How do you seal a DWI charge in Texas? 

Attorney Trey Porter
Trey Porter

How do you seal a DWI charge in Texas? 

How do you seal a DWI charge in Texas? 

A DWI conviction in Texas can be sealed by filing a petition for an Order of Nondisclosure. There are a number of qualifying factors, however, if a judge grants an Order of Nondisclosure, the DWI charge will no longer appear on a person’s criminal history record, and government entities are restricted from disclosing information about the DWI charge to the public.

  • How long does a DWI stay on your record in Texas?Unless expunged or sealed, a DWI charge will remain on the record forever in Texas. The circumstances of the incident, a person’s criminal history, and the details of the disposition will dictate expunction or nondisclosure eligibility. Learn more.
  • Can you seal a Felony DUI in Texas?Felony convictions in Texas are not eligible for Orders of Nondisclosure. A felony DWI conviction in Texas is permanent. If you were charged with a felony DWI in Texas, and the case was dismissed, you may be eligible to delete the record through expunction. Learn more.
  • How do you get a sealed DWI in Texas?A first-time DWI conviction may be sealed in Texas through an Order of Nondisclosure if the charge was a true first offense, and the defendant successfully completed court-ordered community supervision or confinement.Disqualifying factors include: a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher, an accident involving another person (this includes a passenger), and being charged with a subsequent offense after the DWI probation or confinement ended.

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How do you get rid of a DWI in Texas? 

It is important to avoid a DWI conviction at all costs. If you already have a DWI on your record, you may be eligible to seal it through an Order of Nondisclosure, or delete it altogether through an expunction. The first step is determining eligibility. Start here.

  • What is the Texas DWI Second Chance Law?House Bill 3016, also known as the Texas DWI Second Chance Law, was enacted in June 2017. This legislation paved the way for first-time DWI offenders to seal their charges through an Order of Nondisclosure. The law is retroactive, meaning that older convictions that predate the laws passage are eligible.
  • What is a DWI pardon in Texas?A pardon is a rare form of clemency. People with a final conviction seeking DWI forgiveness in Texas may petition the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for a pardon. The Governor has the authority to grant clemency upon written recommendation of the Board. Clemency includes full pardons after conviction or successful completion of a term of deferred adjudication community supervision. Learn more.

Can a DWI be dismissed in Texas?

DWI charges are dismissed across Texas every day. When a DWI charge is dismissed the record of the incident remains. It is critical to take the extra step of deleting the record through an expunction. In instances where the DWI was not dismissed, the charge cannot be removed, but can be sealed in certain circumstances through an Order of Nondisclosure.

  • How do you remove a DWI from your record in Texas?A DWI expunction deletes the entire incident from the record. An expunction is a court order that requires all law enforcement agencies and government entities to delete and destroy existing records pertaining to the arrest, charge, and prosecution. Learn more.A DWI order of nondisclosure seals the incident. The order prevents government agencies from disclosing information about the incident to the general public.

TREY PORTER NAMED BEST LAWYER IN CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Trey Porter is a dynamic advocate, nationally recognized for his work in Criminal Defense. He has been voted by his peers as a best lawyer in the field of Criminal and DWI Defense every year since 2015. Recognized by SuperLawyers, Mr. Porter has also been distinguished as a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Porter holds a Superb rating from AVVO, where attorneys are rated based on skillful litigation, client satisfaction, peer endorsements, and positive results. Learn more.

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Attorney Trey Porter

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Trey Porter is one of the highest-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas. Nationally recognized, Mr. Porter relentlessly fights to protect and assert his clients’ constitutional rights in and out of courtrooms across the state.

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