Can a DWI be expunged in Texas?
A DWI conviction cannot be expunged in Texas. However, a DWI charge that did not result in a final conviction can be expunged in some circumstances. DWI charges that can’t be expunged may be eligible to be sealed under Texas’s DWI Second Chance Law. Learn more.
- How long does a DWI stay on your record in Texas?A DWI conviction is permanent. There is a common misconception that criminal convictions “fall off” of a person’s record after seven years. Criminal convictions, for DWI or any other charge, remain in government records forever.
- Can you expunge a DWI charge in Texas?A DWI charge that was dismissed before trial and without probation or a final conviction is eligible for an expunction once the statute of limitations has passed. Learn more.
- How long does it take to get your record expunged in Texas?It takes about 6 months to expunge a DWI, or any other eligible charge, in Texas.
How much does it cost to expunge a DWI in Texas?
Total price can vary, but an expunction typically costs a few thousand dollars. There are also filing fees and other court fees associated with expunctions. Conversely, an expunction is free if filed promptly after obtaining an acquittal at trial.
- How much is a DWI surcharge in Texas?There are no longer DWI surcharges in Texas. In 2019 the Texas Legislature repealed the Driver Responsibility Program. Learn more.
- Can I expunge my DWI record myself?It is legally possible in Texas for a person to draft and file an expunction, attend a hearing, and obtain a signed order from a judge. There are also businesses that offer easy expunctions to people.The safest and best way to ensure an expunction is properly drafted, filed, and obtained is to retain an experienced lawyer. Learn more.
How do you get a DUI off your record in Texas?
A DUI can be expunged and deleted if it was ultimately dismissed. The terms DUI and DWI are used interchangeably in Texas, but they are actually totally different offenses. DUI is only for minors under 21. DWI is for everyone else. Minors can be charged with DWI. Adults cannot be charged with DUI. Learn more.
- If a DUI is dismissed is it on your record?All charges remain on your record unless they are sealed or expunged. All DUI charges that were dismissed are eligible for expunction. Learn more.
- How long do you have to wait to expunge a DUI in Texas?The waiting period for expunging a DUI in Texas is 6 months. It is important to note that DUI and DWI are different, and the waiting period to expunge a DWI will vary depending on the reason for the dismissal and statute of limitations.
- How long after a dismissal can you get a DUI expunged?Once you become eligible to expunge a criminal offense, you are eligible forever. There is no window of time for expungement.
What crimes can be expunged in Texas?
All criminal charges can be expunged in Texas if dismissed without probation once the statute of limitations has run. Charges dismissed after completing Deferred Adjudication are likely eligible to be sealed through an order of nondisclosure.
- Can Obstruction of Highway be expunged?Obstruction of Highway charges are not eligible for expunction in most cases. Obstruction of Highway is sometimes offered to first-time DWI offenders — especially in Bexar County, Texas. More often than not, a person will enter a plea to Obstruction of Highway and make an application for Deferred Adjudication. After successful completion of probation the charge is dismissed. In these situations, a person is only eligible for an order of nondisclosure. If granted, the order will effectively seal the record.
Expungement in Texas
Expunctions are powerful court orders that direct all government entities to delete and destroy all records of an arrest and subsequent prosecution.
- What happens after an arrest?In Texas, every arrest results in a record being created. So, even if a charge is eventually dismissed, the charge remains on the record and must be expunged in order to be removed.
- Can DWI be expunged after Deferred Adjudication?The Texas Legislature passed a law in 2019 that allows first-time DWI offenders to apply for Deferred Adjudication in limited circumstances. Deferred Adjudication may be the best outcome in certain DWI cases, but this outcome prevents individuals from becoming expunction eligible. Learn more.
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He was prompt, professional and poised. I was charged with DWI, and Mr Porter got the charge dismissed. I could not be more pleased or thankful. If you get a DWI, hire the best — hire Trey Porter.
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15
Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+
Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest. State eventually dismissed DWI charge. Client received no criminal conviction.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DWI 2nd
Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.
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