Tampa Expungement and Sealing Lawyer
When you have a criminal record that’s limiting your opportunities for employment, housing, or education, working with an experienced Tampa expungement and sealing lawyer can help you move forward with a clean slate. At Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A., we understand how a criminal record can impact every aspect of your life, and we’re committed to helping clients throughout Tampa Bay clear their records through Florida’s expungement and sealing processes.
With over 43 years of experience in criminal defense, Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez and his skilled legal team have helped hundreds of clients navigate the complex process of record sealing and expungement. Our firm has successfully defended over 500 clients in trial and maintains an outstanding reputation with over 400 five-star Google reviews from satisfied clients.
Understanding Florida’s Expungement and Sealing Laws
Florida law provides two primary methods for clearing criminal records: expungement and sealing. While both processes can help remove barriers created by past criminal charges, they work differently and have distinct eligibility requirements. Expungement physically destroys the criminal record, making it as if the arrest never occurred. Sealing, on the other hand, restricts access to the record so that most employers, landlords, and educational institutions cannot view it.
The eligibility criteria for both processes are strict and detailed. Generally, you may be eligible for expungement if your charges were dropped, dismissed, or if you received a withhold of adjudication for certain offenses. However, Florida law prohibits expungement or sealing for many serious felonies and certain misdemeanors. Additionally, you can typically only expunge or seal one criminal record in your lifetime under Florida law.
Recent changes to Florida statutes have expanded eligibility for some offenses while maintaining restrictions on others. Our legal team stays current with these evolving laws to provide clients with accurate guidance on their eligibility for record clearing relief. The process involves multiple steps, including obtaining certified copies of your criminal history, filing petitions with the appropriate court, and potentially attending hearings.
The Benefits of Clearing Your Criminal Record
Having a criminal record sealed or expunged can dramatically improve your life prospects in numerous ways. Employment opportunities often expand significantly once background checks no longer reveal past arrests or charges. Many employers in the Tampa Bay area, from downtown Tampa businesses to major employers near Westshore Boulevard and the Tampa International Airport area, conduct routine background screenings that can eliminate candidates with visible criminal histories.
Housing options also improve substantially when your record is cleared. Landlords and property management companies throughout Hillsborough County frequently run background checks on potential tenants. Areas like Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, and South Tampa have competitive rental markets where a clean background check can be the difference between securing quality housing and facing rejection.
Educational opportunities may also become available once your record is cleared. Many colleges, universities, and professional licensing boards consider criminal history when making admissions or licensing decisions. The University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, and other local educational institutions may have policies that affect applicants with criminal records.
Professional licensing is another area where record clearing can be crucial. Florida licenses many professions, from healthcare workers to real estate agents, and criminal history can impact your ability to obtain or maintain these licenses. Our firm has helped clients pursue careers in fields they previously thought were closed to them due to their criminal records.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Record Clearing
At Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A., we handle every aspect of the expungement and sealing process for our clients. Our approach begins with a thorough review of your criminal history and circumstances to determine your eligibility for relief. We obtain and analyze all relevant court records, arrest reports, and disposition documents to build the strongest possible case for clearing your record.
Our experienced legal team, including attorneys like Dana Herce-Fulgueira and Austin Crocker, who have successfully handled numerous expungement and sealing cases, manages all paperwork and court filings. We ensure that every document is properly completed and filed within required timeframes, as procedural errors can result in delays or denials.
When court hearings are required, we provide skilled representation before judges in the Hillsborough County Courthouse at 800 East Twiggs Street, as well as in courthouses throughout our service area including Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco, and Hernando counties. Our familiarity with local courts and procedures helps ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
We also coordinate with law enforcement agencies and other entities that may have records related to your case. This includes working with the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to ensure that all records are properly sealed or expunged according to the court’s order.
Tampa Expungement and Sealing FAQs
How long does the expungement or sealing process take in Florida?
The timeline for expungement or sealing typically ranges from three to six months, depending on the complexity of your case and court schedules. Factors that can affect timing include the need for court hearings, objections from prosecutors, and the volume of cases being processed by the court system.
Can I expunge or seal multiple arrests or charges?
Generally, Florida law allows you to expunge or seal only one criminal record in your lifetime. However, if multiple charges arose from the same incident or series of related incidents, they may be eligible for clearing together as part of a single petition.
Will employers still be able to see my record after it’s sealed or expunged?
Once properly expunged, your record should not appear on standard background checks. Sealed records are also hidden from most employers, though certain government agencies and positions may still have access to sealed records under specific circumstances.
What’s the difference between having charges dropped and having them expunged?
Even when charges are dropped or dismissed, the arrest record typically remains visible on background checks. Expungement actually removes this record from public view, providing much more comprehensive relief than simply having charges dismissed.
Can I apply for expungement or sealing if I was found guilty of a crime?
Generally, convictions cannot be expunged or sealed in Florida. However, if you received a withhold of adjudication rather than a conviction, you may be eligible for sealing, depending on the specific charges involved.
Do I need an attorney to file for expungement or sealing?
While it’s technically possible to file pro se, the process involves complex legal procedures and strict requirements. Having an experienced attorney significantly increases your chances of success and helps avoid costly mistakes that could result in denial.
How much does it cost to expunge or seal a record in Florida?
The process involves various court costs and fees, including filing fees and costs for certified copies of records. Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the case. We provide transparent pricing during initial consultations.
Serving Throughout Tampa
- Westchase
- Hyde Park
- Seminole Heights
- Ybor City
- South Tampa
- Downtown Tampa
- Carrollwood
- Town ‘N’ Country
- Brandon
- Temple Terrace
Contact a Tampa Record Clearing Attorney Today
Don’t let a criminal record continue to limit your opportunities for employment, housing, and personal growth. The experienced legal team at Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A. has the knowledge and dedication necessary to guide you through Florida’s expungement and sealing process successfully. As a top-rated criminal defense firm with over four decades of experience, we understand the importance of second chances and work tirelessly to help our clients achieve a fresh start. Contact our Tampa record clearing attorney today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence toward a brighter future.