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Texas Expunctions & “Criminal Episodes”

Mimi Coffey DWI Lawyer, Texas DWI, Texas Nondisclosure, Texas Expunction

Expunction

Getting an expunction in Texas is a way for people to legally eliminate information about their criminal records, including arrests. Obtaining an Expunction can be difficult. They become much more complex if you face multiple charges. To obtain an expunction, there are certain requirements that you must meet. However, you may be ineligible on a charge depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. If you are looking for an “expunction lawyer near me”, contact our office. We will discuss your eligibility for an expunction.

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01 deals with expunctions. Specifically, subsection (c) states, in essence, that a court may not expunge one charge if the person has a pending or past conviction for another offense from the same “criminal episode.” Section 3.01 of the Texas Penal Code defines a “criminal episode” as:

  • A commission of two or more offenses, regardless of whether the actor directs or inflicts the harm on more than one person or item of property, under the following circumstances:
    • the offenses are committed pursuant to [transactions] that are connected or constitute a common scheme or plan; or
    • the offenses are the repeated commission of the same or similar offenses.

Here is where the law gets more ridiculous. Look at the “same or similar offenses” language above. Courts interpret the “same or similar offenses” language as saying a second DWI is NOT eligible for expunction. According to those courts, a DWI 2 is a “similar” offense to a first-time DWI. So, even a “not guilty” is not enough.

In short:

  1. You cannot have the court expunge a dismissed charged if there is a “companion” case
  2. You cannot expunge a second-time offense because it is a “similar” offense.

More about Mimi Coffey

When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.

The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), Theft, and Possession charges.

Mimi is also listed on several “top” directory listings such as DWI Lawyers for Wise County, DWI Lawyer Tarrant CountyDWI attorney Dallas County, DWI attorneys Collin County and DWI attorneys Parker County. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in DFW, She is also involved in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using the skills she has developed to give back to the community.