Having a criminal record can negatively impact your ability to get or maintain a job, get a loan, pursue an education, or even obtain housing. The public record of your arrest follows you and can create endless problems for you and your family. Luckily you may have options to get your life back on track.
Although Florida Law has processes in place which could give convicted individuals a chance to have their past convictions removed from public view, this process is complicated and time-intensive, requiring the help of one of our experienced Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert. A Sunrise expungement Lawyer can be a crucial resource in assessing your eligibility for expungement, navigating the process for expungement, and preparing and submitting all relevant documentation necessary for the sealing of your records. To learn more, or to get started on a case, call today.
What are the Primary Benefits of Expungement?
The primary benefit of obtaining expungement or sealing of a criminal record is to have those records become inaccessible to the public and to acknowledge that they have a criminal record. Expungement can also allow you to, among other things, retain a professional certificate or license and can even have a positive impact on a person’s credit score. There are situations where a person may be required to reveal sealed or expunged records, including when applying for a job with certain government agencies.
What is the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging of Records?
Sealing and expunging a criminal record are similar but distinct processes under Florida law. The effect of sealing is similar to expungement in that your criminal past will not be accessible to the general public. However, expungement takes things a step further, and the incident is removed from the person’s record such that most government agencies cannot access it without a court order.
Eligibility for Expunction or Sealing
Generally, a person may be eligible to seek an expunction of their criminal records if, among other factors, if they were charged or arrested, but not convicted, (ii) the person has never been found guilty in Florida for committing a Felony or a list of Misdemeanors set forth in §943.0585(d), the person has not sealed or expunged another arrest record in Florida. The eligibility requirements for sealing are similar to those of expungement.
A person who has been convicted of a crime may still be eligible provided that such crime was not one of a several listed in §943.0584, which list includes, but is not limited to:
- Terrorism
- Murder, manslaughter or homicide
- Aggravated assault or battery
- Numerous acts against children or the elderly
- Human trafficking or kidnapping
- Arson
- Burglary or robbery
- Manufacturing or trafficking drugs
Filing for Expungement or Sealing
The first step to seeking expungement or sealing is to file an application for eligibility with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In addition to completing the application, additional documentation is also required, as listed on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. If the applicant is eligible, they must file a petition with the court and certain other government entities. A Sunrise expungement Attorney can work with an applicant to understand a person’s prior case to assess whether they are eligible and, if so, can guide them through the process of seeking expungement.
Consult with a Sunrise Expungement Attorney Today
If you wish to avoid being turned down for jobs or loans due to your criminal record, you should reach out to a Sunrise expungement Lawyer today for a consultation to discuss your eligibility and the process. Our skilled Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert familiar with expungement law can be a vital resource to you through all stages of the process. Schedule a consultation today and start getting your life back.
