# Criminal Record Help Resources - Texas ## National Resources - **National Expungement Works (NEW)** - **Website:** [https://www.nationalexpungementweek.org](https://www.nationalexpungementweek.org/) - **Description:** Provides free legal aid events and workshops to help with record expungement and sealing, held annually across the U.S. - **Legal Aid Hotline (LawHelp.org)** - **Phone:** 1-800-733-8394 - **Website:** [https://www.lawhelp.org](https://www.lawhelp.org/) - **Description:** Connects individuals to free or low-cost legal assistance based on location and needs. ## Statewide Criminal Record Help Services - **Texas Fair Defense Project (TFDP)** - **Phone:** 512-637-5220 - **Website:** [https://www.fairdefense.org](https://www.fairdefense.org/) - **Services Provided:** Legal aid for expungements, sealing criminal records, and addressing fines or warrants. - **Texas Advocacy Project** - **Phone:** 1-800-374-4673 - **Website:** [https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org](https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/) - **Services Provided:** Legal guidance for individuals seeking expungement or other criminal record-related assistance. ## Regional Criminal Record Help Services ### Dallas/Fort Worth Area - **Legal Aid of Northwest Texas** - **Phone:** 1-888-529-5277 - **Website:** [https://www.lanwt.org](https://www.lanwt.org/) - **Office Location:** 1515 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201 - **Specialized Services:** Record sealing workshops, free legal aid clinics, and reentry support. ### Houston Area - **Houston Volunteer Lawyers** - **Phone:** 713-228-0735 - **Website:** [https://www.makejusticehappen.org](https://www.makejusticehappen.org/) - **Office Location:** 1111 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 - **Specialized Services:** Assistance with expungements and legal counseling for individuals with criminal records. ### Austin Area - **Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)** - **Phone:** 1-888-988-9996 - **Website:** [https://www.trla.org](https://www.trla.org/) - **Office Location:** 4920 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78751 - **Specialized Services:** Record sealing assistance, reentry guidance, and job placement referrals. ## How to Start the Process 1. **Eligibility Check:** Use the [Texas Expungement Eligibility Tool](https://www.texaslawhelp.org/tool/expunctions-sealing-criminal-records) to determine if you qualify for expungement or record sealing. 2. **Required Documents:** Collect court records, a government-issued ID, and any paperwork related to your conviction or dismissal. 3. **Where to File:** File petitions with the district court in the county where the case occurred. Check local court websites for specific instructions. ## Online Legal Aid & Support - **TexasLawHelp.org** - **Website:** [https://www.texaslawhelp.org](https://www.texaslawhelp.org/) - **Features:** Self-help tools, document preparation guides, and live chat with legal experts. ## Additional Resources - **Workforce Solutions Reentry Program** - **Phone:** 1-888-469-5627 - **Website:** [https://www.wrksolutions.com](https://www.wrksolutions.com/) - **Services Provided:** Employment support, training, and assistance for individuals with criminal records. --- _Updated as of January 3, 2025. For updates or corrections, please contact Texas Fair Defense Project at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])._