New Year, New Beginning: How to Clear or Protect Your Criminal Record in Texas
The start of a new year often feels like a fresh slate—new goals, new ambitions, and the hope for better opportunities. But for many Texans, an old criminal record can cast a long shadow over those new beginnings.
At Christian, Nisbet & Casillas, we understand that the past doesn't have to define your future. Whether you’re seeking expungement, record sealing, or simply clarity on your legal options, now is the time to take action. A better year—and a better future—can start with protecting your rights.
Clearing the Path Forward
In Texas, clearing or sealing your criminal record can make a real difference in your ability to find a job, rent a home, secure loans, or regain peace of mind. But not every charge qualifies, and the process can be complex without guidance.
Some of the most common options include:
Expungement: A complete erasure of your criminal record (available for certain dismissals, acquittals, or cases where charges were never filed).
Order of Nondisclosure: Seals your criminal history from public view, helping you pass background checks while still remaining visible to law enforcement and certain agencies.
Our attorneys can help you determine if you qualify—and what steps to take next.
Why Timing Matters
Expungement and record sealing often require strict eligibility windows. Delaying action can mean missing critical filing deadlines. Plus, as employers and background checks become increasingly digital, old mistakes surface faster and further than ever before.
Taking control now ensures that the new year truly represents a new chapter—not just another year weighed down by the past.
Protect Yourself Before Problems Arise
Even if your record cannot yet be cleared, there are ways to protect yourself:
Understand your rights: Know when you must disclose (and when you don't have to).
Correct errors: Background check mistakes are common—correcting them early matters.
Prepare for opportunities: If a nondisclosure order is possible in the future, positioning yourself now improves your chances later.
Christian, Nisbet & Casillas can walk you through every step—so you can act confidently, knowing you’re protected.
Don't Let the Past Hold You Back
Many people feel overwhelmed just thinking about the legal system. They assume it’s too late, too complicated, or too expensive to fix. The truth? You deserve answers. You deserve options. And you deserve a chance to move forward without being judged by yesterday’s mistakes.
Our team offers free consultations because we believe that good people sometimes need a second chance—and that second chances should start with clarity, not confusion.
Start Your Year with Strength
You can't change the past—but you can take charge of your future. Whether it’s wiping the slate clean or sealing it from view, the first step is simple: reach out.
At Christian, Nisbet & Casillas, we fight for fresh starts, restored reputations, and stronger futures. This year, don’t carry the weight of old records any longer. Let’s build your next chapter together.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation—and start the new year on your terms.
