Fort Lauderdale, Florida Expungement Attorney

Lawyer Helping to Expunge or Seal Criminal Records in Fort Lauderdale

A criminal record can affect you long after a criminal case has been resolved. Even if you were never convicted, the mere presence of an arrest or criminal charge on your record can affect your ability to find a job, be approved for housing, pursue an education, or receive a professional license. Fortunately, Florida law allows certain criminal records to be either expunged or sealed. This may provide you with the opportunity to move forward without the burden of a public criminal history.

At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney helps clients in Fort Lauderdale understand their eligibility for expungement or record sealing. He can guide you through the process of clearing your record. By working with you to petition the court and making sure you follow the appropriate legal procedures, he will work to ensure that you will be able to restore your reputation and protect your future.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement refers to the destruction of a criminal record, including the deletion of digital files and the destruction of physical records. When a record is expunged, most government agencies and private entities can no longer view it. You may legally deny that you were arrested or charged in most situations, including on job applications and housing forms.

Expungement may only be granted in limited circumstances. It generally applies to cases where charges were dropped, dismissed, or where you were found not guilty. You can typically only receive one expungement in your lifetime, with rare exceptions.

What Records May Be Eligible for Expungement?

Examples of cases that may be eligible for expungement include:

• An arrest that did not result in formal charges
• Charges that were dismissed through a diversion program
• An acquittal after a criminal trial

Certain serious offenses are ineligible for expungement, even if dismissed, particularly those involving violence, sexual misconduct, or crimes against children.

Benefits of Expungement

Expunging your criminal records can provide multiple long-term benefits, including:

• Removal of arrest and court records from public access
• Protection of your personal reputation
• Increased employment and licensing opportunities
• Improved access to housing and educational resources
• The legal ability to deny the incident in most situations

Expungement can be a life-changing step if you were wrongly accused or if a criminal case was resolved without a conviction.

What Is Criminal Record Sealing?

If expungement is not available, you may be eligible to have your criminal record sealed. When a record is sealed, it is not destroyed, but it is placed under restricted access. Most employers, landlords, and members of the public will no longer be able to view the record. Some government agencies and law enforcement officials may still have access.

Eligibility for Record Sealing

You may be eligible to seal a record if:

• You pled guilty or no contest, and adjudication was withheld
• You were not convicted of the offense
• The offense is not on the list of disqualifying charges, which include assault and battery, sexual assault, murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, human trafficking, drug trafficking, arson, burglary, robbery, and carjacking
• You have no prior criminal convictions
• You have not previously sealed or expunged another record

The Process of Expungement or Record Sealing in Florida

The procedures for sealing or expunging a record in Florida involve several steps, and the process can take several months. Our attorney can provide guidance throughout the process, ensuring that the petition is handled correctly and efficiently. The steps followed may include:

1. Determine Eligibility: Our lawyer can review your criminal history, court records, and the final disposition of a case to determine whether expungement or sealing is an option.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility: An application must be submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and all required documentation must be included. FDLE will issue a Certificate of Eligibility if you qualify.
3. File a Petition with the Court: Our attorney will help you file a formal Petition to Expunge or Seal with the circuit court in the county where the arrest or charge occurred.
4. Attend a Hearing: In some cases, a hearing may be scheduled to allow a judge to review the petition and hear any objections. Our lawyer can represent you during this hearing and argue in favor of granting the petition.
5. Court Order: If the court grants the petition, it will issue an order directing all applicable agencies to expunge or seal the record. Our attorney will ensure that this order is distributed to law enforcement, the clerk of court, and other relevant entities.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale, FL Record Sealing and Expungement Lawyer

If you are ready to leave the past behind and move forward with a clean slate, expungement or record sealing may provide the best path forward. At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the process from start to finish. Contact our Fort Lauderdale expungement and record sealing attorney at 954-524-4474 to arrange a free consultation and take steps to protect your future.