Clear Your Record and Move Forward

Professional expungement and record sealing in Central Texas

A criminal record can affect job opportunities, housing applications, and background checks long after a case has been resolved. These records are becoming even more available and visible on-line. In Austin, San Antonio, or the surrounding Central Texas area, many employers and landlords routinely conduct background screenings and a past arrest or charge can create obstacles even years later. Understanding whether your record qualifies for removal or sealing under Texas law can be an important step toward moving forward.


Scot Courtney will personally review your records to determine eligibility for expunction or nondisclosure under current Texas statutes. This process includes evaluating the outcome of the case, identifying potential record-clearing options, and preparing the necessary petition to begin the legal process. The goal is to help restore access to employment, housing, and other opportunities that may have been limited by a past record.


If you are unsure whether your record can be cleared in  Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, or nearby communities, contact the Law Office of Scot Courtney to review your case and discuss your available options.

A collage of multiple black-and-white celebrity mugshots, arranged in a grid-like fashion against a white background.

What Happens During the Record Review Process

The process begins with a free consultation with Scot where he will discuss what records you feel need to be removed and he will then review your criminal history, the final disposition of your case, and the amount of time that has passed since completing a sentence or deferred adjudication. Texas law sets specific requirements for both expunction and nondisclosure, and not every case qualifies. Scot evaluates whether your case meets those statutory criteria and determines whether any factors could prevent the record from being cleared. Scot will then give you his legal opinion regarding what records may be expunged, as well as your options moving forward.


If you choose to seek an expunction, a Petition will be  drafted and filed with the appropriate court, all parties named will be served and Scot will represent you at the hearing. When an expunction is granted, the arrest and case records are removed from public databases. If a nondisclosure order is issued instead, the record is sealed from most employers, landlords, and public background checks, although certain licensing boards and government agencies may still have access. In many cases, this means background screenings will no longer display the record, and you may legally deny the arrest in most situations allowed by law.


The process can take several months from filing the petition to receiving a final court order, depending on court scheduling and the complexity of the case. Situations involving multiple charges or prior case outcomes will also be reviewed to determine which records may qualify for clearance and the most effective order in which to pursue them. Some offenses are not eligible for expunction or nondisclosure, and others require specific waiting periods before a petition can be filed.


A collage of multiple black-and-white celebrity mugshots, arranged in a grid-like fashion against a white background.
Many people in  Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, and the surrounding areas are unsure whether their case qualifies for expunction or what the difference is between expunction and nondisclosure. These are some of the most common questions The Law Office of Scot Courtney addresses during initial consultations.


You probably have a few questions about this

Expunction removes the arrest and case from your record entirely, while nondisclosure seals the record from public view but allows certain government agencies and licensing boards to see it. Expunction is only available for cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or meet other narrow criteria under Texas law.

What is the difference between expunction and nondisclosure?

The process usually takes between three and six months from the time the petition is filed, depending on the court's schedule and whether any objections are raised by the state. The Law Office of Scot Courtney handles all filings and court appearances during that time.

How long does it take to clear a record in Texas?

Cases that resulted in a conviction for most felonies and certain misdemeanors, including family violence offenses, cannot be expunged. You may still qualify for a nondisclosure order if you completed deferred adjudication and meet the waiting period requirements.

What types of cases cannot be expunged?

Waiting periods vary depending on the offense, ranging from immediate eligibility to five years after completing probation. The attorney reviews your case disposition and calculates the earliest date you can file based on the specific charge.

When can I apply for record sealing after deferred adjudication?

Most private employers and landlords will not see a sealed record during background checks. Certain government agencies, law enforcement, and professional licensing boards may still access it under Texas law.

Will employers still be able to see my record after it is sealed?

If you have been dealing with a criminal record that continues to affect your employment opportunities or housing options in  Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, Lockhart, Luling, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, or the surrounding areas, The Law Office of Scot Courtney can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process of clearing or sealing your record. Contact the firm to discuss your situation and learn what relief may be available under Texas law.