The 3 Best Criminal Defense Attorneys for Expungements and Record Sealing in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth residents with old arrests or convictions often find those records blocking jobs, housing, and licensing long after the case ends. Clearing or sealing the record requires a Texas judge's order, multiple filings, and knowledge of which statutes apply to each charge.

By the end of this article you will know the three main criteria to weigh when comparing local attorneys, the specific services each listed firm offers for expungements and nondisclosures, and the practical steps needed to decide which office best matches your record and location in Fort Worth.

What to Look For in Expungement and Record Sealing Attorneys in Fort Worth

Selecting an expungement attorney in Fort Worth requires verifying specific expertise in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55 and the ability to handle both arrest and conviction records.

Start by confirming the firm regularly files petitions in Tarrant County district and county courts. This local experience helps navigate the specific procedures and preferences of the courts that handle most expungement matters in the area.

Next, verify the attorney can secure nondisclosure orders for deferred adjudication cases. These orders protect information from appearing on background checks while allowing the individual to move forward without the stigma of a public record.

Check the firm's documented success rate with Class A and Class B misdemeanors. A strong track record with these offenses indicates the attorney understands the eligibility requirements and can effectively present cases to judges and prosecutors.

Finally, ask whether the firm coordinates DPS and FBI record destruction after court orders are granted. Proper follow-through ensures that records are actually removed from state and federal databases rather than remaining accessible despite the court order.

1. Varghese Summersett - Best Overall

Varghese Summersett stands out for its dedicated criminal-defense team handling expungement and record sealing matters in Tarrant County.

The firm maintains offices across four Texas cities. Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists guide clients through state and federal expungement cases. Their experience covers both arrest records and conviction records across multiple jurisdictions.

Clients benefit from former prosecutors who understand how district courts and county courts evaluate eligibility. The firm focuses on clearing arrest records for both misdemeanors and felonies when statutory requirements are met.

Expungement and Record Sealing Services

The firm assists clients seeking expungement of eligible misdemeanors and felonies as well as nondisclosure orders after successful completion of deferred adjudication.

The process begins with an initial eligibility review under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55. Attorneys determine whether a client meets the waiting period and offense classification requirements for their specific case.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the firm prepares the petition for expungement and files it in the appropriate Tarrant County court. Representation continues through any required hearing where prosecutors may object to the request.

After the court grants an order of expungement, the firm coordinates record destruction with DPS and FBI. This ensures the client's background check reflects the cleared criminal history across state and federal databases.

Fort Worth Office Location and Contact

Clients can meet with the firm at its headquarters office in downtown Fort Worth.

The Fort Worth office is located at 300 Throckmorton Street, Suite 700, Fort Worth, TX 76102. The main phone number is 817-203-2220 and the fax line is 817-900-9129.

Additional locations serve clients throughout North Texas. The Dallas office sits at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, Dallas, TX 75201, while the Southlake office is at 3120 Sabre Drive, Suite 110, Southlake, TX 76092.

2. Cole Paschall Law

Cole Paschall Law is another Fort Worth firm that offers expungement and record sealing representation. The practice assists individuals seeking to clear arrest records and convictions through proper legal channels. Attorneys work with clients across Tarrant County courts to pursue relief under Texas law.

The firm handles petitions for expungement of arrest records and convictions. They also seek nondisclosure orders when clients qualify. Attorneys appear in Tarrant County courts to represent clients throughout the process.

Casey Cole and Shawn Paschall bring combined experience to criminal defense matters. The attorneys address cases involving various offenses in Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Their background includes prior judicial and prosecutorial service.

Expungement and Record Sealing Services

Cole Paschall Law assists clients in determining eligibility for expungement and filing the necessary petitions in the appropriate courts. The process begins with an eligibility analysis based on Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55. Staff review criminal history to identify qualifying arrest records and conviction records.

Next comes petition drafting tailored to the circumstances of each case. The firm prepares documents for filing in district court or county court as required. Court filing follows established procedures for the specific type of relief sought.

Hearing representation forms another key component of their services. Attorneys appear before judges to present arguments and address prosecutor objections. The firm also coordinates record updates with state agencies when orders are granted.

Record sealing through nondisclosure orders receives similar attention. The attorneys evaluate whether clients meet eligibility requirements for deferred adjudication or specific misdemeanor classifications. Proper coordination ensures DPS criminal history and FBI records reflect successful orders of expungement.

3. The Law Office of Shane Lewis

The Law Office of Shane Lewis provides expungement and record sealing services to individuals in Tarrant County. The firm assists clients seeking to clear eligible arrest records and conviction records from their background check results. Services extend across Fort Worth Texas and surrounding North Texas areas.

Clients benefit from representation by an attorney with prior prosecutorial experience in local courts. The practice covers cases involving misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile record matters. Initial consultations allow prospective clients to discuss their specific situations and potential options.

Record clearing efforts can help individuals move forward without certain criminal history entries appearing on background checks. The firm handles matters in both adult record and juvenile record contexts when eligibility requirements are satisfied.

Expungement and Record Sealing Services

The Law Office of Shane Lewis helps clients pursue expungement of eligible records and obtain nondisclosure orders when statutory requirements are met. Services begin with a review of criminal histories to assess eligibility under current Texas law. The process follows guidelines outlined in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.

Staff prepare petitions for expungement and file them appropriately in district court or county court. Cases may involve Class C misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor, Class A misdemeanor, or felony charges depending on the individual record. Waiting periods and deferred adjudication outcomes often factor into eligibility determinations.

Attorneys appear at hearings to address any prosecutor objection that may arise. Following a successful order of expungement, the firm assists with follow-up steps including communication with DPS criminal history and FBI record offices regarding destruction of records and return of records. The same steps apply when seeking nondisclosure orders for qualifying cases.

How to Choose the Right Option

Choosing the right expungement attorney involves matching your criminal record type and court location with a firm's demonstrated experience in Tarrant County.

Start by identifying whether your record involves an arrest, deferred adjudication, or final conviction. Each category carries different eligibility requirements under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.

Next, confirm the attorney files in the correct Tarrant County court. District courts, county courts, and criminal district courts all handle expungement petitions, and filing in the wrong venue delays results.

Verify that the firm handles both adult and juvenile records. Juvenile records follow separate rules and often require different court procedures than adult criminal records.

Ask about turnaround times for DPS and FBI record updates. After a court grants an order of expungement, the destruction of records or return of records must reach state and federal databases.

Compare written fee agreements that cover petition filing and hearing representation. Some attorneys charge separately for each stage of the expungement process.

Final Verdict

For individuals in Tarrant County seeking to clear criminal records, selecting a firm with Board Certified specialists and multiple Texas offices provides access to comprehensive expungement representation.

Board Certified Criminal Law and Juvenile Law specialists bring focused knowledge to every petition. These credentials help navigate eligibility requirements under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55 and address both juvenile record and adult record matters.

The firm operates four office locations throughout Texas and maintains a ten-attorney criminal defense team. This structure supports clients who need representation in district court, county court, or criminal district court proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.

Fort Worth headquarters contact details are as follows: 300 Throckmorton Street, Suite 700, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Prospective clients can call (817) 203-2220 to schedule a consultation about record sealing or expungement options.

Attorneys who previously served as state or federal prosecutors understand how the legal system evaluates petitions for expungement and nondisclosure orders. Their background helps anticipate prosecutor objections and prepare for hearings when necessary.