Expungement Lawyer Lubbock
Nationally Recognized Trial AttorneysYour criminal record is following you everywhere – blocking jobs, housing, and opportunities. At Keith & Lorfing, we completely erase eligible criminal records under Texas law.
Our Lubbock expungement lawyer, Russell Lorfing, brings unique insight as a former federal prosecutor.
We handle everything from paperwork to court appearances, clearing your record so you can move forward.
If you’re facing criminal charges in West Texas, speak with our Lubbock criminal defense lawyer today and take the first step toward protecting your future.
What Is Expungement in Texas?
Expungement completely erases your arrest and criminal record as if it never happened. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A, you can legally deny that the arrest occurred after expungement.
After expungement, you can truthfully answer “no” to:
- Job applications
- Housing rental applications
- School admissions
- Professional licensing applications
- Background checks for volunteer work
Expungement destroys the record completely, while nondisclosure (record sealing) only hides it from public view. Government agencies can still access sealed records, but expunged records are completely eliminated from all databases.
Our team guides clients through these distinctions and determines which option best serves their specific situation and long-term goals.
💡 Expungement is not just hiding records—it legally erases them forever, creating opportunities that sealing or nondisclosure alone cannot provide.
Do You Qualify for Expungement in Lubbock?
Texas law allows expungement in specific circumstances where charges didn’t result in a conviction. The most common qualifying situations include dismissed charges, acquittals, and successful completion of certain programs.
You may qualify for expungement if:
- Charges were dismissed without deferred adjudication: The case was dropped and you didn’t receive probation or community service
- You were acquitted at trial: A judge or jury found you not guilty of all charges
- No charges were filed: You were arrested but never formally charged within the statute of limitations
- Pretrial diversion completion: You successfully finished a pretrial intervention program
- Identity theft victim: Someone used your identity to commit crimes
Important timing requirements apply. For dismissed felony charges, you must wait three years after dismissal before filing for expungement. The statute of limitations for the original offense must also expire. Misdemeanor dismissals typically have shorter waiting periods.
Any conviction that resulted in jail time or fines, deferred adjudication cases, cases with ongoing appeals, and multiple arrests from the same incident where one charge resulted in conviction.
Our attorneys analyze each case individually to determine qualification timing and develop the most effective strategy for record clearing.
Hypothetical Example: A Lubbock student had a misdemeanor theft charge dismissed, but still failed background checks. After expungement, the record was erased, and they could truthfully say they had no criminal history when applying for jobs and housing.
The Expungement Process in Lubbock County
📌 Each step—evaluation, petition filing, agency notification, and hearing—has strict legal requirements, and one mistake can delay or derail your case for years.
Filing for expungement involves multiple steps, strict deadlines, and detailed legal documentation. Our Lubbock expungement lawyers handle every aspect to ensure your petition meets all Texas requirements.
Our comprehensive process:
- Case Evaluation: We analyze your criminal history, court records, and case details to determine eligibility. This includes reviewing disposition dates, charge types, and any pending cases that could disqualify you.
- Document Collection: Our team gathers all necessary paperwork, including court records, police reports, and disposition documents. We obtain certified copies of relevant court orders and verify information with multiple agencies.
- Petition Filing: We prepare and file a comprehensive petition with the appropriate Lubbock County court, including all required information under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
- Agency Notification: Texas law requires notice to various agencies, including the district attorney’s office, law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Public Safety. We handle all service requirements.
- Court Representation: We represent you at the expungement hearing, presenting evidence and legal arguments to the judge. Once granted, we ensure proper distribution of the expungement order.
- Timeline and costs: Most expungements take 3-6 months from filing to completion. Filing fees range from $300-$600, while attorney fees typically cost $1,500-$3,500 based on case complexity and time required.
Our experienced team manages every deadline and procedural requirement, ensuring your case moves forward efficiently without costly delays or rejections.
Our team also represents clients outside Lubbock — contact our Abilene criminal defense lawyer to get experienced legal help in your area.
New 2025 Changes to Texas Expungement Law
Texas House Bill 4504, effective January 1, 2025, brings significant improvements to expungement procedures. These changes benefit Lubbock residents seeking to clear their records.
Key improvements include:
- Faster processing: Courts must process certain expungement orders within 30 days
- Automatic expungements: Some dismissals following program completion trigger automatic proceedings
- Expanded eligibility: Additional categories of arrests now qualify for clearing
- Reduced fees: Certain expungement types no longer require court filing fees
Enhanced protection for identity theft victims and streamlined procedures for veterans and mental health court participants.
Our team stays current on all legal developments to ensure clients receive maximum benefit from updated laws and new opportunities for record clearing.
Why Choose Keith & Lorfing for Expungement?
When your future depends on clearing your criminal record, you need lawyers who know both the law and local courts. Our West Texas legal team combines deep knowledge with proven courtroom experience.
What sets us apart in Lubbock:
- Unique Prosecutor Insight: Russell Lorfing served as a federal prosecutor in Lubbock, giving us perspective from both sides of the courtroom. We know which judges prefer detailed briefs versus concise arguments and which prosecutors stipulate to expungements.
- Proven Track Record: With over 500 jury trials and decades of criminal defense experience, we know what judges look for in expungement petitions and how to present compelling arguments for record clearing.
- Complete Service: We handle every detail from initial case review to final record destruction. You won’t need to appear in court, file paperwork, or coordinate with multiple agencies.
- Local Knowledge: Our West Texas roots run deep. We know Lubbock County court procedures, local prosecutors, and how to manage the system efficiently.
- Personal Attention: Every client becomes family at Keith & Lorfing. We provide honest pricing, clear communication, and keep you informed throughout the entire process.
We’ve successfully expunged records for teachers, nurses, commercial drivers, and countless professionals whose careers depend on clean backgrounds.
💼 With insider prosecutorial knowledge and local court experience, the firm can anticipate opposition arguments and streamline the expungement path effectively.
From dismissed drug charges to acquittals on serious felonies, we’ve handled every type of expungement case in Lubbock County.
Our firm corrects procedural errors and ensures your expungement is completed properly the first time, saving you months of delays and additional expenses.
Costs and Investment
Typical expungement costs in Lubbock:
- Court filing fees: $300-$600, depending on charge level
- Service costs: $100-$200 for certified mail and process serving
- Attorney fees: $1,500-$3,500 based on complexity
- Additional costs may include record retrieval and certified copies
Simple dismissed misdemeanors typically cost less than complex felony expungements. Multiple charges or cases involving several agencies require more extensive legal work.
Most clients find expungement costs minimal compared to lost employment opportunities. Many employers, landlords, and licensing boards automatically reject applicants with criminal records, regardless of the case outcome.
We provide detailed cost estimates during consultations and offer payment plans for qualified clients. Our transparent pricing reflects our West Texas values of honest dealing and fair treatment.
Your Fresh Start After Expungement
Successful expungement opens doors that criminal records keep closed. After clearing your record, you gain important rights and opportunities previously blocked by your criminal history.
What you can legally do:
- Deny the arrest occurred on job applications, rental forms, and most situations
- Pass background checks for employment, housing, and licensing
- Pursue professional licenses that were previously denied
- Apply for government benefits without criminal history disqualification
When testifying under oath in court proceedings, you must acknowledge expunged records if directly questioned. This rarely affects everyday life but remains a legal requirement.
Beyond legal benefits, expungement provides emotional relief. Many clients report feeling a weight lifted once records are cleared. The constant worry about background checks and explaining past mistakes finally ends.
💡 Beyond legal relief, expungement restores confidence, removes stigma, and allows clients to rebuild their lives without the constant shadow of past mistakes.
While expungement erases past arrests, future criminal activity will create new records. The fresh start comes with the responsibility to make positive choices moving forward.
Our team helps clients maximize their post-expungement opportunities and provides guidance on protecting their newly cleared records for the future.
Contact Keith & Lorfing Today
Don’t let your past limit your future. At Keith & Lorfing, we understand that everyone deserves a second chance. Our experienced Lubbock expungement lawyers are ready to help you clear your criminal record and move forward with confidence.
We’re here to guide you through every step of the expungement process. From determining eligibility to celebrating your fresh start, our team provides the expertise and personal attention you deserve.
Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward clearing your criminal record. Your new beginning starts with one phone call.
Call Keith & Lorfing at (325) 246-9410 or contact us online to discuss expunging your criminal record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does expungement cost in Lubbock, Texas?
Total expungement costs in Lubbock typically range from $2,100-$4,700, including court filing fees ($300-$600), service costs ($100-$200), and attorney fees ($1,500-$3,500). We provide transparent pricing estimates during your consultation with no hidden surprises.
Can I expunge an arrest that happened in Lubbock but was processed in another Texas county?
Yes, you can file your expungement petition in either Lubbock County where the arrest occurred or the county where charges were filed. Our team handles multi-county cases and determines the most efficient jurisdiction for your specific situation.
What's the difference between expungement and record sealing in Texas?
Expungement completely destroys your criminal record, while nondisclosure (sealing) only hides it from public view. Government agencies can still access sealed records, but expunged records are permanently eliminated from all databases, including law enforcement systems.
Will an expunged record show up on background checks in Lubbock?
No, expunged records won’t appear on any background checks for employment, housing, or licensing purposes. You can legally deny that the arrest occurred when asked about criminal history on applications or interviews.
How long do I have to wait before filing for expungement in Lubbock County?
Waiting periods vary by case type: acquittals are immediately eligible, dismissed misdemeanors often have no waiting period, and dismissed felonies require a three-year wait plus statute of limitations expiration. Our attorneys determine your exact timeline during case evaluation.
The Best
In the West
Our every action is driven by a deep-seated commitment to fighting for hardworking Texans. Each client we represent and every case we undertake reflects our dedication to ensuring fairness and justice.
Our roots run deep in West Texas. Many of our attorneys hail from modest backgrounds, with family histories steeped in professions like farming, mechanics, labor, firefighting, and military service. These humble beginnings instilled in us the value of hard work, a principle we uphold daily.
We consciously choose to stand with the everyday people rather than corporations or the elite. Our focus is on representing dedicated, family-oriented Texans who aspire to provide a better future for their children. This often means challenging big insurance companies that attempt to undercut rightful claims. 
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Russell Lorfing
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You’ll Be Informed About Your Case Every Step of the Way
You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
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We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.