A resolved case can still leave a record.
Employment, licensing and background checks may raise questions long after a criminal case ends. Start with the actual records and outcome before assuming they can be removed.
Expunction and nondisclosure do different things
An expunction can remove qualifying arrest records under Texas law. An order of nondisclosure restricts public disclosure of qualifying criminal-history information, but authorized agencies may still have access. Nondisclosure is not the same as erasing every record.
Eligibility depends on the offense, disposition, dates, prior history and other statutory conditions. An acquittal, dismissal or completed supervision can raise different questions; none should be treated as a universal promise of relief.
Find out what the records actually say
The firm can discuss record searches and review what court or background records show. Gather the arrest county, case number, charge, court and final disposition. If a background report contains information you believe is wrong, keep a copy of the report and the court documents.
A dismissal does not necessarily update every record or remove an arrest from a private background database. The appropriate next step depends on the record, eligibility and any order already entered.
Prepare for an eligibility review
Bring the judgment or dismissal, any supervision order and discharge documents, arrest and case dates, and information about other cases. Tell the firm whether the issue involves employment, a professional license or another deadline.
If an order is obtained, keep certified copies and ask about its scope and implementation. Record-clearing work is separate from defending a pending charge.