Unfortunately, one of the daunting consequences of a criminal arrest is that it can become known to just about anyone long afterwards through a routine background check. A criminal record, even for a low-level misdemeanor, can become known to future potential landlords when seeking housing, to employers when seeking a job or starting a career, to financial institutions, educational institutions, and to professional licensing agencies when seeking a license to become a plumber, electrician, nurse, pharmacist, realtor, and more. This can definitely cause difficulties when seeking future opportunities.

At Morris Law Firm, P.A. we have the ability to help clients clear their names and reputations through sealing or expunging criminal records. We thoroughly understand the disadvantages that can follow in life with a criminal record that you must disclose and discuss on applications for housing, jobs, and more. Our firm is here to help you through the often-complicated processes of expungement or record sealing. We have years of experience representing Floridians in this matter and will fight for your rights in the courts.

Want to discuss your options for expungement or record sealing? Contact Morris Law Firm, P.A. at (727) 592-5885 to arrange for a consultation. 

Criminal Record Expungement/Sealing in Florida

If you were arrested and the charges were dropped or dismissed, you may not know that you will still have a criminal record. The state legislature in Florida has determined that anyone arrested and fingerprinted will have a criminal history record no matter whether you were acquitted, the charges dismissed, or you were convicted. This record remains public until or unless it is expunged or sealed.

In order to have your criminal record expunged or sealed, you will have to meet certain requirements. For example, in order to petition the court for an expungement, you must include a valid certificate of eligibility that certifies by the prosecutor on your case that no charging documents against you were filed. You will also need to fulfill a list of other requirements.

Examples of other requirements or facts regarding expungement or sealing can include but are not limited to:

• You have never had a record expunged or sealed in the state before.
• Only one arrest record can be sealed or expunged in one proceeding. However, multiple charges can be sealed if they all stemmed from one incident.
• Both misdemeanors and felonies as well as juvenile records can be sealed/expunged.
• Any record that is not eligible for expungement may become eligible after being sealed for 10 years.

Because of the complications involving the requirements that you must meet for record sealing or expungement, it is vital that you work with a criminal defense attorney who understands the process and how to navigate it through the courts.

Sealing vs. Expungement

When a record is sealed, it means that those records are stored in a vault where they cannot be accessed without a court order. The charging information is withdrawn from the Criminal Information Justice System. From then on, it will not appear on any background check that someone may run on you. Once it has been sealed for 10 years, you have the right to ask the court to expunge your record. However, when taking a plea and receiving what is called a withhold of adjudication, you can only have your record sealed. A withhold of adjudication means that you were given probation but were not formally convicted.

When a record is expunged, it means that it becomes physically destroyed. A single copy of the record remains with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement but it cannot be viewed without a court order. The record is also expunged and removed from the Criminal Justice Information System as well so that it will not appear on a background check. When a record is expunged, no one in these agencies can state that you ever had a sealed or expunged record; to do so equates to a first-degree misdemeanor.

The benefits of having your record sealed or expunged means that it will no longer be a public record. This allows you the legal right to deny anything having to do with the arrest or the legal proceedings surrounding it. You will not have to let anyone know that you were ever arrested, received a withhold of adjudication, or dismissal of a misdemeanor, felony, or other criminal charge.

Turn to Morris Law Firm, P.A. to Determine Your Eligibility

If you would like to have your criminal record sealed or expunged, you can rely on our St. Petersburg expungement/criminal record sealing attorneys who have extensive experience with this issue. Our firm has helped innumerable clients, both adults and youth, throughout St. Petersburg and the surrounding communities and counties in clearing their names. Having your criminal record sealed or expunged is a low-cost investment in your future. Our firm is here to see that, if you qualify, your legal rights for sealing or expungement are protected and pursued under Florida law.

Let us provide the experienced legal help you need. Phone us at (727) 592-5885  to begin the process today.