Houston Expunction & Record Sealing Lawyer
A past arrest or charge doesn’t have to follow you forever. Sara Roque helps Houstonians clear their records through expunction and non-disclosure to open new doors.
Expunction
Complete erasure of arrest records, charges, and related files. Agencies must physically destroy records. You can legally deny the arrest ever happened.
Non-Disclosure
Seals records from public view — most employers can’t see them. Law enforcement retains access. Requires deferred adjudication completion.
College & employment
Background checks revealing old arrests can cost you opportunities. Sara clears your record so your past doesn’t define your future.
Housing applications
Landlords run background checks. An expunged record means that old charge won’t disqualify you from housing.
Professional licenses
Medical, legal, real estate, and other licenses require clean records. Sara helps professionals protect their careers.
Immigration & citizenship
Criminal records affect visa applications and citizenship. Sara coordinates with immigration counsel on record-clearing strategies.
EXPUNCTION VS. NON-DISCLOSURE
Which Record Relief Applies to You?
Expunction (Full Erasure)
Available when: charges were dismissed, you were acquitted at trial, your conviction was reversed on appeal, or you completed a first-time offender program. Records are destroyed entirely.
Non-Disclosure (Sealing)
Available after completing deferred adjudication for eligible offenses. Records are sealed from public but accessible to law enforcement and licensing agencies.
Not sure which applies?
Sara reviews your specific case — charge type, disposition, and timeline — and tells you exactly what relief is available and when you’re eligible.
THE PROCESS
How Record Clearing Works in Texas
- 1
Eligibility review
Sara reviews all charges, dispositions, and dates to confirm you qualify for expunction or non-disclosure.
- 2
File the petition
Sara prepares and files the petition in the appropriate court, listing all agencies that must destroy or seal records.
- 3
Court hearing
For expunctions, a judge holds a hearing. Sara presents your eligibility and argues for the order.
- 4
Order issued
Once the court issues the order, all listed agencies must comply — destroying (expunction) or sealing (non-disclosure) their records.
- 5
Verify compliance
Sara follows up with key agencies to confirm records have been properly handled.
No attorney fees until we win. If we don’t win, you pay nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a valid expunction, you can legally deny the arrest ever occurred on most applications. However, certain government positions and licenses may have different rules. Sara advises specifically for your situation.
Expunction orders apply to government agencies and law enforcement. Third-party websites (mugshot sites, background check services) are harder to control, though they must comply with valid court orders.
Typically 3-6 months in Harris County from petition filing to final order. Sara manages the entire process.
Only if the DWI charges were dismissed. A DWI conviction — even with deferred adjudication — cannot be expunged in Texas. Non-disclosure may be available in limited circumstances.
No. You must file a petition for expunction. The court must issue an order. Without active steps, records remain accessible to background check services.
Yes, if they were dismissed or you were acquitted. Felony convictions generally cannot be expunged. Sara reviews your specific felony charge and its disposition.
Expunction = records are physically destroyed by all agencies. Sealing (non-disclosure) = records are hidden from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement. Expunction provides stronger protection.
Sara offers free consultations and competitive flat fees for expunction and non-disclosure petitions. Court filing fees apply separately. Call Sara to discuss pricing for your specific situation.
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