Being burdened with a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge on your record in Fort Worth, TX, can hold you back long after your case has been resolved. Job opportunities, housing, professional licenses, and more can all be affected by a single DWI arrest. Expungement offers a path to a fresh start for defendants, but clearing your record isn’t automatic, and Texas laws about eligibility are complex and technical.
Working with Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers can ensure you get informed guidance on whether you qualify, the evidence needed, and how to navigate the situation in Fort Worth, Texas. Contact our firm today at (682) 777-3336 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth DWI expungement lawyer.
Why Hire Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers If You’re Arrested for a DWI in Fort Worth, TX?
When it comes to DWI and clearing your record, your future depends on the experience, dedication, and reputation of the attorney standing beside you. Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers will help you figure out your options and guide you every step of the way.
Advantages of choosing us for a DWI arrest expungement in Fort Worth, TX, include:
- Our attorneys have 60 years of combined legal experience
- Cody Cofer and Pam Boggess are both Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Hundreds of people successfully defended in Tarrant County and across Texas
- Insight into DWI expungements, non-disclosure, and Texas laws
We can help take the stress out of your DWI expungement case, working hard to fight for your rights and get you the second chance you deserve. Contact us today to speak with a Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer to learn more about DWI expungement and whether you qualify to apply for one.
Overview of DWI Expungement in Texas
Getting a DWI off your record in Texas isn’t easy, but understanding your options is the best first step. Whether you’re eligible for full expungement or record sealing depends on how your DWI case was handled, as well as your complete criminal history. Here’s what you need to know:
Expungement (Expunction)
This process wipes your record clean so that government agencies, even police and prosecutors, cannot access or see the arrest, case, or any prior links to the offense. After an expungement, you can typically answer “no” if asked about any convictions in future job applications or background checks.
Non-Disclosure (Sealing)
Non-disclosure doesn’t erase the record entirely; it seals it from public view and standard background checks, but some organizations (like law enforcement, certain state agencies, and professional licensing boards) retain limited access.
Can You Expunge a DWI in Texas?
Expunction typically does not apply if you were convicted or pleaded guilty, even if you received deferred adjudication.
However, expungement may be possible in the following circumstances:
- You were arrested but never charged
- The prosecution dropped or dismissed the charges
- A judge or jury acquitted you
- Your conviction was later overturned on appeal
- You were pardoned
- The charges were negotiated to a lesser offense that was later dismissed
If your case falls under one of these exceptions, you might be eligible for expunction, which effectively erases the record of your arrest and any associated legal proceedings. This can be crucial for employment, housing, and overall peace of mind.
Sealing (Order of Non-Disclosure) for First-Time DWI
Texas allows some people with a first offense, non-aggravated DWI, to seal their records by getting an Order of Non-Disclosure.
To qualify, you typically must:
- Have no prior convictions or deferred adjudications,
- Have finished all probation, jail terms, and paid every fine or fee,
- Not have caused an accident in the case, and
- Meet all waiting periods
The statutory waiting period is 2 years if you used an ignition interlock for at least 6 months or 5 years if no device was ordered.
However, you might not be able to seal your record if:
- You have multiple DWIs,
- Your blood alcohol was .15 or higher,
- The offense caused property damage
- The arrest has not reached the statutory waiting period
To learn more about whether you’re eligible for expunction or record sealing, reach out to our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys today.
The Expungement Process
Those hoping for expungement must file a petition under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02. You’ll need to provide comprehensive information on your arrest, the charges against you, and your personal data for the petition. After the expungement petition is filed, a hearing for a judge to review your legal eligibility can then be set. If expungement is granted, relevant agencies are ordered to destroy all associated records.
For clarity on eligibility, contact our knowledgeable Fort Worth DWI expungement attorneys. We can help you understand the nuances of these laws and guide you through the complex process of clearing your record.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Fort Worth DWI Expungement Attorneys Today
Don’t let a past mistake or an unfounded accusation ruin your future. A skilled attorney can help you take steps to clear your record if you’re eligible. The rules governing DWI expungement in Texas are limited and complex, so working with a legal professional is essential.
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges you face and are dedicated to guiding you through the intricate legal process. Let us help you reclaim your peace of mind and open doors to new opportunities.
Reach out today to schedule a confidential case evaluation with a Fort Worth DWI expungement lawyer.
