DWI Expunction Eligibility in Williamson County
In Texas, a DWI conviction cannot be expunged. But if your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, expunction under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Chapter 55 wipes the arrest and charge from public records entirely. Here is what qualifies — and what does not.
What DWI Outcomes Allow Expunction in Texas?
Texas expunction law (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Chapter 55) allows a person to have their arrest record, prosecution records, and related documents destroyed when specific outcomes occur:
Acquittal: If a jury finds you not guilty of the DWI charge — or the court grants a directed verdict of not guilty — you are eligible for expunction immediately.
Dismissal: If your DWI case is dismissed (with prejudice), you may be eligible for expunction after a waiting period equal to the statute of limitations (3 years for a Class B misdemeanor). Some dismissals qualify immediately if the prosecutor files a motion stating that you are not subject to prosecution.
No-billed by grand jury: If your case was presented to a grand jury that returned a no-bill (rare in misdemeanor DWI cases), expunction may be available.
What does NOT qualify:
• A DWI conviction — including a probated sentence — cannot be expunged. This is true even for first offenses where you completed all conditions of probation.
• Deferred adjudication for DWI (which is rare in Williamson County anyway) results in a discharge but is not expungible — it may qualify for a nondisclosure order instead.
- Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ch. 55 — Expunction — eligibility, procedure, and effect
- Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 55.01(a) — Expunction eligibility — acquittal, dismissal with prejudice
Nondisclosure — The Alternative When Expunction Is Not Available
For DWI cases that do not qualify for expunction — including deferred adjudication (to the extent it is available) — an Order of Nondisclosure under Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 411 may be available in limited circumstances.
A nondisclosure does not destroy records; it prohibits most public entities from disclosing the record and allows the person to deny the arrest and prosecution in most contexts. It is not available for DWI convictions under current Texas law as of 2026 — but it may apply to some DWI-adjacent outcomes.
For Williamson County defendants whose cases are dismissed as part of a deferred agreement or alternative program, Texas Defense Team evaluates nondisclosure eligibility case by case.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I completed DWI probation in Williamson County, can I get an expunction?+
No. Completing probation means you were convicted of DWI. A DWI conviction in Texas cannot be expunged, regardless of how long ago it occurred or whether probation was completed successfully. This is one of the most important reasons to fight a DWI charge rather than accepting a conviction.
How long does expunction take in Williamson County?+
After filing the expunction petition in the appropriate court (the court that handled the criminal case), a hearing is set — typically 30 to 60 days after filing. If granted, the order requires all agencies to destroy or return their records within a set period. Total process: approximately 3 to 6 months from filing to completion.
What can I say on job applications after a DWI expunction in Texas?+
After a successful expunction, you may legally deny that the arrest or charge ever occurred in most contexts — including on most private employer job applications. Certain government agencies and licensing bodies may still be entitled to the information depending on state law. A DWI expunction fully restores your right to deny the arrest except in those narrow contexts.