Skip to main content

A Texas Legal Guide to Reentry - Homelessness and Ex-Prisoners

Criminal Records & Traffic

An advocate's guide to helping former prisoners get back on their feet.

This guide is intended to help advocates and others who help people who experience the often difficult transition from incarceration to dominant society. It summarizes some of the legal hurdles caused by a criminal record and provides guidance on how to effectively manage these barriers to re-entry. It is written by Beacon Law, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and Texas C-BAR.

Get the complete manual.

About the Guide

This guide helps advocates work with formerly incarcerated people to rejoin and take part in society. It includes topics such as:

  • ID documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and name changes
  • Driving, including driver's licenses, occupational driver's licenses, and outstanding fees
  • Debt, including fines and child support debt
  • Criminal records, including how to remove crimes from one's criminal history
  • Employment rights and opportunities
  • Professional licensing
  • Public benefits
  • Housing rights and resources
  • Parental rights and obligations
  • Education opportunities
  • Voting rights
  • Other issues that formerly incarcerated people may face

Download the Guide

Related Guides

  • I need an Occupational Driver’s License.

    Occupational Driver’s License

    Ask for a special restricted license that lets you drive a noncommercial vehicle for work, school, or to perform essential household duties.
  • How to Ask for a Nondisclosure Order - Seal Your Criminal Record

    Adult Criminal Records

    Make your Texas criminal record private with a nondisclosure order.
  • Related Articles