We all make mistakes. But, have you ever been tired of a mistake that continues to linger on job applications and background checks? The law in the State of Florida recognizes the fact that a momentary lapse in judgment that resulted in criminal charges shouldn’t necessarily be a scar on one’s reputation for the remainder of their life. There is action that you can take in order to clear your record, this is called “sealing” or “expungement”.
Our firm handles Criminal Expungement or Sealing throughout the state of Florida, including Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, Hernando County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, and Citrus County.
What is “Sealing” or “Expungement”?
There is a difference between expungement and sealing a criminal record. Sealing a criminal record means that the public cannot access it, but particular government entities will have access to the sealed record in its entirety.
When a record is expunged, government entities will be informed that the record has been expunged but they will be denied access. However, if they choose to view the information in the expunged records, they will need to get a court order.
To explain the difference, ‘sealing’ is like putting all of the records related to the arrest and conviction in an envelope. ‘Expunging’ is like putting the entire envelope with its contents in the shredder.
Who is Eligible to Have Their Records Sealed or Expunged?
Despite the fact that Florida law states that an individual may be eligible to have their records sealed or expunged, the law also provides that an individual’s criminal record be free of any prior convictions in order to be eligible.
How Many Times Can I Have My Records Sealed or Expunged?
An individual can only take advantage of sealing or expunging their record one time only.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The road to a sealed or expunged record can often times be a lengthy one. It requires contacts with the Courts, the State Attorney’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and then back with the Court again for a petition or motion to seal or expunge the record.
Although it seems that there are many seemingly complicated rules that determine whether or not an individual qualifies to have an arrest record sealed or expunged, our Law Office will handle every aspect of your petition to seal or expunge a Florida criminal history record.
Harassment means a course of conduct directed at a victim which causes substantial emotional distress and serveno legitimate purpose.
What Are My Rights?
At The Law Offices of Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A., our criminal defense attorneys protect the rights of clients from the moment the criminal accusation is made to the final resolution of the case.
We represent clients throughout Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Manatee, Sarasota Count, Pasco County, Hernando County, and throughout the State of Florida.
With decades of combined experience, including time spent as former prosecutors, you can rest assured that your case is being represented by an attorney who understands the tactics used by the prosecution.
Who Should I Call?
The The Law Offices of Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A. law office is here to make it the most stress free and easiest process possible. To erase your once haunting mistake, contact us today so we can fight for you and protect your rights. Call (813) 229-5353.
