Seal or Expunge Criminal Records in Florida

Were you denied a job because of a criminal record? Have you had trouble with a loved one because they found public information about an old arrest? Have you had a minor criminal misunderstanding have a negative impact on your life? You are not alone, and for those who qualify, the solution may be to seal or expunge your criminal record.

Are you concerned that any of the following might find your criminal record:

• Employer
• Landlord
• Friends
• Family members

If you have ever been arrested and fingerprinted, regardless of the eventual disposition of your case, even if the charges were dismissed prior to trial, your arrest records are public information and anyone with a computer can find them. Many employers and landlords do criminal background checks as a matter of course. A business partner, potential date, or even an individual in a current relationship with you may uncover this information with little difficulty.

You may be eligible to have this information removed from public record by sealing or expunging your criminal record. Sealing your record makes it impossible for the public to gain access to any public record information about a crime you were involved in. Even better, for those who qualify for expunction the Court will actually order that the public records relating to your arrest be destroyed. For the latter, you must obtain certification from the prosecutor's office in the county in which you were arrested.

Do You Qualify for Sealing or Expunction of Your Criminal Record?

An attorney can tell you if you meet the necessary criteria. You may qualify if:

• You were never convicted for the crime charged, had your case dismissed by the prosecution or the court, or beat the criminal charges at trial.
• You have never had another criminal matter sealed or expunged.
• You are not currently under arrest, on probation, or under any court ordered supervision.

If some these statements apply to you, you may be qualified to seal or expunge your criminal record. The process involves applying to the State for a certificate of eligibility. If you are approved, you must then file a motion with the Court in the jurisdiction where you were charged. Finally, there must be a hearing where the Court will enter an Order if all the requirements are met. While you can pursue this process alone, an attorney can help you get through all the details, giving you the best chance of success.

Start Your Life Over. Get Rid of these Records Now

You know that this is a critical, even life changing opportunity. With few exceptions, if you seal or expunge your criminal record, you may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the arrests covered by the expunged record. It is an important area of the law and you are best served with an experienced attorney on your side to provide you with every advantage. We have years of experience helping people just like you through this process, and know the process well.

Call Now 954-330-8994

Call today for a free consultation with an experienced criminal law attorney at 954-330-8994.

Effect of Sealing or Expunction of a criminal record

After having your criminal record sealed, it is unavailable and unobtainable by the general public, future employers, or other inquiring entities. If your criminal record is expunged, it will also be destroyed, apart from any information kept as records by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

However, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is authorized to disclose the existence of a criminal history record that has been sealed or expunged if you are seeking employment, membership, or licensure with any of the following:

• A Criminal Justice Agency
• The Florida Bar
• The Department of Children and Family Services
• The Department of Juvenile Justice
• A contractor or licensee in a sensitive position having direct contact with children
• The Department of Education
• Any public or private school
• A local government agency that licenses child care facilities

Learn more about your options by calling the Law Offices of Eric A. Kay today.