Expunctions Can Erase Records—but Google Works Differently. Here’s What Texas Law Actually Allows

One of the most common expectations people have after clearing their record is simple:

“Once my case is expunged, will it disappear from Google?”

The answer in Texas is more nuanced. While an expunction is one of the strongest legal remedies available to clear a criminal record, it does not automatically erase everything you see online—especially search engine results.

Here’s how expunctions interact with Google and other online platforms under Texas law.

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What an Expunction Does and Does Not Do

A Texas expunction orders government agencies and certain private entities to:
  • Destroy or return arrest and case records
  • Stop maintaining or releasing those records
  • Treat the arrest as if it never occurred
Once an expunction is final, you may legally deny the arrest in most situations.
However, expunctions are directed at entities that possess official records—not search engines that index publicly available information.
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Why Google Is Treated Differently


Google does not create criminal records. It indexes content that already exists on the internet, such as:


  • News articles
  • Court summaries
  • Public data websites
  • Archived web pages

Texas courts have ruled that a judge generally cannot order Google to remove search results unless Google was properly named and served in the expunction case—which almost never happens.


Courts have also raised serious due process and free speech concerns when expunction orders attempt to reach search engines.

What Happens After an Expunction Is Granted


Even though Google itself is not bound by most expunction orders, expunctions still matter—a lot.


Here’s why:


  • Government agencies must delete the source records
  • Background check companies are prohibited from reporting the case
  • Many third-party sites lose access to updated data
  • Over time, search results often become outdated or lead to dead ends

In practice, an expunction often reduces visibility—even if it doesn’t immediately erase every Google result.

When Online Results Can Still Appear


Some content may remain searchable, including:


  • Old news articles
  • Cached web pages
  • Private data broker listings
  • Posts you or others shared publicly

These are not “records” in the legal sense, even though they reference the arrest.

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Can You Remove Google Results After an Expunction?


While a Texas court usually can’t force Google to de-index content through an expunction alone, other options may exist, such as:


  • Requesting removal from data brokers
  • Submitting correction or removal requests to publishers
  • Using Google’s removal tools for outdated content
  • Enforcing expunction orders against entities that are violating Texas law

Each situation is fact-specific.

The Importance of a Properly Drafted Expunction Order



A well-prepared expunction order should:


  • Name all required agencies and entities
  • Be properly served on those parties
  • Require destruction or return of records
  • Comply strictly with Texas statutory requirements

Courts cannot expand expunctions beyond what the statute allows—but precise drafting improves real-world results.

Talk to a Texas Expunction Attorney


Expunctions are one of the most powerful tools for protecting your reputation—but they work best when expectations are realistic and enforcement is handled correctly.


If you’re concerned about online search results after an expunction, an attorney can explain what Texas law allows, what it doesn’t, and what additional steps may help.


Clearing your record is the first step. Keeping it clean takes strategy.

Contact Wyde & Associates today to discuss expunctions and post-expunction enforcement options.

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