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πŸ•΅οΈ‍♂️ Seal or Expunge Your Criminal Record in Fort Lauderdale?

Last updated November 2025

🧼 A Second Chance Starts With a Clean Record

Even if your charges were dropped, dismissed, or resolved without conviction, your criminal record doesn’t just disappear. In Florida, background checks show arrests β€” even if you weren’t found guilty.

That’s why it’s critical to work with a seal and expunge attorney in Fort Lauderdale who understands how to clear your record fast and correctly. It’s not just paperwork β€” it’s your future.

At Michael White, P.A., we’ve helped professionals, students, parents, and first-time offenders wipe their records clean β€” and move forward with confidence.

βš–οΈ What’s the Difference Between Sealing and Expungement?

Under Florida Statute § 943.0585 and § 943.059:

πŸ”’ Sealing a Record

  • Hides the record from most employers and agencies

  • Available if adjudication was withheld

  • Can only seal one eligible record

  • Still accessible to law enforcement and licensing boards

🧹 Expungement

  • Destroys the record entirely

  • Only available if the case was dismissed or no action taken

  • Also limited to one lifetime expungement

  • Must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before filing

πŸ›‘οΈ Why You Need a Seal and Expunge Lawyer

We help clients:

πŸ”Ή Review eligibility for sealing or expungement
πŸ”Ή File for a Certificate of Eligibility with FDLE
πŸ”Ή Draft and file petitions in circuit court
πŸ”Ή Represent you in court if required
πŸ”Ή Communicate with agencies to confirm removal

Mistakes in paperwork or ineligible cases can delay or deny your petition — we make sure it’s done right the first time.

βœ… Why Clients Choose Michael White

βœ… Former prosecutor with firsthand record access experience
βœ… Trusted by professionals, students, and working adults
βœ… Fast, clean handling of the full sealing/expungement process
βœ… Clear communication and record-focused strategy

πŸ“ž Want to Clear Your Record in Fort Lauderdale? Let’s Talk.

Don’t let an old arrest hold you back. We can help you move get rid of that criminal record.

πŸ“² Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a consultation

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

πŸ§‘‍βš–οΈ What’s better — sealing or expungement?

Expungement removes the record entirely, but only applies to dismissed cases. Sealing hides it but still protects you in most situations.

πŸ“„ Am I eligible to seal or expunge my case?

We’ll review your record. Generally, you can’t have prior convictions or more than one arrest. Certain charges (like domestic violence) are excluded.

βš–οΈ How long does the process take?

Usually 4–6 months start to finish — but we handle the full timeline, from FDLE to final court order.

πŸ” Will this clear my record from background checks?

Yes — most private employers and landlords won’t see sealed or expunged records.

πŸ“‰ Can I do this on my own?

Technically yes, but many DIY filings get rejected due to missing documents or eligibility issues. We make sure it’s done right.

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