When facing criminal charges, you are presumed innocent until the prosecutor proves your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While you have the right to defend yourself—and the state must go through a lengthy process to convict you—the court of public opinion is not as forgiving.
Unfortunately, a criminal charge follows you for years, impacting where you can live and your ability to gain employment. Even when the court does not convict you, people may judge or treat you differently, knowing you were accused of the crime. Court records are public information, and the records are visible to prospective employers, landlords, and even friends and families.
An Inverness expungement lawyer can help. You may be able to have certain arrest records or criminal history removed in Florida. When the court expunges your criminal record, it is no longer visible to the public, nor does it show up on a background check. Speak to a talented criminal defense attorney to find out if you are eligible for expungement.
Benefits of Expungement
After expunging a criminal charge, the court removes it from the record, meaning it is no longer visible to the public or during a background check by a prospective employer or landlord. In certain limited circumstances, law enforcement may be able to see someone’s expunged criminal history; for example, when the person is under investigation for an unrelated crime. Similarly, a prospective employer can access the expunged record only when the person previously charged with a crime works in law enforcement or education.
Expunging your criminal record is extremely beneficial. Not only does expungement prevent the public from seeing your criminal record, but it also protects you from having to disclose your criminal history to your college or other interested parties. Consult a knowledgeable attorney in Inverness to learn more about Florida’s expungement laws.
Expungement and Sealing of Criminal Records in Florida
Florida law puts restrictions on when someone can seek expungement. An expungement is only an option when you get convicted of a misdemeanor offense or get charged but not convicted. You cannot expunge a felony conviction.
When asking the court to expunge your criminal charge, you must gather relevant documentation and apply for a certificate from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Next, you must file a petition for relief with the court in the city or town where the police arrested you. The judge then holds a hearing to determine whether the court can expunge the charge.
When the conviction or charge involves drugs or alcohol, the court might require a drug and alcohol screen. Although the expungement process is relatively straightforward, a legal representative could help you gather the evidence or details needed to support your case.
Certain criminal history records are eligible for sealing under Section 943.045. Sealing protects the criminal record from public view but does not erase the record entirely. Discuss your options for expungement and sealing your criminal history with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Hire an Expungement Attorney in Inverness For Help
While Florida has strict expungement laws, the circumstances of your case warrant automatic expungement or offer you the right to petition the court to throw it out. When you want to learn more about expunging criminal records in Florida, do not hesitate to contact our office with your questions or concerns. An Inverness expungement lawyer could meet with you to discuss your case and determine your legal options.
