DWI Expungement Lawyer 

A DWI on your record can hold you back. Whether it’s related to a job application, a loan, or an apartment lease, that one conviction may keep resurfacing. But there’s good news: depending on your situation, you may have the opportunity to clear it. DWI expungement lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. White, we assist individuals in Abilene, San Angelo, and throughout West Texas in understanding their options for permanently removing a DWI from their record.

Why a DWI on Your Record Still Matters

You may have paid the fine, served the suspension, or completed probation years ago. However, the mark left behind doesn’t always fade. Employers, as do landlords, banks, and even volunteer organizations, frequently conduct background checks. A past DWI may present a misleading portrayal of who you are today. In West Texas, people value second chances. You’ve worked hard to move forward, wanting your record to reflect that makes sense.

What Expungement Truly Involves

When a record is expunged, it’s more than just hidden—it’s erased in the eyes of the law. It’s as if the charge was never there. This means it won’t appear on most background checks. You don’t need to mention it on job or housing applications. In many cases, even law enforcement will no longer have access to it. This is different from record sealing. With sealing, certain groups—like police or government agencies—may still see the record. Expungement goes further.

Who Can Remove a DWI From Their Record?

Not every case qualifies, but several situations may open the door for expungement in Texas:

• You were never charged after your arrest for DWI. The case was dismissed without a conviction.
• You were found not guilty at trial.
• You completed a deferred adjudication program for a different charge, which led to the DWI being dropped.
• You were a minor at the time of the offense and qualified for juvenile expungement.
• You received a pardon after your conviction.

For many, the most significant question is whether a past conviction can be erased. In Texas, most DWI convictions are not eligible for expungement. However, there are exceptions—mainly if the case did not conclude with a guilty verdict.

What If the DWI Occurred Years Ago?

Time helps. Texas law sometimes mandates a waiting period before filing for expungement, which depends on the outcome of your case. For instance:

• Arrest without charges filed: may require a few months to a year.
• Dismissed charges typically require at least 180 days, depending on the situation.
• A not guilty verdict allows for immediate eligibility in some instances.

Our team assists if you’re uncertain about how much time has passed or whether sufficient time has elapsed. Even if the DWI occurred a decade ago, it’s still worth checking.

The Consequences of Allowing It to Remain on Your Record

Some people think, “It’s old news. Why bother?” However, over the years, that single belief may lead to quietly accumulating problems:

• Job offers that never materialize due to a failed background check.
• Insurance premiums remain higher than necessary.
• Travel restrictions, particularly if you hope to visit Canada or other countries that screen for criminal records.
• Licensing issues for professionals, including nurses, teachers, and truck drivers.
• Social stigma that persists long after the sentence ends.

Removing the DWI gives you a clean slate. For many, it feels like finally closing a chapter.

Common Misunderstandings Regarding Expungement

Many myths exist about what’s possible. Let’s clarify some of them.

“I pled guilty, so I’m stuck with it.”
Not necessarily. The outcome depends more on how the case concluded than on the plea. Sometimes, deferred adjudication or a pardon may provide a way forward.

“The record is old, so it must have already been erased.”
Criminal records in Texas don’t disappear on their own. Unless you act, they remain visible.

“I didn’t receive jail time, so it shouldn’t matter.”
A DWI conviction leaves a mark even without a jail sentence. Background checks identify convictions regardless of the punishment.

“Expungement means no one will ever find out.”
For most people and employers, yes—it will be gone. However, court records may still exist in some limited databases. Still, the benefits to your everyday life are significant.

How the Law Offices of David M. White Helps

Every case begins with a straightforward review. We will examine the details of your arrest, charges, and outcome. Then, we will inform you—plain and straightforward—whether expungement is an option.

If you qualify, we prepare and file the petition in the appropriate county court—Abilene, San Angelo, or wherever the original case was managed. From there, we take care of the paperwork, deadlines, and hearings if necessary. You won’t have to speculate about the next step.

David M. White has assisted individuals throughout West Texas in clearing their names and moving forward. His firm understands how these courts function and how to present your case in the most favorable way possible.

What the Process Looks Like

Here’s how it typically goes:

• Review your records. We check the charges, court history, and timeline to determine if expungement is possible.
• Submit the petition. We will prepare and file your expungement request with the appropriate court if you qualify.
• Attend a hearing if necessary. Some judges may require a brief hearing. We will be present to manage it and speak on your behalf.
• Wait for the court’s decision. Once it is granted, agencies will start clearing your record.
• Receive confirmation. You will receive proof of the expungement to keep for your records.

Most people seldom need to appear in court or speak to the judge. We will inform you if anything additional arises.

Mistakes That Prevent People from Clearing Their Records

Some people wait too long—or give up too soon—due to misunderstandings or misleading advice. Here are a few common pitfalls:

• Filing in the wrong court. Each case must be filed in the county where the arrest or charge occurred.
• Leaving out agencies. Every department involved—such as DPS, the arresting police department, and the county clerk—must be listed in the order.
• Missing deadlines. Some records must be expunged within a specific time frame.
• Assuming they don’t qualify. The law evolves. What wasn’t possible five years ago may be worth checking again now.

That’s why collaborating with someone knowledgeable about how West Texas courts process expungement requests is beneficial.

DWI Expungement for Military Personnel and Veterans in West Texas

If you’ve served in the military or are currently enlisted, a past DWI arrest or charge might create issues that many civilians do not encounter. Security clearance renewals, promotions, and re-enlistment decisions frequently involve background checks. Even if your case was dismissed or you were never charged, that record may still appear.

Expungement aids in completely removing an arrest or charge from public view. For veterans transitioning into civilian careers or service members seeking new assignments, maintaining a clean record may prevent delays and spare them uncomfortable conversations with commanding officers. At the Law Offices of David M. White, we’ve assisted clients in and around Dyess Air Force Base and other areas of West Texas in resolving old DWIs properly.

How Expungement Benefits College Students and Young Adults

A DWI between the ages of 19 and 21 doesn’t have to follow you into your 30s. Many young adults make mistakes, especially during their college years. Even if charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, the arrest might still show up in background checks, which might hold you back from:

• Transferring to a different university
• Qualifying for scholarships or student aid
• Getting hired for an internship
• Renting your first apartment

We work with students from Angelo State, Hardin-Simmons, Abilene Christian, and other local colleges who are prepared to move on from past arrests. If your case qualifies, expungement allows you to clear your name early in life—before that record continues to resurface.

Expungement Looks Different Across West Texas Counties

Each county approaches DWI expungements slightly differently. For instance, Taylor County may not schedule a hearing unless there are eligibility concerns. In contrast, judges in Tom Green County may prefer to conduct a brief court session for each petition.

We file expungements throughout West Texas and understand how each court typically operates. Whether your case originated in Nolan County, Jones County, Runnels County, or elsewhere, we customize your petition to align with local expectations. This approach helps keep the process smoother and faster.

Third-Party Websites and Expungement

Even after your record is cleared through the court, some private websites may still display the old arrest. These sites collect public records and don’t always update them promptly.

The good news is that once your expungement is granted, you have the right to send takedown requests to those companies. In some cases, we help you draft the appropriate language or follow up with slow-acting sites. Clearing your record at the court level is step one while seeing that it disappears from the internet is step two.

How Expungement Affects Online Search Results

A previous DWI might appear on a background check and on Google. Old court dockets or mugshots may remain online after the case concludes, which poses a significant concern for business owners, job seekers, and anyone seeking to maintain their personal history’s privacy.

Once your expungement is complete, most online traces begin to fade. Websites that collect public data will no longer have anything to display. Over time, search engine results may even update or disappear entirely. Clearing your legal record also helps protect your online reputation.

How a Clean Record Opens New Doors

One of our clients in Abilene had a DWI arrest ten years ago. Although no charges were ever filed, the arrest still appeared on his record, raising questions every time he applied for a job. After we helped him clear the record, he finally secured a new position in his field.

Another client in San Angelo wanted to coach her daughter’s soccer team but did not pass the background check. After we filed for her expungement, which was approved, she was back on the field in no time.

These are not uncommon stories. People throughout West Texas carry old records that no longer represent their identities. Expungement allows them to move forward without that burden.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Act

Texas law permits expungement only in specific situations. If a waiting period applies, the clock may already be ticking. If you’re eligible now, acting sooner means your record doesn't hinder your progress.

The Law Offices of David M. White will guide you through the process. You won’t have to guess what to do next. Whether your case originated in Taylor County, Tom Green County, or another region of West Texas, we're here to support you.

Why Select the Law Offices of David M. White?

When you work with our firm, you’re not merely hiring someone to complete paperwork. You’re engaging with a team that knows how to advance matters efficiently without wasting time.

We provide clear and honest answers. We openly share your chances. If it’s not a good fit, we will explain why.

Quick turnaround. Once we obtain the necessary information, so your case moves forward immediately.

Local knowledge. Courts in Abilene and San Angelo have distinct styles. We understand the people, the process, and what to expect.

Clear pricing. There are no hidden fees. You’ll be informed of the cost before we begin.

Questions? Let’s Talk!

Still uncertain if expungement is possible in your situation? That’s what we’re here for. A single conversation with our team may give you a new direction.

Contact the Law Offices of David M. White to arrange a free case review. We will examine your record, provide honest answers, and assist you in deciding the next steps.

West Texans Deserve a Fresh Start

Your record shouldn’t define your future. If you’ve turned your life around since your DWI, you deserve the chance to leave that past behind. We help individuals like you every day from all walks of life—parents, students, business owners, and employees—who want to move that old mistake into the rearview mirror. Call now or submit your information online for a complimentary review.