Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Deferred is a kind of probation. The difference is there is no conviction for the offense. If you complete it successfully your case is dismissed. You can file a motion for nondisclosure of criminal record which will prevent the information from being distributed. However, there are exceptions. Law enforcement will have access to your records as will state licensing agencies. There are other exceptions.

If you complete your deferred early you can file a motion for early termination. With regular probation you will need to serve a defined portion of the term of your probation.

The disadvantage to deferred is that if your probation is revoked, the judge will have the full range of punishment of the offense to use if he decides to send you to jail.