How Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged?

If you have a criminal record, you probably wish you could put the past behind you and move forward with your life. After all, everyone makes mistakes. Luckily, in some cases, you might be able to expunge your record or have it sealed to get the fresh start you deserve. However, this is only possible if you have no convictions on your record. In Florida, regardless of when you were convicted of a crime, you are not eligible to seal or expunge your criminal record. Remember, being found guilty of a crime in the state of Florida does not necessarily mean you were convicted. It is possible to have pled no contest or found guilty of a crime without being convicted, so make sure you understand if you were convicted or not.

Having a criminal record can impact your ability to obtain gainful employment, apply for insurance, and even derail your chances of securing child custody. Make sure you seek skilled legal assistance to help you navigate this important process. If you are unsure if you are eligible or not, he or she can also help you determine if you qualify.

The process of filing for expungement or record sealing is long and detailed, which is why it is crucial to have skilled legal help. Below is a brief overview of some of the steps involved:

• Prior to filing a petition to expunge your records, your attorney will assist you in determining your eligibility for record expungement. If you are eligible, you can continue to consult with your attorney to ensure you are using the correct forms and filing them with the appropriate court.

• Next, you can begin to prepare the proper forms to petition the court. You must file these forms where the case was heard to have the charges expunged. The clerk of the court where your case was heard will be able to provide you with your original case number, which will be needed for your petition.

• Once you fill out all the necessary forms, you can take them, along with your petition, affidavit, Certificate of Eligibility, and filing fee to the court clerk. Filing fees might differ from county to county, so check the website for your county’s court to ensure you provide the proper amount.

• In some cases, you might be required to appear at a court hearing if a judge has questions about your case. Meet with your attorney to prepare for your hearing and, during your hearing, make sure you observe proper court etiquette and address the judge with respect. Generally, if all of your paperwork is satisfactory and complete, a judge will likely approve your petition without a hearing.

Expungement Attorney in Florida

If you are trying to move forward with your life but your criminal record keeps holding you back, let our Fort Lauderdale expungement attorney at The Legal Justice Center assist you in putting the past behind you. Backed by over two decades of experience, you can be confident in our ability to assist you in ensuring every step of the process is done correctly and without delay.

Contact our office today at (954) 603-7212 to schedule a free consultation.