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(727) 828-3900 Many people interact with the criminal justice system at some point in their lives. Seemingly minor offenses can have a major impact on your future, beyond short-term jail time and monetary fines.
However, a criminal record does not need to prevent you from progressing in your life and career. A St. Petersburg expungement lawyer can help you remove records of certain offenses so you can live and work without the affliction of past misdemeanors.
Expungement is a legal process that allows a person to have a criminal record removed from public view. In Florida, expungement (also called “expunction”) means that a criminal record is sealed and, in most cases, destroyed, making it inaccessible to the public, employers, and many government agencies. This can offer a fresh start to individuals who qualify, allowing them to move forward without the burden of a past arrest or charge following them.
To qualify for expungement in Florida, a person must meet specific criteria. Most importantly, the individual must not have been convicted or adjudicated guilty of any criminal offense, either in the case they want expunged or any other case. The record in question must also not involve serious charges such as sex offenses or violent felonies. Expungement is typically only available if the charges were dropped, dismissed, or the person was found not guilty.
Florida law allows for only one criminal history record to be expunged or sealed in a lifetime (with limited exceptions). Individuals must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) before petitioning the court. An attorney can help guide this process and determine eligibility.
If you are looking to clear your record in and around St. Petersburg, you can rely on the help of an expungement attorney to determine your eligibility and get the process started.
An expungement attorney in St. Petersburg can be critical to your quest for record expungement. First, and most importantly, an attorney can ensure you are eligible and tell you what records can be cleared.
Second, an attorney can assist with the multi-step process of requesting expungement. To start with, you must request a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which requires a certified statement from a Florida statewide prosecutor and a processing fee. After receiving the certificate of eligibility, you need to petition a Florida court for an expungement order.
Finally, a lawyer can advise you on the effects of expungement and the possibility of keeping your expunged records confidential in certain circumstances. However, the ability to keep expunged records private is not absolute, so it is beneficial to receive insight before seeking expungement.
Having a criminal record, even without a conviction, could exclude you from educational and job opportunities. Expungement allows you to overcome mistakes or unfortunate circumstances, giving you the freedom to live and provide for yourself and your loved ones.
At Goldman Wetzel, a St. Petersburg expungement lawyer can evaluate your case and help clear your record. From determining your eligibility to petitioning the courts on your behalf, your attorney can help you every step of the way. Contact us to set up a consultation.
