Background checks in Texas don’t miss a thing. Old charges stick around and show up when you least expect it. Expungement is the only way to erase certain records for good, but not everyone gets that chance. The law is strict about who qualifies. Here’s what actually opens the door to a clean record in San Antonio:

• Arrests with no conviction or charges that got dismissed
• Some misdemeanor juvenile offenses
• Criminal charges ending in acquittal or a pardon
• Cases where the statute of limitations expired and no charges were filed
• Class C misdemeanors after finishing deferred adjudication

Plenty of people get tripped up by the details. A single mistake on the paperwork or a misunderstanding about eligibility can stall everything. The law doesn’t bend for confusion. When the rules don’t fit your situation, a conversation with an expungement attorney in Texas brings clarity. The right legal help cuts through the noise and gets you moving forward. If you want to know if you qualify, our team at The Law Offices of Gary Churak can review your case and help you understand your options.

Waiting Periods and the Real Difference Between Sealing and Expungement

Texas doesn’t hand out second chances overnight. The clock starts ticking the moment your case ends, but the wait can stretch for months or years. Felony arrests with no conviction? Expect to wait three years. Misdemeanors? Sometimes just 180 days, sometimes a year. Acquittals and pardons move faster. There is no waiting at all. Juvenile cases run on their own timelines, and every detail matters.

• Felony charges, no conviction: three years
• Misdemeanor charges, no conviction: 180 days to one year
• Acquittals and pardons: no wait
• Juvenile offenses: depends on the charge

Expungement and record sealing don’t do the same job. Expungement erases the record. It’s gone, like the arrest never happened. Record sealing, or an order of nondisclosure, hides the record from most public searches but doesn’t wipe it out. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards see different things depending on which option you use. The right move depends on your history and your goals. For a deeper look at the difference, see our expungements and record sealing resource.

Cases That Can Be Cleared or Sealed

Not every charge gets a second chance. Texas law spells out which cases qualify for expungement or record sealing. Here’s what actually makes the list:

• Arrests with no charges filed
• Cases dismissed without probation (except for certain serious crimes)
• Acquittals at trial
• Convictions that got pardoned
• Some juvenile offenses and certain alcohol-related charges for minors
• Class C misdemeanors with completed deferred adjudication

Felony convictions, violent crimes, sex offender registration — these don't get expunged. Texas law won't bend on that. If you're staring down a serious charge, you need to look at criminal defense options that actually match what you're facing. Got questions about your specific case? Our FAQ breaks down the most common expunction and record sealing questions in Texas. Clear answers matter, and our track record with Texas expungement law means we can walk you through what comes next.

Filing for Expungement or Record Sealing in Texas

Getting your record cleared in San Antonio isn't about wishing it away. The court wants precision. Your petition needs to be right — every line, every date, filed in the correct county. One mistake and the whole thing stops, or worse, gets denied. This isn't paperwork for the sake of paperwork. It's the line between walking away clean and carrying that mark forever. Our automatic expunction clarification article walks through how this actually works, no legal jargon.

Why Clearing Your Record Changes Everything in San Antonio

Old charges don’t just sit in a file. They show up when you apply for work, try to rent an apartment, or seek a professional license. Employers and landlords run background checks. A single arrest or dismissed charge can block opportunities for years. Expungement or record sealing removes that roadblock. Suddenly, you can answer “no” when asked about a criminal record. You get a real shot at jobs, housing, and a fresh start. For more on the benefits, our San Antonio expunction defense lawyer resource covers what a clean record can do. If you’re dealing with juvenile offenses, our juvenile probation guide explains your options.

Speak with Our Team About Expungement and Record Sealing in San Antonio

Ready to take the next step toward a clean slate? Call The Law Offices of Gary Churak at 210-545-3850 or contact us to get answers and start your expungement process today.