On July 9, 2025, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) launched a month-long expunction clinic to help eligible individuals in Laredo clear or seal their criminal records. The clinic, which runs from July 1 to July 31, is part of TRLA’s ongoing commitment to providing access to justice for low-income residents. The free service offers individuals the opportunity to expunge certain criminal records, which can significantly improve their chances of finding employment and achieving personal stability.
The expunction clinic is open to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including those with arrests, charges, or convictions that are eligible for expunction under Texas law. Eligible records include those related to drug offenses, certain misdemeanor convictions, and juvenile records. For individuals who have successfully completed diversion programs or rehabilitative measures, this clinic offers a valuable opportunity to wipe the slate clean and begin anew.
Why Expunction Matters: The Impact on Individuals and Communities
The impact of clearing one’s criminal record can be life-changing. Individuals with criminal records often face significant barriers to finding employment, obtaining housing, and accessing various social services. Even minor offenses can hinder an individual’s ability to succeed in the job market, often resulting in a cycle of disadvantage.
Expunction, or the removal of records from public databases, provides individuals with a fresh start by preventing potential employers or landlords from seeing past offenses. For many, this is an essential step in breaking free from the stigma of a criminal record and achieving economic stability.
By offering this clinic, TRLA is helping residents in Laredo navigate the complex legal process of expunction, which can be difficult to undertake without legal assistance. The clinic’s team of attorneys and legal professionals work with clients to ensure they meet the necessary legal requirements and understand the expunction process.
Legal Assistance and Access to Justice
The expunction clinic is made possible through collaboration with local community partners, including judges, the district attorney’s office, and social justice advocates. In addition to offering legal services, the clinic also serves as an outreach initiative to raise awareness about the benefits of expunction and the rights of individuals seeking to clear their records.
For individuals interested in taking part in the clinic, TRLA has set up a phone line for appointments, and services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, the clinic provides free consultations to help individuals assess whether their records qualify for expunction under current Texas law.
By providing free legal services to Laredo’s low-income residents, TRLA continues its mission to ensure that all Texans have equal access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. The organization’s work empowers individuals to overcome legal obstacles and move forward with their lives, contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.
Expunction as a Pathway to Justice
The expunction clinic is part of a broader trend in Texas to address the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records. Expunction has long been seen as a way to help individuals reintegrate into society and secure a better future for themselves and their families. TRLA’s initiative is an important step in making these services accessible to all, providing individuals with the opportunity to reclaim their future.
