Clear Your Record When the Law Allows It
West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC helps eligible individuals in Odessa & Midland, TX, seal criminal records through orders of nondisclosure so past charges no longer appear in public background checks.
West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC provides orders of nondisclosure for individuals in Odessa & Midland, TX, who completed deferred adjudication and now qualify to seal their criminal records from public view. You finished probation, met all the conditions the court set, and stayed out of trouble, but that record still shows up when employers or landlords run a background check. An order of nondisclosure legally restricts access to that case so most private entities cannot see it, even though law enforcement and certain licensing boards retain access under state law.
This process applies to specific deferred adjudication cases where you were not convicted but the record remains visible. Texas law sets strict eligibility requirements based on the type of offense, the length of time since discharge, and whether you have subsequent arrests. The firm reviews your case history, confirms eligibility under current statutes, prepares the petition with supporting documentation, files it in the court where the original case was heard, and represents you at the hearing if the judge requires one. Not every deferred case qualifies, and waiting periods vary depending on whether the offense was a misdemeanor or felony.
If you completed deferred adjudication and want to know whether your case qualifies for sealing, contact the firm to review your discharge paperwork and criminal history.
What Filing an Order of Nondisclosure Accomplishes
The petition must include certified copies of the judgment, proof of completion, and a sworn statement attesting that you meet all statutory criteria. The firm drafts the legal petition according to the requirements in the Texas Government Code, verifies that no disqualifying offenses appear on your record, and coordinates with the district clerk to ensure proper filing and service on the prosecuting attorney. The state has an opportunity to object, and in some cases the court schedules a hearing where the judge evaluates whether granting the order serves the interests of justice.
Once the judge signs the order, the court sends it to the Department of Public Safety and other agencies that maintain records. Within a few months, that case will no longer appear on most background checks run by employers, landlords, or private screening companies. You can legally deny the arrest or charge on most job and housing applications, though certain government positions and professional licenses still require disclosure. The record is not destroyed but restricted, meaning it remains accessible to law enforcement and specific regulatory bodies.
West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC also advises on whether additional offenses on your record might disqualify you or whether waiting longer increases your chances of approval. Some offenses require a mandatory waiting period after discharge, while others are permanently ineligible. The firm provides a clear assessment before filing so you understand what to expect.
Speak Directly with An Attorney and Get Clear Answers About Your Options and Next Steps.
Questions About Sealing Your Criminal Record
Here are answers to common questions about orders of nondisclosure and what the process involves in Odessa & Midland, TX.
What types of cases qualify for an order of nondisclosure?
Only cases resolved through deferred adjudication where you successfully completed probation and the offense is not on the statutory exclusion list, such as certain family violence or sexual offenses.
How long does it take for the record to be sealed after the judge signs the order?
The court transmits the order to state agencies, and most background check databases update within sixty to ninety days, though some private services take longer to reflect the change.
Why would a judge deny a petition even if I meet the eligibility requirements?
Judges retain discretion to deny the order if they find that sealing the record would not serve the best interest of justice, often based on the nature of the offense or your conduct since discharge.
What happens if I have more than one deferred adjudication case?
Each case must be evaluated separately, and having multiple cases can complicate eligibility, especially if one involves a disqualifying offense or you have not met all waiting periods.
When can I apply after completing deferred adjudication?
Waiting periods depend on the offense classification, ranging from immediate eligibility for certain misdemeanors to two or five years for specified felonies, as defined in the Texas Government Code.
West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC reviews your discharge documents and criminal history to determine whether your case qualifies and walks you through each requirement before filing the petition in the appropriate court. Schedule a consultation today.
Trusted by Clients Across West Texas
Real Feedback from Real People We’ve Helped
-
“I can't recommend Mr. Alhanna enough. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed, and fought hard for the best possible outcome.”- Brian F.
-
“Excellent experience from start to finish! From the first contact, the team demonstrated impeccable professionalism, responding quickly to my inquiries and offering customized solutions that exceeded my expectations.”- George C.
-
“Their legal expertise and strategic approach were evident from our very first meeting. The team was always accessible, communicative, and genuinely invested in my case.”- Ashley R.
-
“I’m truly grateful for him and his team. If you’re looking for a reliable, professional lawyer in El Paso, especially for a similar case, I highly recommend Mr. Alhanna!”- Elijah V.
-
“If you’re looking for a lawyer in El Paso who actually picks up the phone, gets things done, and treats you with respect — Al Hanna is the one.”- Irving M.
-
“As soon as he was retained he took over all communication and relieved so much stress. He followed through on getting the matter handled before any charges were brought and walked me through the entire process in a way that made sense.”- Brittany G.
-
“I highly recommend Alhanna! He was so easy to work with, moves fast, and gets the job done.”- Oscar D.
-
“Adam Setra is the lawyer you want for your criminal defense. He operates with a proactive approach. He kept me well informed on any case updates he recieved. I couldn't have picked a better lawyer.”- Former Client
-
“Love this firm, they are very professional and friendly but most importantly they really keep you updated in your case and actually pay attention on every detail.”- Elizabeth C.