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Disposition in a Texas criminal case is the legal term for how the case ends. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.001, disposition means an action that results in the termination, transfer to another jurisdiction, or indeterminate suspension of the prosecution of a criminal charge. The most common dispositions are: dismissal (charges dropped), deferred adjudication (probation in exchange for no conviction), conviction (guilty verdict), acquittal (not guilty), and case transfer (to another jurisdiction). The disposition determines what appears on your background-check record and your eligibility for expunction or non-disclosure.
At the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, we’re committed to helping you understand Texas criminal law so you can make informed decisions about your case.
In Texas, “disposition” refers to the conclusion or current status of a criminal charge. According to Chapter 66 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, disposition signifies the termination, transfer, or suspension of a criminal prosecution. This could mean the case was dismissed, ended in a conviction, or was otherwise resolved.
A case disposition serves as the official record of a case’s resolution. This final determination is important for all involved parties, including the defendant, attorneys, and law enforcement. The outcome may lead to sentencing, an appeal, or complete case closure.
A disposition hearing is a legal proceeding where a judge evaluates the evidence and determines the next steps in a case. While disposition hearings are more common in juvenile cases, they may also occur in certain adult criminal cases.
During a disposition hearing, the judge considers:
The judge may impose penalties ranging from probation to incarceration, depending on the circumstances.
Depending on the details of the case, a disposition hearing may result in:
Following the hearing, defendants may need to prepare for sentencing, file an appeal, or comply with the court’s ruling.
A sentencing disposition refers to the penalties imposed on a defendant following a conviction. This may include:
Texas recognizes five primary types of disposition: dismissal, deferred adjudication, conviction, acquittal, and case transfer.
A conviction means a defendant has been found guilty of a crime, leading to sentencing. A disposition is a broader term that simply refers to the case’s outcome, which could include conviction, dismissal, or other resolutions.
The disposition of a case can have lasting consequences. Even if charges are dismissed, records of the case may appear on background checks, potentially impacting employment and housing opportunities. A conviction, on the other hand, can result in a permanent criminal record.
Your disposition determines what appears on your background check and your eligibility for expunction or non-disclosure. A disposition of “dismissed” or “not guilty” is less likely to affect job eligibility, while a conviction may present obstacles in certain fields.
The type of disposition—whether a dismissal, conviction, or transfer—can significantly impact a defendant’s legal record. Convictions may lead to incarceration, probation, or long-term consequences, while dismissals may allow the defendant to move forward without penalties. Understanding the legal ramifications of your case’s disposition is important for making informed decisions about your future.
Employers often review criminal dispositions when evaluating potential hires. While a dismissed charge may not impact employment opportunities, a conviction could limit job prospects, particularly in industries requiring security clearances or professional licenses. If you have concerns about how your case disposition may affect your employment, consulting with a criminal defense attorney can help you explore record-sealing or expunction options.
Yes — a defendant can appeal certain dispositions under Texas law, but the timeline and grounds depend on the type of disposition entered. To appeal a criminal case:
“When you hire this firm, you get a named attorney from intake through resolution. The lawyer who explains your case at signing is the lawyer who appears at every setting. We do not hand cases off to whoever is at docket call.”
David D. White
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’re dealing with criminal charges and need help understanding your case’s disposition, we’re here to protect your future. Call the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, at (512)-369-3737 or visit us at 608 W 12th St Ste B, Austin, TX 78701 to schedule a consultation.
Our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring you have the legal support needed to make informed decisions. Your future matters—let’s fight for it together.
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David D. White founded the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC and has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 2004. The firm represents clients across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Lee, Coryell, Bell, Burnet, Milam, and Bastrop counties. Three attorneys handle each case as a team — weekly case reviews and shared Clio notes — and by the first consultation, the firm has obtained the Probable Cause Affidavit, read it, and identified the state’s evidentiary weak points.
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David D. White founded the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC and has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 2004. The firm represents clients across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Lee, Coryell, Bell, Burnet, Milam, and Bastrop counties. Three attorneys handle each case as a team — weekly case reviews and shared Clio notes — and by the first consultation, the firm has obtained the Probable Cause Affidavit, read it, and identified the state’s evidentiary weak points.
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This page was written and reviewed by the attorneys at the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, following our editorial guidelines. The firm has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 2004 across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Lee, Coryell, Bell, Burnet, Milam, and Bastrop County courts. The firm’s three attorneys — David White (managing attorney, practicing criminal defense exclusively since 2004), Kenneth Hines (associate, practicing Caldwell County courts since 2008; former General Counsel to the Texas Senate Jurisprudence Committee, 2010–2012), and Taylor Kacir (associate; former Senior Misdemeanor County Attorney, Bell County Attorney’s Office) — work each case as a team via weekly case reviews and shared Clio notes.
608 West 12th Street, Suite B Austin, TX 78701
706 Rock St, Georgetown, TX 78626
512-369-3737
get directions