Dallas County officials have announced the return of the Expunction Expo, a long-running initiative that has helped thousands of residents clear eligible criminal records and gain greater access to employment, housing and educational opportunities.
The 10th Annual Dallas County Expunction Expo will begin accepting applications July 8 and 9, offering qualifying individuals the opportunity to have certain criminal records permanently removed from public view under Texas law.
Since the program launched in 2017, Dallas County courts have approved 3,365 expunctions, according to the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office and the Dallas County District Clerk’s Office, which jointly oversee the event.
Applications will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, and close at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 9. Due to high demand, officials said not all applicants will be accepted. Eligibility is based on whether an applicant has a qualifying felony or misdemeanor arrest that meets Texas expunction requirements. Participants will then be selected through a random lottery process.
Applicants selected for the program will be notified by email or mail no later than Aug. 28.
“For 10 years, the Expunction Expo has helped thousands of people remove barriers that stood between them and a brighter future,” Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot said in a statement. “Our community is stronger when people who are legally entitled to clear their records can move forward.”
Dallas County District Clerk Felicia Pitre said the county remains committed to helping eligible residents move beyond past legal challenges and pursue new opportunities.
The program connects participants with volunteer attorneys who review cases, determine eligibility and assist with preparing and filing the necessary legal documents required for expunction.
Applications may be submitted online beginning July 8 or by phone during designated business hours. To assist residents who lack internet access, computers will be available at several community locations throughout southern Dallas, including Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Friendship-West Formula Human Services and the T.O.R.I. Community Office, a program of the T.D. Jakes Foundation.
Officials encourage applicants to have identifying information available, including their date of birth, Social Security number and current address. Any available case information, such as arrest dates, charges and case numbers, should also be provided during the application process.
The Expunction Expo is intended to help eligible individuals remove qualifying criminal records from public access, allowing them to pursue jobs, housing and educational opportunities without the burden of a past arrest or case that qualifies for expunction under state law.
Additional information about eligibility requirements and the application process is available through Dallas County officials.
