Many people in Florida hope to restore their reputation after an arrest or charge, and the law provides a way to do so through expungement or sealing. The Florida expungement process is not automatic; it requires meeting eligibility rules, applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and obtaining a court order.
Florida generally allows only one expungement or sealing in a lifetime, though certain related charges may be handled together. Because the steps are technical and eligibility is strict, working with a qualified Florida expungement lawyer is the best way to navigate the process successfully.
What Do Expungement Lawyers Do?
Although many cases in Florida look like they can never disappear, expungement lawyers in the city can make them disappear, hence, allowing you to go back to the status you were before being charged. The lawyers ensure your records are erased from the public and only some government agencies can access them. The only time the files can come back to the public is when someone files a motion, which is then approved by the court.
When Do You Qualify for Expungements?
According to expungement and sealing lawyers in Florida, you can qualify for expungement or sealing in many situations. Here are some of them;
- If you have no previously expunged or sealed felony.
- If your felony or misdemeanor case was just dropped, or you were not found guilty.
- If your crime is not on the statutory disqualifying list under Section 943.0584 of the Florida Statutes.
Even if your crime is not in the category above, you can still expunge or seal first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree felonies in the state as long as you are eligible and have the best expungement lawyers.
The Process of Getting Expungement and Sealing Your Records
Get the Best Expungement Lawyers
You can get a qualified expungement lawyer in Florida if you want one. Take your time to check and vet the right lawyers. You can also ask for a referral from someone who has been expunged before. Ensure that you get the best lawyer to walk you through this delicate process of cleaning your name.
Check for Eligibility
Are you eligible? If you are not sure, your expungement lawyer will help you to check. Some legal firms have a link on their website where you can click to check for eligibility. However, you can see possible situations when someone is eligible for expungement and sealing.
Get the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility
You cannot file a petition in court to expunge or seal an offense without this certificate. You will need to submit fingerprints, a signed affidavit, a disposition of the case, and the processing fee.
File a Petition in Court
As hinted, this is a court process, and it must be approved by a jury, and then you are given a court order to expunge or seal the offense. This is where your expungement lawyer comes in. They will represent you on top of guiding you all through the process.
Finally, the Records Are Expunged
If you are eligible and have a good representation by the right lawyer, your records will be expunged and sealed. This has benefits, especially if you were found not guilty or need to continue with your normal life. There is no reason not to check for eligibility and apply for expungement now that there are lawyers who can help you.