EXPUNCTIONS & NONDISCLOSURES IN CONROE, TX
CLEARING YOUR RECORD? CALL 936-701-1010 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
An arrest can follow you long after the case is over. Even when charges were dropped, dismissed, or ended in a not-guilty verdict, the record can still appear on background checks run by employers, landlords, schools, and licensing agencies. Texas law offers two ways to address that problem: an expunction and an order of nondisclosure.
Attorney Nicole Rodriguez Czajkoski helps clients in Conroe, The Woodlands, Montgomery County, and the greater Houston / Harris County area find out whether they qualify for record relief and then pursue it carefully from start to finish. As a former prosecutor with more than 23 years of legal experience, Nicole understands how criminal records are created and where they end up, and she knows what it takes to get them cleared or sealed.
WHAT IS AN EXPUNCTION?
An expunction (often called an “expungement” in other states) is the most complete form of record relief in Texas. When a court grants an expunction under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the agencies holding records of that arrest, such as police departments, the county clerk, the district clerk, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, are ordered to destroy or return them. In most situations, you may then deny that the arrest occurred.
Expunctions are generally available for arrests that did not end in a final conviction. Common examples include:
- Charges that were never filed, or were dismissed
- Cases that ended in an acquittal (a not-guilty verdict)
- Certain completed pretrial diversion or intervention programs
- Convictions later overturned on appeal or pardoned
- Some Class C misdemeanors resolved through deferred disposition
WHAT IS AN ORDER OF NONDISCLOSURE?
An order of nondisclosure does not destroy your record. Instead, it seals it. Under Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code, a nondisclosure order bars courts and DPS from releasing the record to the general public, including most private background-check companies. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and certain licensing and government agencies can still see sealed records.
Nondisclosure is often an option for people who:
- Successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision
- Were convicted of certain first-time, lower-level misdemeanors and completed their sentence
- Have a qualifying first-offense DWI and meet the statutory requirements
Waiting periods apply in many cases, and some offenses (such as family violence, certain sex offenses, and other excluded charges) are not eligible.
EXPUNCTION VS. NONDISCLOSURE AT A GLANCE
- Expunction: Records are destroyed. Usually limited to cases with no conviction or deferred adjudication. In most cases you may deny the arrest.
- Nondisclosure: Records are sealed from the public but still visible to law enforcement and certain agencies. Often available after deferred adjudication or certain minor convictions.
WHO MAY QUALIFY?
Eligibility depends on how your case ended, the type of offense, your prior criminal history, whether you completed all terms of probation or supervision, and whether any required waiting period has passed. Two people with similar charges can get very different answers. That is why the first step is a careful review of your actual court and arrest records rather than an online checklist.
Please note: Every case is different. Whether you qualify for an expunction or nondisclosure depends on the specific facts of your case and current Texas law. The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
THE PROCESS
- Free consultation and record review. Nicole reviews your criminal history and case documents to determine which remedy, if any, fits your situation.
- Preparing the petition. The petition is drafted and filed in the proper court, whether that is in Montgomery County, Harris County, or another Texas county where the arrest or case occurred.
- Notice to agencies. Every agency that may hold your records must be identified and notified. Missing one can leave records behind.
- Hearing. The State may agree or object. If a hearing is required, Nicole presents your case to the judge.
- Order and follow-through. After the order is signed, it is distributed to the agencies involved so they can comply.
Timelines vary by county and by case, but many matters take several months from filing to final order.
WHY HIRE NICOLE?
Record-clearing petitions are technical, and small mistakes such as a wrong date, a missed agency, or a filing in the wrong court can lead to a denial or incomplete relief. Nicole brings:
- Experience. More than 23 years practicing law, including service as a former prosecutor.
- Local knowledge. Regular practice in Montgomery County courts, with service to clients throughout Conroe, The Woodlands, and the Houston area.
- Attention to detail. As a Certified Fraud Examiner, Nicole is trained to dig into records and documentation.
- Personal attention. You speak directly with Nicole, not a call center.
Don’t settle for the rest, hire the best!
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD A FRESH START
If an old arrest or case is holding you back, find out what options may be available. Contact The Law Office of Nicole Rodriguez Czajkoski today at 936-701-1010 or through our contact page to schedule a free and confidential consultation.