How Assault Convictions Affect Your Record and Background Checks

A man reviewing a background check on his laptop at home, showing concern about how an assault conviction might impact his employment or housing opportunities—representing the need to speak with a lawyer near you.

How Assault Convictions Affect Your Record and Background Checks

If you’ve been charged—or convicted—of assault in Texas, one of your biggest concerns is likely: How will this affect my record? And more importantly, Who will be able to see it?

Whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, an assault conviction can have long-term consequences beyond court fines or jail time. It can show up in background checks for jobs, housing, professional licenses, and more. And in many cases, even dismissed cases or completed probation can remain visible unless formally sealed or expunged.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

  • How assault charges and convictions appear on your criminal record

  • The difference between arrest, charge, and conviction

  • What employers, landlords, and licensing boards see on background checks

  • Which records can be sealed or expunged in Texas—and which can’t

  • Why hiring a lawyer near you can protect more than just your courtroom outcome

Let’s get into it.

Your Criminal Record: What Does It Include?

In Texas, your criminal record is made up of several components:

  1. Arrest records

  2. Charges filed by the District Attorney

  3. Court case outcomes (dismissal, plea, conviction, etc.)

  4. Sentencing and probation terms

  5. Protective orders or family violence findings

Even if your case is ultimately dismissed or resolved through deferred adjudication, the arrest and court records still exist—and may be visible to others unless action is taken to seal or expunge them.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Assault: Record Impact

Class C Misdemeanor Assault

(Threat or offensive contact)

  • Can appear on background checks

  • Expungement may be possible if the case is dismissed or you complete deferred disposition

  • Convictions stay on your record

Class A Misdemeanor Assault

(Minor bodily injury)

  • Creates a permanent criminal record if convicted

  • If you received deferred adjudication, sealing may be possible unless the offense involved family violence

  • If the court finds “family violence” occurred, the record cannot be sealed or expunged—even with deferred adjudication

Felony Assault (3rd, 2nd, or 1st Degree)

  • Always results in a permanent criminal record if convicted

  • Not eligible for sealing or expungement unless acquitted or in some cases if the case is dismissed.

  • Includes aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, assault on public servants, and repeat family violence

Want to understand felony levels and penalties? Read: Felony Assault Sentencing Guidelines in Texas (3rd and 2nd-Degree Felonies)

Background Checks: Who Sees What?

Different entities have different levels of access and legal authority when reviewing your background.

Employers

  • Can typically see arrests, charges, convictions, and court dispositions

  • May reject you for any criminal record—even misdemeanors

  • Some employers are required to deny applicants with violent offense histories (e.g., healthcare, childcare, education, government)

Landlords

  • Often perform criminal background checks through third-party services

  • A misdemeanor or felony assault may lead to denial of housing

Professional Licensing Boards

  • May deny, suspend, or revoke licenses based on assault convictions (e.g., nurses, real estate agents, lawyers, barbers)

  • Family violence and felony assault cases are especially problematic

Immigration Authorities

  • Non-citizens with an assault conviction—especially family violence—may face deportation, inadmissibility, or loss of legal status

  • Even deferred adjudication can have immigration consequences

Family Violence Findings: A Permanent Mark

If your assault case involves a spouse, partner, family member, or roommate, the court may enter a “family violence” finding—even if the charge is resolved through probation.

This label has serious consequences:

  • Permanently bars you from owning or possessing firearms under federal law

  • Cannot be sealed or expunged

  • May be used against you in future custody or divorce proceedings

  • Stays on your record for life

See more in: Assault in Family Violence Cases in Galveston County (Include repeat offender felony escalation)

What About Probation? Is It on My Record?

Yes. Whether you received straight probation (post-conviction) or deferred adjudication, the probation period and outcome are part of your court record.

Straight Probation:

  • You are found guilty

  • Conviction remains on your record permanently

  • Not eligible for expungement or sealing

Deferred Adjudication:

  • Court defers a finding of guilt

  • If completed successfully, the case is dismissed

  • May be eligible for non-disclosure (sealing) if:

    • The offense is not family violence

    • You meet waiting period and eligibility requirements

For a full breakdown of these terms, check out: Can You Get Probation for Assault in Galveston County? (Straight vs. Deferred)

Can You Seal or Expunge an Assault Record?

It depends on the outcome and the type of charge.

You May Be Eligible for Expungement If:

  • The case was dismissed

  • You were found not guilty

  • You completed a Class C deferred disposition

  • No final conviction occurred

You May Be Eligible for Non-Disclosure (Sealing) If:

  • You completed deferred adjudication

  • The offense is not family violence

  • You meet statutory requirements and waiting periods

You Cannot Seal or Expunge Your Record If:

  • You were convicted (Class A or above)

  • The case involved a family violence finding

  • You served straight probation for a felony

Even if the case is dismissed, the arrest and court history may still appear on databases unless you take formal legal steps.

Long-Term Consequences of an Assault Record

Assault is classified as a crime of violence, and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, it carries serious long-term effects:

  • Job loss or hiring barriers

  • Housing denials

  • Ineligibility for college programs or scholarships

  • Loss of firearm rights

  • Child custody issues

  • Travel restrictions

  • Public embarrassment or online background reporting

Many people assume their case was resolved quietly, only to find it resurfacing years later during a job search or background check.

Why You Should Talk to a Lawyer Near You

The outcome of your assault case matters—but so does what happens afterward. If you’ve been charged, are currently on probation, or have a past case you’re unsure about, speaking with an experienced criminal defense lawyer near you can help protect your future.

At the Law Office of JL Carpenter, we help clients in Harris County and Galveston County navigate not only the criminal process—but the lasting impact of an assault allegation or conviction. JL is a former felony prosecutor, and she knows what’s at stake.

We’ll evaluate:

  • Whether your case is eligible for sealing or expungement

  • How to keep a conviction off your record

  • What steps to take during probation to preserve your future

Call (713) 201-6767 or visit https://www.jlcarpenterlaw.com/contact/ for a confidential consultation with a lawyer near you who understands both courtroom defense and long-term impact.