Expungement and Sealing Your Florida Criminal Record
A criminal arrest on your record, even if it is for a relatively minor offense, can follow you forever. A criminal record, police record, arrest record, or court record can affect your ability to obtain admission to school, be hired for certain types of jobs or even rent an apartment. However, in many cases there is something you can do to minimize the consequences of an arrest.
Helping People Seal or Expunge an Arrest Record
At the Tampa law firm, Busciglio & Sheridan Law Group, our attorneys believe that a youthful indiscretion or a patch of bad luck should not haunt you for the rest of your life. That is why we help people expunge or seal their records. This prevents others from obtaining information about them that is no longer relevant.
Criminal arrest?
Call Busciglio & Sheridan Law Group toll-free at 866-549-7081
Having your record expunged or sealed can be time-consuming. The FDLE and the courts require many forms and documents, and the process can typically take a few months. Moreover, a positive decision is not automatic. The judge needs to be convinced of the validity of your request. Our attorneys are able to develop persuasive arguments and complete all required documents effectively and quickly. You may never need to appear in court at all.
Being Eligible Is the First Step
Having your record expunged or sealed allows you to state that you have never been arrested. However, not everyone qualifies for expungement or sealing. You must have never had:
- A previous sealing or expungement
- A conviction of a misdemeanor, criminal ordinance violation or a felony
- A withholding of adjudication for certain sex crimes, crimes of violence or drug crimes
In addition, you must not be under court supervision at the time of your petition for sealing or expungement. If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible. However, having a knowledgeable lawyer who knows what the court wants to see can improve your chances of success.
Sealing vs. Expungement
Sealing and expunging your criminal arrest record are quite different. Expungement means that the record is actually destroyed but may only be available if your charge was dropped or the record has previously been sealed, whereas sealing means that the record is not accessible to most people without a court order. Our attorneys can advise you about your eligibility for either process.
To discuss sealing or expunging your criminal record, contact our Tampa lawyers. Take action to remove the stigma of an arrest.
