudication—except in Class C misdemeanor cases.

Ineligible Records

You are not eligible for expunction if:

  • You were convicted of the offense
  • You received deferred adjudication for anything above a Class C misdemeanor
  • The case is still within the statute of limitations
  • You are currently on probation or community supervision (other than Class C)

The best way to determine your eligibility is to consult with a qualified Houston criminal defense attorney.

Common Expunction Cases in Houston

At Ceja Law Firm, we frequently help Houston clients expunge arrests for charges that carry stigma or long-term consequences. If you were arrested for one of the following and your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you may be eligible for an expunction:

  • DWI – Even a first-time DWI can carry long-term consequences.
  • Theft – Arrests for shoplifting, burglary, or other theft offenses are common and often expungeable.
  • Prostitution – These charges carry stigma, even when dismissed or resolved favorably.
  • Domestic Violence – Even if your case was dismissed, a family violence arrest can seriously affect your future and should be expunged when eligible. 

Visit the links above to learn more about how expunction works for each type of case.

The Benefits of Expunction in Houston

Having your criminal record expunged offers more than legal relief—it offers peace of mind and a fresh start. Benefits include:

  • Increased job opportunities
  • Better housing prospects
  • Freedom to apply for professional licenses or certifications
  • Removal of public criminal records from background checks
  • Emotional relief and restored reputation

The Expunction Process

  1. Determine Eligibility – We review your record to confirm you qualify.
  2. Prepare Petition – We draft and file the petition in district court.
  3. Court Hearing – We represent you at the hearing if required.
  4. Order Issued – If granted, the judge signs the expunction order.
  5. Agency Compliance – Agencies are served and must destroy or return records.

The process can take several months, especially when multiple agencies are involved. But the result is permanent: a clean slate.

Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer on Your Side

Expunctions are highly technical and procedural. Mistakes in filing or missing statutory requirements can result in denial. As a former prosecutor and Board-Certified Criminal Defense attorney, Jose Ceja brings deep experience and strategic insight to every case.

We’ve successfully obtained expunctions for clients charged with DWI, theft, family violence, and other offenses throughout the Houston area. Whether your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, Ceja Law Firm can help.

FAQs About Expunction in Texas

How long does an expunction take? In the Houston area, most expunctions take 4–6 months depending on the court and agencies involved.

Can I expunge a DWI? Only if the case was dismissed or you were acquitted. Deferred adjudication for DWI is not eligible for expunction.

Can I deny the arrest after expunction? Yes. Once the court grants the order, you can legally deny the arrest occurred (with limited exceptions).

Is expunction the same as nondisclosure? No. Expunction destroys records. Nondisclosure seals records from the public but not from government agencies.

What does it cost to file for expunction? Filing fees vary by county. Contact us for a quote or flat-fee expunction services. In the Houston area, the filing fees for an expunction are typically about $300-400 (not including legal fees). 

Do I need a lawyer for an expunction in the Houston area? It’s not legally required, but strongly recommended. Even minor errors can delay or prevent your expunction.

Do I have to disclose an expunged case to immigration authorities?
Possibly. Even if your record has been expunged under Texas law, U.S. immigration authorities can still access the underlying arrest and court records. Immigration is governed by federal law, which does not recognize state expunctions in the same way. You are generally required to disclose all arrests, charges, and convictions—regardless of expunction—on immigration forms. Failing to do so can have serious consequences. Always speak with an immigration attorney before filing any immigration-related paperwork if you have a criminal record, even one that’s been expunged.

Contact a Houston Expunction Attorney Today

A criminal record shouldn’t hold you back. At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we help people across Houston clear their names and take back control of their lives. Contact us today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable, Board-Certified expunction attorney.