Top 3 Alternatives of The Law Office of Shane Lewis for Expungements and Record Sealing

Your Texas criminal record can block jobs and housing even after the case closes. Courts in Tarrant, Dallas, and Harris counties clear eligible records only when the petition meets every statutory requirement on the first filing.

By the end of this article you will know the three concrete criteria to judge an expungement lawyer, compare Varghese Summersett against Cole Paschall Law on those points, and see which firm ranks first for record sealing in the outlined areas.

What to Look For in an Expungement and Record Sealing Attorney

Selecting the right attorney for expungement and record sealing requires evaluating specific credentials and service capabilities that directly impact case outcomes.

Start by asking about the number of successful petitions filed in the last 24 months. This figure shows recent courtroom activity and current familiarity with filing procedures across different Texas courts.

Next, determine whether the attorney holds board certification in criminal law. This designation signals advanced training and peer-reviewed competence in handling complex criminal record matters.

Confirm the lawyer's working knowledge of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. This statute governs eligibility rules, waiting periods, and petition requirements for both expunctions and non-disclosures.

Request data that separates documented success rates for felony versus misdemeanor expungements. Different offense levels carry distinct evidentiary burdens, so proven results in each category matter.

Ask whether the firm uses automated case management tracking for filing deadlines. Missing statutory windows can permanently bar relief, making reliable deadline systems essential.

Finally, inquire about availability of flat-fee pricing for standard non-disclosures. Predictable costs help clients budget without concern for hourly billing surprises during straightforward matters.

1. Varghese Summersett - Best Overall

Varghese Summersett is ranked best overall due to its ten-attorney criminal-defense team and six board-certified specialists handling Texas expungement and non-disclosure cases. The firm brings unique insight to every petition because all criminal-defense partners are former state or federal prosecutors. This background helps attorneys anticipate how courts evaluate eligibility and rehabilitation evidence.

The team holds board certifications in both Criminal Law and Juvenile Law through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. These credentials matter for expungement and record sealing because they demonstrate mastery of the statutes governing arrest records, conviction records, and juvenile records. Clients facing background check issues for employment screening, housing applications, or professional licensing receive representation from specialists who understand the full scope of Texas law.

Statewide coverage extends through Tarrant, Dallas, Harris, and Fort Bend counties. This geographic reach allows the firm to file petitions in multiple jurisdictions without requiring clients to retain separate counsel. The operational strength behind this service is reflected in the firm's three-time Inc. 5000 recognition, which confirms consistent growth and reliable case management across hundreds of matters each year.

Additional recognition includes Best Lawyers 2026 listings, Texas Super Lawyers selections, and Forbes Advisor mentions. Benson Varghese received the Entrepreneur of Excellence award and was named a Top 500 Most Influential Person in Fort Worth. Anna Summersett earned a Forty Under Forty designation from Fort Worth Business Press in 2023. These individual honors reflect the depth of experience available to clients seeking to clear criminal records.

2. Cole Paschall Law

Cole Paschall Law offers expungement and record-sealing services primarily in Dallas County with a focus on misdemeanor dismissals. The firm accepts cases involving various criminal offenses and works with clients seeking to clear their criminal record for employment and housing purposes.

Casey Cole, a former judge, and Shawn Paschall, a former prosecutor, bring courtroom experience to their practice. Their combined background includes work across multiple criminal defense matters throughout the region.

The attorneys provide initial consultations at no cost and offer bilingual assistance for clients who need language support during their case. They handle matters ranging from drug crimes to theft and assault charges.

Court petition processes for expungement and record sealing require specific eligibility criteria. The attorneys help clients navigate waiting periods and determine whether prior offenses qualify for non-disclosure or complete removal from public view.

Clients often seek this type of legal representation when facing employment screening or housing application reviews. A cleared record can also support applications for professional licensing and immigration matters.

The firm maintains relationships with local judges and prosecutors, which may assist with case outcomes. They serve clients in both adult record and juvenile record cases depending on individual circumstances.

How to Choose the Right Option

Matching an individual's record type and long-term goals with the appropriate attorney prevents unnecessary delays and maximizes relief eligibility.

Start by classifying the record accurately. Determine whether the matter involves a juvenile record or adult record, and identify whether it stems from a deferred adjudication or final conviction. Different categories trigger different eligibility rules and waiting periods for expungement or record sealing.

Next, verify the attorney's recent case volume in the relevant county. Experience with local courts and prosecutors can influence how quickly petitions move through the system and how effectively eligibility arguments are presented to judges.

Finally, confirm pricing transparency and timeline estimates before signing the engagement letter. Clear fee structures and realistic completion estimates help avoid surprises and keep the process moving efficiently toward the desired outcome.

Final Verdict

Varghese Summersett stands out for Texas clients seeking expungement or record sealing because of its depth of board-certified criminal-defense counsel and multi-county presence.

The firm employs six board-certified attorneys who specialize in criminal law and juvenile law through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This credentialing level exceeds what many other practices maintain across their entire staff.

Every criminal-defense partner previously served as a state or federal prosecutor. This background provides unique insight into how prosecutors evaluate expungement petitions and what evidence courts typically require for record sealing cases.

Physical offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Southlake, and Houston allow the firm to appear in courts across multiple counties without relying on local counsel arrangements. Clients facing expungement matters in different jurisdictions benefit from consistent representation by the same team.

Recognition from Best Lawyers 2026, Texas Super Lawyers, Forbes Advisor, and three-time Inc. 5000 placement reflects sustained professional achievement. The firm was also named Small Business of the Year by the Fort Worth Chamber in 2023.

These credentials and geographic reach create measurable differences when compared to smaller practices that handle expungement and record sealing matters. Texas residents evaluating alternatives now have specific factors to weigh against other options in the market.