ARREST RECORDS DON’T DISAPPEAR IN TEXAS Old Charges, New Problems
A lot of people walk out of court thinking their case is behind them. The charges may have been dropped, or maybe they were found not guilty. But weeks or even years later, they still face problems, like trouble finding housing, job denials, or awkward questions after a background check. That’s when the question hits: “Wait, why is this still showing up?” In Texas, the answer is surprisingly simple… and frustrating. A criminal record doesn’t just go away with time. Unless a judge orders your record sealed or expunged, it stays public forever. That includes arrests that didn’t result in a conviction. If you were booked, fingerprinted, or formally charged, that record exists and can be accessed by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies. Convictions stay on your record permanently unless you qualify for nondisclosure, and only certain misdemeanors or first-time convictions are eligible.
Some records can be wiped through expunction. For instance, if you were arrested but never charged, you might be eligible right away. Other times, there’s a waiting period. If your case was dropped, you usually have to wait until the statute of limitations passes. That could be two years for a misdemeanor and three or more for a felony. If you finished deferred adjudication, that’s a little different. In those cases, you might qualify for a nondisclosure order, which seals the record from public view. The timeline depends on the offense. Some nondisclosures can be filed right away, while others come with a waiting period; two years is common. But certain charges, like family violence or more serious offenses, don’t qualify at all. The big takeaway? Records don’t disappear with time. A criminal history will follow you unless you take legal steps to clear it. If you’re
unsure what’s still on your record or whether you qualify for removal, talk to a Texas defense attorney. We can review your case, check eligibility, and help you take the next step. One mistake doesn’t have to follow you forever, but you need to act. Give us a call to review your options.
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
Ingredients • 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese • 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
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