Expunction & Non-Disclosure Attorney in McKinney, TX

If you have a Texas arrest or criminal case on your record, you already know the problem: it comes up when you apply for a job, try to rent a home, purchase a firearm, apply for a professional license, or pursue an opportunity that requires a background check. Even when a case was dismissed, even when you were never convicted, the record can still follow you.|

Texas law provides ways to address certain criminal records through expunction and orders of non-disclosure. These remedies are technical, eligibility-driven, and easy to mishandle without careful review. If you want clear answers about whether you qualify, what the process looks like, and what it will cost, call me.

My name is Paul Key. I am a criminal defense attorney serving McKinney and the surrounding North Texas area, including Collin County and Dallas County. I have been practicing law since 1996. I served as an Army JAG and worked in the Collin County District Attorney’s Office before dedicating my private practice to criminal defense. I will speak with you in confidence about your situation and explain your options for clearing or limiting the visibility of your record.

What matters right now if you want to clear your record

The first step is determining eligibility and identifying the correct remedy. Expunction and non-disclosure are not interchangeable, and choosing the wrong one can waste time, cost money, and delay the result you want. Record-clearing depends on details, and small differences in how a case ended can make a major difference in eligibility.

Confirm eligibility and remedy

Expunction and non-disclosure are different.

Start with the facts

What happened, when it happened, and how the case ended matter.

Details drive results

Small differences can change eligibility.

Expunction vs. non-disclosure: what is the difference?

People often use the phrase “expunge my record” to describe any record-clearing option. In Texas, the law provides two primary tools, and they do different things.

Expunction

An expunction is designed to remove records of certain arrests or criminal cases from public view and, in many situations, from the agencies that hold the records. When a person qualifies, an expunction can be the most complete form of relief available.

Order of non-disclosure

A non-disclosure is designed to restrict public access to certain criminal records by sealing them from most background checks. It is not the same as an expunction, and it does not apply in every situation. It can, however, be a valuable remedy for people who do not qualify for expunction but still need meaningful relief.

The key is eligibility. The right solution depends on how the case ended and what your record shows.

Why eligibility is not a quick guess

Expunction and non-disclosure eligibility can depend on factors such as:

1. Whether you were convicted, placed on deferred adjudication, or had the case dismissed

2. Whether charges were filed and later dropped, or whether there was only an arrest

3. The category of offense involved

4. The timeline and the specific final disposition

5. Whether there are multiple arrests or cases that complicate the record

6. Whether waiting periods or other statutory requirements apply

This is not a situation where “it should be fine” is good enough. A record-clearing strategy should be based on documentation and a clear understanding of what Texas law allows.

If you want a clear answer about what can be done, call me and we will sort it out.

What I do for expunction and non-disclosure cases

My job is to evaluate eligibility, recommend the correct path, prepare and file the proper pleadings, and pursue the order in a way that is consistent with Texas procedure and local court requirements.

When I handle expunction or non-disclosure matters, I focus on:

●       Reviewing your record and the final disposition of the case

●       Identifying whether expunction, non-disclosure, or neither is available based on the facts

●       Explaining what relief would accomplish and what it would not accomplish

●       Preparing and filing the petition with the court

●       Ensuring the correct agencies are included so the order is enforceable

●       Guiding you through the hearing process if a hearing is required

●       Helping you understand what to expect after an order is granted

Record-clearing work should be done carefully. The goal is not to file quickly. The goal is to file correctly.

Common situations where people pursue expunction or non-disclosure

If you are reading this page, you likely have a specific concern: a job offer, a promotion, a lease, a licensing issue, or a personal reason you want your record addressed.

These are common situations I see:

An arrest that did not result in a conviction, but still shows up on background checks

A case that was dismissed, yet the record continues to cause problems

Deferred adjudication that was completed, and the person wants to limit public visibility

A decades-old case that still appears when applying for employment or housing

A professional license renewal that is being delayed by a criminal history record

A person who wants to move forward without being defined by an old mistake

If you want to know whether you qualify and what it would take to pursue relief, call me.

What record clearing can help with

While every situation is different, clearing or sealing an eligible record can help reduce barriers in areas such as:

Employment background checks

Housing and rental applications

Professional licensing and credentialing

Educational opportunities

Insurance and financial applications

General privacy and peace of mind

No attorney should promise that every background check will never show anything. Some records can remain visible to certain government agencies and in certain contexts. The goal is to pursue the most complete relief the law allows for your situation and to make sure you understand what the order accomplishes.

Why local experience matters in McKinney, Collin County, and Dallas County

Record-clearing work is done in court, under local filing practices and procedural expectations. Knowing how these matters are handled locally can reduce delays and improve efficiency.

I have practiced law since 1996, including service as an Army JAG and work in the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. My private practice has been dedicated to criminal defense, and much of my work is in Collin and Dallas Counties. If you are pursuing expunction or non-disclosure in or near McKinney, it helps to have a lawyer who is familiar with the local process.

Real Clients. Real Results.

"BAM, I WON MY CASE"

"Paul made me cry the moment he called me my case was dismissed. Happiness tears!!!! I'm so happy I got him to represent me. I went based off reviews from here when I searched him up. And he is so upfront and honest. I wasn't going to go to trial for my DWI case. But him telling me my case was winnable made me trust in his word, and BAM, I WON MY CASE. I will forever be grateful for your work."

Ana R.

"I Beat the DUI and Gun Charge"

"My life was on the verge of falling apart facing a DUI and a gun charge…I was referred to Paul through a good friend and he was worth every red cent. He knows his stuff, has great connections in the courts and knows the approach prosecution will most likely take. I beat the DUI and gun charge and I cant thank Paul enough. I am forever indebted to Paul.

Terrance F.

"Helped Relive A lot of Stress"

"Paul was so helpful and kind during the whole process! He helped relieve a lot of stress that I was facing and we ended up with the best case scenario. Can’t be more thankful to work with Paul."

John V.

"Responsive, Open, & Clear Expectations"

Paul is very responsive with his clients, is always open, and clear about expectations. He was key in helping me clear my record of all charges that I received in my youth.

Daniel M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to help you make a confident decision.

What happens when I call?

Most people want three things: eligibility clarity, a realistic timeline expectation, and an understanding of cost.

When you contact my office:

●  We will discuss your background check concern and the history of the case

●   I will explain whether expunction, non-disclosure, or another approach may apply

●   If we decide to move forward, I will explain my fee and what the representation covers

Call now for a confidential consultation or schedule a call on our booking form.

Can I expunge a case that was dismissed?

In some situations, yes, but eligibility depends on specific details and how the case was resolved. A dismissal is not always automatic eligibility. The only way to answer confidently is to review the disposition and timeline.

Is non-disclosure the same thing as expunction?

No. They are different remedies with different effects. An expunction is generally the most complete form of relief when it is available. Non-disclosure is designed to seal certain records from most public background checks.

How do I know if I qualify?

Eligibility depends on the case outcome, offense category, and other record details. If you call me, we can walk through your history and determine what applies.

How long does the process take?

It varies based on the facts, the court’s timeline, and whether a hearing is required. Once I understand your situation, I can give you a realistic expectation based on what applies.

Will this clear my record everywhere?

Relief depends on the type of order and the agencies involved. Some entities may retain access under Texas law. The goal is to obtain the most complete relief available and ensure the order is properly directed to the correct agencies.

How much does it cost?

Fees depend on the complexity of your record and what is required to pursue relief properly. After I understand your situation, I will explain the fee and what it covers.

Talk with a McKinney expunction and non-disclosure attorney

If you have an arrest or criminal case on your record and you want to know whether you can clear it or limit its visibility, you need an eligibility-based strategy and paperwork done correctly. This is not the kind of issue you want to guess on.

I have practiced law since 1996, served as an Army JAG, and worked in the Collin County District Attorney’s Office before dedicating my private practice to criminal defense. If you want a confidential, direct conversation about expunction or non-disclosure and what you qualify for, call me.

Call now for a confidential consultation or schedule a call through my website booking form.

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