Sealing and Expunging Records
Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records in Florida
In Florida, you may qualify to have your criminal records sealed or expunged. Once a record is sealed, the public cannot view it; however, most government agencies will still have access to the information. If your record is expunged, this means that even a government agency will not have access to it, unless they obtain a court order.
Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, PA, has the knowledge and experience to help you seal and expunge some criminal records. Whether you were arrested or convicted of a crime, you may qualify to put your record behind you and in your past.
Expungement of Criminal Records
If you were not convicted of a crime but were arrested, you may be able to get your record sealed or expunged. To qualify for this, you may not have any criminal record that was sealed or expunged in another state or in Florida in the past, and may not have a pending petition to expunge or seal a criminal record. Florida also allows the expungement of arrest records if you were arrested by mistake.
If you were convicted of a crime and plead guilty or no contest, you might qualify to have your record sealed or expunged; however, there is a very extensive list of crimes in Florida that are not eligible. If you have been guilty of any felony DUI, you may not qualify.
If you are a victim of human trafficking and have been convicted or arrested for an obscene offense or prostitution, you may be able to have your criminal record expunged, provided you include a sworn statement and official documentation proving you were a victim of human trafficking.
Sealing Criminal Records in Florida
To seal or expunge your criminal record history, you must go through the court where the arrest or conviction occurred. Our attorneys can help you apply for a certificate of eligibility for court-ordered sealing or expungement.
Get Professional Legal Help
The laws for cleaning up criminal records are very complicated in Florida. To learn more about sealing or expunging your criminal records, contact Coplan-Gardner & Gardner to discuss your circumstances. Our criminal law attorneys can help guide you through this complicated process.
We offer police, first responders, firefighters, military and educators a discount on legal services and a free consultation. Contact our legal team today to schedule an appointment.