Austin Expunction & Record Clearing
You beat the case. The charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty. But every time someone runs a background check, the arrest is still there. Texas law gives you the right to make that record disappear — permanently. A former officer who knows how records are created also knows how to make sure they’re destroyed.
The Criminal Justice System Doesn’t Clean Up After Itself
When your Travis County case ends in dismissal or acquittal, the system doesn’t automatically erase the record. Your arrest stays in databases at APD, the Travis County Sheriff, DPS, and the FBI. Background check companies scrape court records and publish them online. Without affirmative action to clear your record, that arrest follows you through every job application, apartment search, and professional licensing review for the rest of your life.
Steve Bowling understands this problem intimately. As a former police officer, he created arrest records. He entered them into the system. He knows which databases hold your information, how long retention policies work, and what it takes to force agencies to destroy their files. That institutional knowledge — combined with a military veteran’s discipline for process and procedure — ensures your expunction petition is thorough, complete, and effective.
The Austin office handles expunctions and nondisclosure orders for Travis County cases, giving clients a genuine fresh start after the system is done with them.
After expunction, you can legally deny the arrest ever happened. On job applications, housing applications, professional licensing forms — the answer to “have you ever been arrested?” becomes “no.” That’s the power of a complete expunction under Texas law.
Your Two Paths to a Clean Record
Expunction (Complete Destruction)
Every agency — APD, Travis County, DPS, FBI — must destroy all records of the arrest. Court files, police reports, booking photos, fingerprints — all gone. You can legally deny the arrest occurred. Available for: dismissals, acquittals, no-bills, pardons, expired statute of limitations.
Nondisclosure (Record Sealing)
Records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to certain government agencies. Available for many deferred adjudication dispositions (with exceptions). Waiting periods vary: immediate for some misdemeanors, 2 years for others, 5 years for felonies. Not available for family violence, sex offenses, or certain other charges.
Why Record Clearing Matters in Austin
Austin’s Competitive Job Market
Austin’s tech sector, state government, and major employers all run background checks. An arrest record — even without a conviction — can cost you the job. Expunction removes the record entirely, so there’s nothing for the background check to find.
Housing in a Tight Market
Austin’s rental market is competitive enough without an arrest record counting against you. Landlords run criminal background checks as standard practice. A cleared record eliminates that barrier.
Professional Licensing
Real estate agents, nurses, teachers, engineers, and dozens of other licensed professions in Texas must disclose arrest history. Expunction means there’s nothing to disclose. Nondisclosure removes records from public databases but may still be visible to certain licensing boards.
An Officer Knows How Records Work
Steve Bowling created arrest records as a police officer. He knows the databases, the retention policies, and the institutional resistance to destroying files. When he files an expunction petition, it accounts for every agency that holds your information — because he knows which agencies those are from the inside.
Ready to Clear Your Travis County Record?
A dismissed case shouldn’t define your future. Call for a free consultation to find out if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for expunction in Travis County?
People whose cases were dismissed, who were acquitted, who were no-billed by a grand jury, who completed pretrial diversion, who were pardoned, or whose statute of limitations expired. Each situation has specific requirements that an attorney can evaluate.
What’s the difference between expunction and nondisclosure?
Expunction destroys all records completely — the arrest ceases to exist. Nondisclosure seals records from public view but allows certain government agencies access. Expunction is stronger; nondisclosure is available for some cases that don’t qualify for full expunction.
How long does the process take?
Typically 3 to 6 months in Travis County, from filing through final agency compliance. The timeline depends on court scheduling, agency responsiveness, and whether any agency contests the petition.
How much does expunction cost?
Fees vary based on the complexity of the case, the number of arrests involved, and whether contested hearings are required. Your initial consultation is free — call (512) 991-1111 to discuss your specific situation and get clear cost information before making any decisions.