DWI Expungement Lawyer in Dallas

A DWI conviction can follow you for years, affecting employment opportunities, housing applications, professional licenses, and personal relationships. DWI expungement offers a legal pathway to remove your arrest or conviction from public records, giving you a fresh start.

Our DWI expungement lawyers in Dallas have handled numerous DWI expungement cases throughout Dallas and Fort Worth. My Dallas Criminal Lawyer has successfully expunged records for clients facing various DWI scenarios—from first-offense misdemeanors to felony DWI cases. We understand the nuances of DWI law and expungement eligibility. Visit our results page to see examples of cases we’ve handled.

Why Choose Our Dallas DWI Expungement Attorneys?

My Dallas Criminal Lawyer brings local expertise, proven results, and personalized representation to every DWI expungement case. We understand Dallas County courts, judges, and prosecutors. We know which judges favor expungement petitions and how individual prosecutors typically respond. This local knowledge accelerates your case and improves outcomes.

Our DWI expungement attorneys in Dallas approach each case individually. Your DWI circumstances are unique, and your expungement strategy should reflect that. We don’t use cookie-cutter approaches; we develop customized legal strategies based on your specific situation. Learn more about our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys.

We’re available when you need us. We offer free consultations and work around your schedule to discuss your DWI expungement options. Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer today at 214-949-4117 to schedule your free consultation.

What Is DWI Expungement and How Does It Help Your Future?

Expungement differs from nondisclosure. Expungement completely destroys your DWI record, as if the arrest never happened. Nondisclosure seals the record from public view but law enforcement and certain government agencies can still access it. For DWI cases, expungement provides the most comprehensive relief available under Texas law. According to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A, expungement is the preferred remedy when available.

When your DWI record is expunged, you can legally answer “no” when asked about arrests or convictions on job applications, housing forms, and professional licensing questionnaires. This opens doors that a DWI conviction would otherwise close. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards won’t see your DWI record during background checks.

Texas law recognizes that not all DWI arrests result in convictions. Dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain deferred adjudications qualify for expungement or nondisclosure. Our Dallas DWI expungement attorneys evaluate your specific case to determine your eligibility and the best legal strategy.

DWI Expungement Eligibility in Dallas

Your eligibility for DWI expungement depends on how your case concluded. Texas law provides clear pathways for certain DWI cases to be expunged.

• Dismissed or Dropped DWI Charges: If prosecutors dismissed your DWI charge due to lack of probable cause or actual innocence, or if the case was no-billed by a grand jury, you qualify for immediate expungement. You don’t need to wait—expungement can begin right away. Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A, automatic expungement is now available for dismissed charges.
• DWI Acquittals: If a jury found you not guilty at trial, your DWI record qualifies for expungement immediately. A not guilty verdict means you were acquitted, and expungement removes that record entirely. This is one of the fastest paths to clearing your record.
• Deferred Adjudication DWI: If you completed deferred adjudication for a DWI charge, you may qualify for nondisclosure (record sealing) after the waiting period expires. For misdemeanor DWI, the waiting period is typically two years from the date you successfully completed probation. For felony DWI, the waiting period extends to five years. Note: Deferred adjudication DWI cases typically qualify for nondisclosure rather than full expungement, which seals the record from public view while law enforcement and certain government agencies retain access.
• Waiting Periods by Offense Level: Texas law establishes different waiting periods based on the offense level. First-offense DWI (misdemeanor) requires a two-year waiting period after probation completion. Felony DWI cases require five years. Understanding these timelines helps you plan your expungement petition strategically. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains records that must be cleared as part of the expungement process.
• Fort Worth and Surrounding County Variations: While Texas expungement law applies statewide, individual courts in Fort Worth, Arlington, and surrounding counties may have specific procedures or preferences. Our attorneys understand local court practices and work effectively across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. If you’re in the Frisco area, we also handle DWI defense cases in Frisco.

Common DWI Scenarios That Qualify for Expungement

Many DWI cases qualify for expungement even when you might not realize it. Charges dismissed due to improper traffic stops, failed breathalyzer calibration, or insufficient evidence all qualify. Cases resolved through plea agreements where charges were reduced or dismissed also qualify. If you completed probation successfully under deferred adjudication, nondisclosure becomes available after the waiting period.

The DWI Expungement Process in Texas

Understanding the expungement process removes uncertainty and helps you prepare. Our Dallas DWI expungement attorneys handle each step, from initial evaluation through final record clearing.

• Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: We review your DWI case details, court records, and current situation. We determine your eligibility, explain your options, and discuss the timeline and costs involved. This consultation is free and confidential. Call 214-949-4117 to schedule yours today. Our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience with expungement cases.
• Filing the Expungement Petition: For cases that qualify for immediate expungement (dismissed charges and acquittals), Texas law now provides for automatic expungement under Chapter 55A of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, effective January 1, 2025. For other eligible cases, we prepare and file a petition for expungement with the appropriate Dallas County court. The petition includes relevant case information, legal arguments for expungement, and supporting documentation.
• Court Hearing and Judge Decision: In most cases, the judge grants expungement without requiring a hearing. However, if the prosecutor objects or the judge requests additional information, we represent you at the hearing and present arguments supporting expungement. Our experience with Dallas County courts ensures we understand local procedures.
• Timeline Expectations: Most DWI expungement cases in Dallas completes within three to six months from filing to final order. Some cases resolve faster if there’s no prosecutor opposition. Complex cases or those requiring hearings may take longer. Understanding the criminal defense timeline and process helps set realistic expectations.
• Post-Expungement Record Clearing: After the judge signs the expungement order, we work to ensure all government agencies—police departments, courts, prosecutors, and the Texas Department of Public Safety—receive notice and remove your DWI record from their systems. Private background check companies will update their databases when they refresh their data after official records are expunged.

Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Expungement

Take Action: Clear Your DWI Record Today

Your DWI doesn’t have to define your future. Expungement removes your record from public view, opening employment, housing, and professional opportunities. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can move forward.

Contact our Dallas DWI expungement attorneys today for a free consultation. My Dallas Criminal Lawyer’s lawyers can evaluate your case, explain your options, and discuss the next steps. Call 214-949-4117 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions about DWI expungement in Dallas and Fort Worth. See our results and testimonials pages to know more about how we can help you.