By Graham Norris

Most people treat expunctions like unicorns—they’ve heard they exist, but assume they’re so rare that ordinary folks will never encounter one. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While Fort Worth doesn’t publish annual “expunction statistics” like baseball standings, a look at what’s happening in nearby Dallas County reveals a surprising reality about how frequently Texans are successfully clearing their criminal records.

The numbers tell a story that might change how you think about second chances in North Texas. Far from being exceptional legal remedies reserved for the well-connected or fortunate few, expunctions have become a regular part of the legal landscape for people seeking fresh starts in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Expunction Numbers: What Dallas County Data Tells Us

While Tarrant County doesn’t publish comprehensive expunction statistics, neighboring Dallas County provides a revealing window into how common these legal remedies have become across North Texas. The available data suggests expunctions are far more frequent than most people realize.

Key insights from Dallas County data:

• Over 2,750 expunctions completed through the Dallas County District Attorney’s Expunction Expo program alone over an eight-year period through 2024
• Program-specific numbers represent only a fraction of total expunctions, as this figure excludes cases handled through regular court processes, private attorneys, and other pathways
• Regional similarity suggests Fort Worth and Tarrant County likely see comparable activity levels given similar demographics, crime patterns, and legal frameworks
• Annual averages of approximately 340+ expunctions per year through just one Dallas County program indicate robust ongoing activity
• Underrepresented totals mean actual expunction numbers across both counties are significantly higher when accounting for all legal channels and methods

What These Numbers Mean for Your Expunction Chances

Recognizing that expunctions are common provides helpful context, but translating regional statistics into personal expectations requires looking at what the data suggests about individual success rates and realistic timelines in the Fort Worth area.

Key insights for your specific situation:

• High success rates for eligible cases – Properly prepared expunction petitions with clear eligibility typically succeed in Tarrant County courts, though procedural errors or incomplete documentation can derail otherwise qualified cases
• Timeline expectations – Fort Worth area expunctions generally take 3-6 months from filing to completion, depending on court schedules, prosecutor response times, and the complexity of serving all required agencies
• Cost considerations – Total expenses typically range from $1,500-$3,500 including court fees, attorney fees, and service costs, with more complex cases involving multiple agencies potentially costing more
• Common denial reasons – Most rejections stem from eligibility issues rather than court discretion—pending cases, incomplete waiting periods, or convictions that don’t qualify account for the majority of unsuccessful petitions
• Case-type variations – Dismissed charges and acquittals have the strongest success rates, while cases involving multiple charges from the same incident or certain offense types may face additional scrutiny and longer processing times

Why Fort Worth Expunctions Are More Common Than People Think

The widespread misconception that expunctions are rare stems partly from their private nature—successful expunctions literally disappear from public records, making them invisible to casual observation. In reality, many Fort Worth area residents successfully clear their records each year.

Employment opportunities drive many expunction requests in the Fort Worth job market. With major employers like American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and numerous healthcare systems conducting background checks, having a clean record opens doors that might otherwise remain closed. The competitive job market makes record-clearing increasingly attractive to qualified candidates.

Housing applications represent another major motivation. Fort Worth’s growing rental market means landlords have their pick of tenants, and criminal history often becomes a deciding factor. Property managers routinely screen applicants, making expunctions valuable for securing desirable housing.

Personal peace of mind motivates many people to pursue expunctions simply to move past previous mistakes. The psychological burden of carrying a criminal record—wondering when it might surface at an inconvenient moment—drives people to seek the closure that only complete record destruction can provide.

The proactive requirement surprises many people who assume records automatically disappear after a certain time. Texas law requires individuals to file petitions and work through court processes to obtain expunctions. Records don’t simply “fall off” with age, meaning those who benefit from expunctions are people who took deliberate action.

The Reality of Seeking Expunctions in Tarrant County

Recognizing that expunctions are common helps demystify the process, but the practical reality of pursuing one requires working through specific local procedures and meeting precise legal requirements in Tarrant County courts.

Local Court Experience and Procedures

Tarrant County’s district courts handle hundreds of expunction petitions annually, making local judges and court staff familiar with these proceedings. This familiarity can work in petitioners’ favor, as courts grasp the process and requirements. However, it also means procedural errors or incomplete paperwork are quickly identified and can delay or derail cases. Local legal professionals who regularly practice in these courts recognize the preferences and expectations of specific judges, which can influence case strategy and timing.

Common Eligible Scenarios in Fort Worth

Certain types of cases appear frequently in Fort Worth expunction petitions. Dismissed charges following successful completion of pretrial diversion programs are common, particularly for first-time offenders. Cases dismissed due to insufficient evidence or prosecutorial discretion also regularly qualify. Arrests that never resulted in formal charges represent another frequent category, especially when individuals were detained during investigations but later cleared. Additionally, acquittals following trial create automatic expunction eligibility, though these represent a smaller percentage of total cases.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

The complexity of determining eligibility extends beyond simply knowing whether a case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal. Timing requirements, potential disqualifying factors, and procedural nuances can trap unwary petitioners. For example, cases involving multiple charges from the same incident may have different eligibility rules, and pending cases can disqualify otherwise eligible records. Professional evaluation helps identify these complications before filing, preventing wasted time and court fees on unsuccessful petitions.

Join the Thousands Who’ve Successfully Cleared Their Records

Now that you recognize how common expunctions are in the Fort Worth area, the question becomes whether you’re ready to join the growing number of people who’ve taken control of their futures by clearing their records. The data from Dallas County and the reality in Tarrant County courts show that expunctions aren’t rare legal miracles—they’re accessible remedies for those who qualify and take action.

Don’t let your case become another missed opportunity when professional guidance could make the difference between success and disappointment. The legal team at Norris Legal Group has handled over 3,600 cases and secured more than 400 dismissals, bringing the same meticulous attention to expunction cases that has earned them recognition for treating every client with dignity while delivering results.