A criminal record can follow you for years. It affects employment opportunities, housing applications, and educational pursuits. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Frisco, Texas, you may have options to clear your record. Additionally, you can pursue expungement or nondisclosure. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, our experienced Frisco expungement lawyers help clients remove or seal criminal records in Collin County and throughout North Texas.

Our founding attorney, Justin Wilson, brings valuable experience as a former prosecutor. He now dedicates his practice to criminal defense and record clearing. Furthermore, Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers recognized Justin for three consecutive years (2021-2023). Expertise also recognized him as one of the “Best DUI Lawyers in Frisco.” Justin understands both sides of the criminal justice system. This experience allows us to provide strategic guidance and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients seeking a fresh start.

Understanding Expungement and Nondisclosure in Texas

Texas law provides two primary methods for clearing criminal records: expungement and orders of nondisclosure. Understanding the difference between these options helps determine the right path forward for your situation.

Expungement, also known as expunction in Texas, completely removes all records related to your arrest and charges. When a record is expunged, it is as if the arrest never happened. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and prosecutors must destroy all physical and electronic records. This means the expunged record will not appear on any background check. Additionally, you can legally deny that the arrest or charge ever occurred.

Orders of nondisclosure, on the other hand, seal your criminal record from public view but do not destroy it. Most employers, landlords, and educational institutions cannot access sealed records. However, certain government agencies and licensing boards may still have access. Nondisclosure provides significant benefits but does not offer the complete fresh start that expungement provides.

The choice between expungement and nondisclosure depends on your specific circumstances. It also depends on the outcome of your case and your eligibility under Texas law. Our Frisco expungement attorneys conduct thorough eligibility reviews. We determine which option provides the greatest benefit for your situation.

Expungement Eligibility Requirements in Frisco

When You Can Get an Expungement

Texas law allows expungement in specific circumstances where you were not convicted of the charged offense. Under the current Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A (effective in 2025), you may be eligible for expungement if:

• Your charges were dismissed without conviction. This includes dismissals through pretrial diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements. This is one of the most common scenarios for expungement eligibility in Collin County.
• You were acquitted (found not guilty) at trial or through a directed verdict. Even if you went through the stress and expense of a trial, an acquittal makes you eligible. You can have all records of the arrest and charges expunged.
• You received a pardon from the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States. Pardons are rare but provide a clear path to expungement when granted.
• Your conviction was overturned on appeal and you were not retried. Alternatively, you were retried and acquitted. This situation requires careful legal analysis to ensure all requirements are met.
• You were a victim of identity theft and someone else was arrested using your identifying information. This situation requires documentation proving the identity theft. You must also prove that you were not the person actually arrested.

The key requirement for expungement is that you must not have been convicted of the offense. If you pleaded guilty, pleaded no contest, or were found guilty, you generally cannot obtain an expungement for that charge. However, you may be eligible for nondisclosure depending on your sentence.

Updated Waiting Periods for Expungement

Under the 2025 Texas law changes, specific waiting periods now apply before you can petition for expungement:

Class C Misdemeanors: 180 days from the date of arrest

Class A and Class B Misdemeanors: 1 year from the date of arrest

Felonies: 3 years from the date of arrest

Some cases may qualify for immediate expungement. These include acquittals, pardons, and successful completion of certain specialty court programs.

Orders of Nondisclosure for Frisco Residents

When expungement is not available, orders of nondisclosure may provide an alternative path to clearing your record. Nondisclosure is available for individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision without a final conviction.

Deferred adjudication allows you to plead guilty or no contest to a charge. However, the court defers finding you guilty and places you on community supervision (probation). If you successfully complete all terms of supervision, the court dismisses the charges without entering a conviction. This outcome makes you eligible for nondisclosure in many cases.

Corrected Waiting Periods for Nondisclosure

Waiting periods for nondisclosure petitions are based on the specific offense type, not the classification level:

Most Misdemeanors: You can petition immediately after completing deferred adjudication and being discharged from supervision.

Serious Misdemeanors: Offenses under specific Penal Code chapters (20, 21, 22, 25, 42, 43, 46) require a two-year waiting period after discharge from supervision.

State Jail Felonies and All Other Felonies: Five-year waiting period after discharge from supervision.

DWI Nondisclosure Eligibility

Recent changes to Texas law have expanded nondisclosure eligibility to include certain first-time DWI offenses. If you completed deferred adjudication for a first DWI and meet specific requirements, you may be eligible for nondisclosure:

Two-year waiting period if you completed supervision with an ignition interlock device

Five-year waiting period if no interlock was required

Additional requirements include no accident involvement and meeting specific BAC thresholds

Permanently Prohibited Offenses

Certain offenses are never eligible for nondisclosure, including:

• Family violence offenses as defined by Texas Family Code Section 71.004
• Sexual offenses involving children
• Any offense requiring sex offender registration under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
• Murder and capital murder
• Aggravated kidnapping
• Human trafficking offenses

Our attorneys review your complete criminal history to determine eligibility. We also identify any potential barriers to obtaining nondisclosure.

The Expungement Process in Collin County Courts

The expungement process in Collin County has been streamlined under the 2025 Texas law changes. New automatic expungement procedures exist for certain cases. Additionally, improved digital processing capabilities speed up the process.

The process begins with a comprehensive eligibility review and case evaluation. We examine your criminal history, court records, and the specific circumstances of your case. This helps us determine whether expungement or nondisclosure is appropriate. This initial assessment is important because filing the wrong type of petition can delay the process and increase costs.

Once we confirm eligibility, we prepare and file a petition for expungement with the appropriate district court in Collin County. The petition must include specific information about your case. This includes cause numbers, arrest dates, and the agencies involved. We also prepare an order for the court to sign directing all agencies to expunge their records.

After filing the petition, we serve notice on all relevant parties. This includes the district attorney’s office, law enforcement agencies, and any other entities that may have records related to your case. Under the 2025 law changes, agencies must now accept electronic transmission of notices. There is a $25 fee for agencies unable to receive electronic transmissions.

In most cases, the district attorney’s office will review the petition. They will either agree to the expungement or file an objection. When objections are filed, a hearing may be necessary to resolve disputed issues. Our attorneys are prepared to advocate for your interests at any hearing. We address concerns raised by prosecutors.

The timeline for completing an expungement has improved under the new 2025 procedures. Automatic expungements are available for certain qualifying cases. Additionally, faster digital processing exists for others. Traditional expungement cases typically take several months to complete. The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and the court’s schedule.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer for Your Expungement

Our firm brings valuable advantages to expungement and nondisclosure cases in Frisco and throughout Collin County. Justin Wilson’s background as a former prosecutor provides valuable insight into how district attorneys evaluate expungement petitions. He understands what factors influence their decisions.

This prosecutorial experience allows us to anticipate potential objections. We address them proactively in our petitions. We understand the concerns that prosecutors may have. Additionally, we can present compelling arguments for why expungement serves the interests of justice in your case.

Our track record of success includes numerous expungements and nondisclosures for clients facing a wide range of charges. We have successfully cleared records for clients charged with DWI, drug offenses, theft, assault, and many other crimes. Recent notable results include dismissals of serious felony charges. We have also achieved successful record clearing for clients seeking employment and educational opportunities.

Finally, our comprehensive approach includes not only the legal work necessary to obtain expungement or nondisclosure. We also provide guidance on how to handle background check questions and employment applications after your record is cleared. We help clients understand their rights and obligations following successful expungement or nondisclosure.

Benefits of Clearing Your Criminal Record in Frisco

Clearing your criminal record through expungement or nondisclosure provides numerous benefits. These can significantly improve your quality of life and future opportunities. Understanding these benefits helps illustrate why pursuing record clearing is often a worthwhile investment.

Employment opportunities may expand when you can pass background checks without criminal history appearing. Many employers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area conduct background checks as part of their hiring process. A criminal record can affect your consideration for employment. With a cleared record, you can compete more effectively with other candidates. Additionally, you can pursue career advancement without the burden of past mistakes.

Housing applications may become easier when you do not have to explain criminal charges to landlords and property management companies. Many rental properties may require background checks. Criminal history can result in application complications. A cleared record removes these potential barriers. It may also provide access to better housing options.

Educational pursuits, including college admissions and financial aid eligibility, may be affected by criminal history. Some educational institutions may consider criminal history in admissions decisions. Certain types of financial aid may be restricted for individuals with drug-related convictions. Clearing your record removes these potential obstacles to furthering your education.

Professional licensing opportunities may improve with a cleared record. Many professions require licensing through state agencies that conduct background checks. They may consider criminal history in licensing decisions. Healthcare, education, finance, and legal professions may be particularly sensitive to criminal history. Clearing your record can help with these career paths.

Important Note About Military Service: While expungement may support military waiver applications by demonstrating rehabilitation, it does not automatically restore military service eligibility. It also does not eliminate disclosure requirements. Military applicants must still disclose expunged records during the enlistment process. The military retains the ability to access expunged records. However, expungement can serve as evidence of rehabilitation. It may positively influence waiver decisions.

Contact Our Frisco Expungement Attorneys Today

If you have a criminal record that is affecting your life and opportunities, contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer today for a free consultation. Our experienced Frisco expungement lawyers will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the first step toward clearing your record.

During your consultation, we will review your criminal history, discuss your goals, and provide honest guidance about your eligibility for expungement or nondisclosure. We will explain the process, timeline, and costs involved. This helps you make an informed decision about moving forward.

Call us today at 214-949-4117 to schedule your free consultation. You can also visit our Frisco office at 5 Cowboys Way Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034, or our Dallas office at 14800 Quorum Drive, Suite 247, Dallas, TX 75254. We offer flexible scheduling and can accommodate evening and weekend appointments when necessary.

Do not let a criminal record continue to limit your opportunities. Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer today and take the first step toward clearing your record and securing your future. Our experienced team is ready to help you work through the expungement process. We will help you achieve the fresh start you deserve.