Helping Clients Get Their Records Expunged or Sealed
Being convicted of a crime can impact your life in many ways. If you have already paid your dues through jail time, paid fines, and lived on the right side of the law, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or expunged.
This can open up many doors with regard to employment, family life, and social life. Having your record expunged may not cure all your legal problems, but it is a huge step in the right direction.
Expungement is a complex process in Florida and is not the only option when facing legal issues. Before starting the expungement procedure, you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can advise you on the best course of action for your unique situation.
An expungement lawyer can analyze the details of your case to determine if you are eligible to have your criminal record expunged or sealed. The legal process in Florida includes both expungement and sealing records, and sealing records involves maintaining the record in a confidential manner rather than destroying it.
Eligibility for expungement or sealing depends on several factors. The sealing process is available for certain individuals, such as those with a prior offense, and an arrested person may still have options to seal or expunge their record even if charges were dropped. Whether you have multiple arrests or are subject to the juvenile justice system, if you have complied with Florida statutes, you deserve to have your case considered for record expungement.
A sealed or expunged record can provide significant privacy benefits, but the legal process and eligibility depend on the specifics of the case.
Reach out to our Florida expungement lawyers right away to learn more about criminal record expungement and see if you qualify for this exciting step forward. Call now at 954-927-7961 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with our caring legal team.
What Is the Expungement Process?
Florida expungement refers to a person with a criminal record having their history erased from public access so it is not available to be viewed online. Expungement in Florida is a court-ordered process that may involve the court-ordered physical destruction of criminal history records, as mandated by Florida statute.
In contrast, sealing a record means the record is kept confidential and made inaccessible to the public by court order, but is not physically destroyed. Both expungement and sealing are governed by state law, specifically Florida statutes, and are important legal remedies to help individuals expunge criminal records and protect their privacy.
Having your criminal record expunged can bring numerous benefits, including:
- Prospective landlords will not see the criminal record in your background checks
- Employers will not access your criminal arrest record, making it easier to get a job
- Schools cannot view your arrest record
- You can keep or regain professional licensure or certificates
- Increased credit scores can help you get a loan
- You do not have to acknowledge arrests that have been sealed
Note: In some situations, you may be legally required to disclose sealed or expunged records, depending on state law and specific Florida statutes.
While your expunged record will still be available to government agencies, such as criminal justice agencies and immigration courts, your past arrest will not continue to haunt your everyday life. A sealed record is made inaccessible to the public by court order, and both expungement and sealing are governed by Florida statute. Our Florida expungement attorneys can help determine whether you are eligible to have your criminal records sealed.
Expungement and sealing are legal remedies available under state law to help individuals expunge criminal records and improve their privacy.
Call today to schedule a free consultation where we can discuss your unique situation and see if sealing your criminal history record is your best option.
Checking Your Arrest Record Before Expungement
Before you begin the expungement process in Florida, it's crucial to review your arrest record to determine your eligibility. You can request a copy of your arrest record from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or the local law enforcement agency that handled your case. Carefully examining your arrest record allows you to spot any errors or inaccuracies that could affect your eligibility for expungement, especially since Florida law only permits expungement for certain criminal offenses.
Not all criminal offenses are eligible for expungement, and the details on your arrest record—such as the nature of the charges and their final disposition—play a significant role in the process. Consulting with a Florida expungement attorney can be invaluable at this stage.
An experienced attorney will help you interpret your arrest record, identify any issues, and advise you on whether your case meets the requirements set by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other relevant agencies. Taking this step ensures you start the expungement process on the right foot and avoid unnecessary delays.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement Under Florida Law?
Not everyone with a criminal history is eligible for expungement in Florida. Some of the main factors in determining whether record sealing is a possibility include:
- The nature of your crime
- Aggravating factors involved in your criminal offense
- Whether your plea during the criminal case is eligible for expungement
- How much time has passed since your arrest
- Other offenses on your arrest record
- Whether you were adjudicated guilty of the crime or for previous crimes
- Whether you have pleaded guilty or been found guilty of certain violent crimes, such as aggravated assault, as these offenses are generally ineligible for expungement or sealing under Florida law
Participation in a diversion program or being under court supervision can also affect your eligibility for record sealing or expungement. Florida law allows only one sealing or expungement in a lifetime, so if your record has been previously sealed or previously expunged, you are not eligible to repeat the process.
Even if record sealing is not an option for you, you can still pursue actions that help you move on past your criminal offense. For example, you may need to correct your record for misinformation. Expunging a juvenile record may also be a good option if the person was convicted of certain offenses as a minor.
A Florida expungement lawyer like those at Magilligan Law can help you get your criminal record sealed or expunged. We will investigate the details of your case to determine the best path forward and help you comply with Florida statutes to get your criminal arrest record expunged or sealed.
Your attorney will review your prior criminal record and criminal history records to determine eligibility and guide you through what can be a lengthy process.
Benefits of Expungement
Having your criminal records expunged can be life-changing. When a criminal record is expunged in Florida, it is physically destroyed, meaning it is no longer accessible to the public or most private entities. This allows you to legally deny the existence of your criminal record in most situations, including on job applications and rental agreements.
As a result, background checks conducted by potential employers, landlords, or financial institutions will not reveal your expunged record, giving you a fresh start and greater opportunities.
Expungement also helps eliminate the stigma and discrimination that often come with a prior criminal history. By removing your criminal record from public view, you can pursue employment, housing, and educational opportunities without the burden of your past holding you back.
Additionally, expungement can improve your chances of obtaining financial assistance, professional licenses, and other benefits that may have been previously out of reach due to your criminal history. Ultimately, expungement empowers you to move forward with confidence and control over your personal and professional life.
The Expungement Process in Florida
The expungement process in Florida involves several important steps, each governed by strict requirements under Florida law. The process typically begins with submitting an application to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to obtain a certificate of eligibility. This certificate is a critical document that confirms you meet the legal criteria for expungement based on your arrest record and the nature of your criminal offense.
Once you have your certificate of eligibility, the next step is to file a petition for expungement with the appropriate court. This petition must include supporting documentation and comply with all procedural rules. Because the expungement process can be complex and time-consuming, it is highly recommended to work with a Florida expungement attorney.
An experienced attorney will guide you through each stage, from reviewing your arrest record to preparing and filing your petition, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Broward County Expungement: Local Considerations
While the expungement process in Broward County follows Florida law, there are local procedures and requirements that can impact your case.
The Broward County Clerk of Court may have specific filing guidelines for expungement petitions, and the State Attorney's Office may require additional documentation or follow unique review processes. Navigating these local nuances can be challenging without the help of a knowledgeable attorney.
A Broward County expungement attorney is familiar with the local court system, the expectations of the State Attorney's Office, and the specific steps required to successfully complete the expungement process in this jurisdiction.
By working with a local attorney, you can ensure that your petition is properly prepared and submitted, and that you are fully informed about any additional requirements or considerations unique to Broward County. This local expertise can make a significant difference in the efficiency and success of your expungement case.
How Can an Expungement Lawyer Help Me?
If you have a criminal history and have been exonerated or have fulfilled your sentence, you should consider speaking with an expungement attorney about getting your record expunged. Not everyone is eligible to have their record sealed, and a Florida expungement lawyer can offer legal counsel based on your circumstances. Legal representation is crucial for successfully navigating the expungement and sealing procedures, as an experienced law office can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure your rights are protected.
A criminal defense law firm like Magilligan Law will have extensive experience with criminal law in Florida and can help you navigate this complicated process.
Some duties your expungement lawyers can fulfill include:
- Investigating your case to determine whether you are eligible for record expungement or sealing
- Identifying the best way to get your record expunged or sealed
- Efficiently submitting all necessary paperwork to the proper law enforcement agency
- Ensuring your expungement occurs as soon as possible after your case is closed
- Simplifying the complex process of expungement to make your life simpler
Our law office has significant experience with record sealings and sealing criminal records, including cases involving concealed firearm charges. We work closely with the state attorney's office and are familiar with the requirements of the Florida Bar to ensure your case is handled properly.
Expungement and sealing are especially important for individuals seeking employment, as background checks and arrest records related to your Florida criminal record can impact job opportunities. Only individuals with a legal right can access sealed records, and our law office can help protect your privacy and ensure your information remains confidential.
Call our Florida expungement lawyers immediately to get help having your record sealed or expunged.
What to Expect During the Expungement Process
As you move through the expungement process, you will be required to provide detailed information about your arrest record, including the date of your arrest, the specific criminal charges, and the final outcome of your case. You will also need to submit your fingerprints and pay any applicable fees as part of your application to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Once your application is submitted, the FDLE will review your case to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for expungement. If you are found eligible, you will receive a certificate of eligibility, which must be filed with the court along with your petition for expungement. The court will then review your petition and make a final determination.
Throughout this process, a Florida expungement attorney can provide essential guidance, help you gather the necessary documentation, and represent you in court if needed. With professional support, you can navigate the expungement process with confidence and work toward clearing your criminal record.
Should You Hire Our Expungements Attorneys?
After going through the difficult process of fighting your charges and dealing with law enforcement agencies, you may be ready to have your Florida record sealed or expunged. Our law office can assist you with sealing or expunging your record and advise you on when you may be required to disclose sealed or expunged records in certain legal situations.
Depending on your situation, you could be eligible to have your criminal record forgotten forever when it comes to your interactions with landlords, employers, and other business transactions. Once your record is expunged, you can lawfully deny any past arrests.
At our law firm, we proudly represent clients who have overcome legal difficulties and are ready to move on with their lives. We can work with the criminal justice agency on your behalf to simplify this complex process and ensure you get the results you deserve. Our record-sealing attorneys can help individuals who have been convicted of a crime and completed their sentencing.
When it comes to working with the Florida Department of Law, you need experienced attorneys who understand the system and will work tirelessly for positive results no matter what obstacles arise. Whether you are seeking juvenile expungement for an adjudicated delinquent, need administrative expungements, or are seeking to have your past convictions sealed, we can help.
Our attorneys are experienced in handling expunged records and can guide you through the legal process of sealing or expunging your record. Our team of attorneys promises to treat you as a valued individual and will answer your questions thoroughly in terms you can understand. Call 954-927-7961 today to schedule a free 15-minute case review with our knowledgeable team of expungement lawyers.
