The Benefits of Expunging or Sealing Your Criminal Record in Florida
When you are charged with or convicted of a crime, you may worry that this negative event will follow you for the rest of your life. Thankfully, expungement and sealing are both options you may be eligible for. These processes can shield certain records from public view, preventing them from impacting your life.
Learn the benefits of expunging or sealing a criminal record in Florida, then consult a criminal defense lawyer about your eligibility for these processes.
The Differences Between Expunging vs. Sealing Criminal Records
Some people use “expunging” and “sealing” interchangeably, but they are separate processes in Florida. Expunging destroys a record, removing all traces of it from public and private databases. Record sealing shields the charges from public view, keeping them confidential from the majority of people outside the court system.
You may be eligible for expungement in Florida if your charges were dismissed or dropped before trial or acquitted after a trial. If your criminal charges were not dropped, you may be eligible for record sealing if you pled guilty or no contest and the court agreed to withhold adjudication.
Both processes require you to meet these criteria:
- You have no prior convictions of a crime in Florida.
- You have not expunged other records.
- You have no pending charges.
A criminal defense lawyer can walk you through the Florida statutes for both procedures and determine your eligibility.
How Expunging or Sealing Your Record Can Change Your Life
Whether you qualify for expungement or sealing, these processes can help you set your life back on track. These are a few benefits of lawfully hiding your record in Florida.
Improve Your Reputation in the Community
Going through life with a criminal past can leave you feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. You know that this information is accessible to anyone who wants to find it. A quick Google search would reveal your charges, even if you were ultimately acquitted.
Shielding the charge with the help of a criminal defense lawyer can improve your reputation within the community. You won’t need to worry about anyone stumbling upon your mugshot or judging you for what’s in the past.
Boost Your Chances of Employment
Employers often complete background checks on applicants. Charges are publicly available through background check programs, meaning any employer can easily find this information. Even dropped charges could dissuade a potential employer from hiring you.
By hiding the charges, you can improve your chances of gaining new employment.
Expand Your Housing Choices
Rental and mortgage companies alike may look for criminal records as part of the application process. This can seriously hinder your opportunity to gain comfortable, safe housing. By expunging or sealing these records, you can remove barriers to housing and significantly expand your choices.
Gain Closure About Past Events
Whatever event led to your charges is in the past. You don’t need to let this event define you, but knowing that it will appear in any public search can make it challenging to move on.
Sealing the record from view can give you a sense of closure. The charges won’t haunt you for the rest of your life. You can gain a fresh start, free from past events.
Seek Help With Expungement or Record Sealing From Our Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you think you may qualify for expungement or record sealing in Florida, don’t wait — take advantage of this unique opportunity as soon as possible. At Michael White, P.A., our criminal defense lawyers are well-versed in both processes. Call us today at 954-270-0769 to request a consultation or legal representation.
