Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | September 7, 2026 | Criminal Law
A Class C misdemeanor may be the lowest level criminal offense in Texas, but it can still show up on background checks and create problems when you are applying for jobs and housing. Many people assume that because the offense only carries a fine, it will eventually fall off their record on its own. That is not how it works in reality.
The good news, however, is that Texas law does allow expunction in a number of Class C misdemeanor situations; in some cases, the record can be wiped out entirely. Continue reading for an overview of how the process works.
When You Can Expunge a Class C Misdemeanor
Texas law provides several paths to expunction for a Class C misdemeanor. You may be eligible if:
- You went to trial and were found not guilty. There is no waiting period in this situation.
- You were arrested but never formally charged. If the arrest was for a Class C misdemeanor, you may qualify for expunction after at least 180 days have passed, provided no felony charge arose from the same transaction.
- You successfully completed deferred disposition, and the court dismissed the charge. This is one of the most common paths to expunction for Class C offenses.
The deferred disposition path is worth understanding in more detail. Class C misdemeanors hold a unique advantage under Texas law because completing a deferred disposition makes the record eligible for full expunction. That is different from Class A and Class B misdemeanors, where deferred adjudication only qualifies for a nondisclosure order, which seals the record rather than destroying it.
When Expunction Is Not an Option
Not every Class C misdemeanor can be expunged. If you were convicted of the offense, meaning you pled guilty or no contest and paid the fine, expunction is generally off the table. A conviction stays on your record even for a fine-only offense, and there is no automatic process that removes it over time.
If expunction is not available in your situation, a nondisclosure order may still be an option depending on the facts of your case. A nondisclosure order does not destroy the record, but it does seal it from public view. For instance, most employers and landlords would no longer be able to see it on a standard background check.
How Long Does a Class C Misdemeanor Expunction Take in Texas?
There is no single timeline for completing an expunction in Texas. The process generally involves filing a petition, providing notice to the appropriate agencies, and obtaining a court order. How long that takes can depend on the court, the circumstances of the case, and whether any issues arise during the proceedings.
Even after an expunction is granted, it may take additional time for government agencies and other entities to process the order and update their records.
Contact a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help Clearing Your Record
Leaving a Class C misdemeanor on your record when you have the right to remove it can cost you opportunities down the road. The expunction process involves filing a petition with the court and meeting specific legal requirements, so working with a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney who handles these cases is the most reliable way to ensure it’s done correctly.
Schedule an initial consultation with Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers today for more information. You may be able to move forward with a resolution that significantly improves your future freedom.
We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102
