Free Expungement Help in Texas
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026 · Resource links checked: May 28, 2026
Texas has two different relief options — Expunction (complete destruction of the record, Chapter 55) and Order of Nondisclosure (sealing, Gov. Code § 411). They have different eligibility rules and very different costs. Many people assume they need the full Expunction when Nondisclosure would solve their problem at a fraction of the cost. A free intake call with one of the legal aid organizations below will help you figure out which track applies to your case before you spend a dollar.
Quick answer: free expungement help in Texas
In Texas, free expungement help may be available through nonprofit legal aid, local clinics, court fee waivers, and eligibility screening programs. Start with the verified organizations below, then confirm whether your court costs or filing fees can be waived.
⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
No general automatic sealing program. Limited automatic nondisclosure available for some first-time DWI cases under HB 3016 (2017).
How to get a fee waiver in Texas
File the Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (Sworn Statement) with your petition. This waives filing fees, which in Texas can range from $280 to $750 depending on county.
Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.
Who should start with free legal aid?
Start here if money is the barrier
Legal aid is usually the best first step if filing fees, attorney fees, or document costs would stop you from pursuing expungement or sealing. Most programs screen by income, household size, case type, and county.
Use clinics for screening
Expungement clinics are especially useful when you are not sure whether the record qualifies. Bring your case number and disposition so a clinic can tell you whether to file, wait, or use another remedy.
Use fee waivers for court costs
A fee waiver does not guarantee expungement, but it can remove the court filing cost. Ask the clerk or legal aid intake whether your state uses an indigency affidavit, in forma pauperis form, or fee waiver.
Use an attorney for complex records
If you have multiple counties, felonies, pending charges, immigration concerns, licensing issues, or a denied petition, ask legal aid whether you need full representation instead of brief advice.
Documents to gather before calling legal aid
- Government ID and current contact information.
- Case number, arrest date, charge, county, and court name.
- Certified disposition or docket sheet showing how the case ended.
- Proof that probation, parole, fines, fees, or restitution are complete, if applicable.
- Recent proof of income or public benefits if the organization screens by income.
- A short explanation of why you need the record cleared: work, housing, licensing, school, immigration, or family stability.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Texas
Every organization below is a nonprofit, government-affiliated, law-school, court, or bar-backed resource. Resource links were browser-checked on May 28, 2026, but clinic schedules and eligibility rules change. Always confirm details directly with the organization before relying on a date, income limit, or service area.
- Texas Legal Services Center
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Lone Star Legal Aid (Houston)
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth)
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (San Antonio, South/West TX)
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas (Austin)
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
Free expungement help by city in Texas
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including local legal aid offices, clinics, bar-backed programs, and reentry resources.
Houston / Harris County
Harris County is the largest county in Texas by case volume. Lone Star Legal Aid specifically lists expungement and nondisclosure as a priority practice area and runs intake through their online portal. Houston Volunteer Lawyers matches private attorneys with low-income clients for free legal help including expungement.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
Dallas / Fort Worth / Tarrant County
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas covers 114 counties in North and West Texas including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton. Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program runs expungement clinics through the Dallas Bar Association, typically on the second Saturday of the month at the Belo Mansion.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
San Antonio / Bexar County
TRLA covers 68 counties across South and West Texas. The St. Mary's law school runs a criminal record clearing clinic — call their clinic line to inquire about the next session. These law-school clinics are supervised by licensed attorneys and produce the same quality work as private counsel.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
Austin / Travis County
VLS of Central Texas serves Travis, Hays, Williamson, and Bastrop counties. TexasLawHelp.org has a free guided interview that generates your nondisclosure forms — useful for straightforward cases where you just need the paperwork filed correctly.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
Texas free expungement — frequently asked questions
Is a Texas expungement or nondisclosure better?
Expunction completely destroys the record — the arrest never happened for legal purposes. Nondisclosure seals it from public view but law enforcement can still see it. Expunction is better but has stricter eligibility. For dismissed charges, acquittals, or cases that were deferred, expunction is usually available. For convictions that were successfully completed, nondisclosure may be the only option.
Can I afford Texas expungement with a fee waiver?
The Statement of Inability to Afford waives the court filing fee (typically $280–$750 depending on county). Attorney fees are separate — legal aid covers this for qualifying incomes. If you make too much for legal aid but the case is straightforward, Texas Law Help has free self-help forms for nondisclosure petitions.
What counties have free expungement clinics in Texas?
Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), Bexar (San Antonio), and Travis (Austin) all have active free expungement programs through legal aid and law school clinics. Rural county residents typically work through TRLA or LANWT remotely.
What if you do not qualify for free help?
If legal aid cannot take your case, you may still have options: file on your own, request a fee waiver, wait for automatic Clean Slate sealing, or consult a licensed attorney for a paid eligibility review. ExpungeReady currently has Texas attorney listings you can compare.