We all make mistakes. The law in the State of Florida recognizes the fact that a momentary lapse in judgment that resulted in criminal charges shouldn’t necessarily be a scar on one’s reputation for the remainder of their life. Generally, Florida law states that for certain qualifying offenses, an individual may be eligible to have their records sealed or expunged. The law also provides that an individual’s criminal record be free of any prior convictions in order to be eligible. An individual can only take advantage of sealing or expunging their record one time only.
Leifert & Leifert is a criminal defense law firm offering and skilled representation to individuals looking to seal or expunge their records for criminal offenses. If you would like information sealing or expunging of your criminal charges, contact a Ft Lauderdale expungement Lawyer near you today.
Difference Between Expungement and Record-Sealing
When a record is sealed, the public will not be able to access any information. There are, however, specific exceptions to this general rule. For example, as a Ft Lauderdale record sealing Attorney can explain, there are certain entities that can still access the sealed record. They are as follows:
- If you are seeking employment with a criminal justice agency.
- If you are the subject of future criminal prosecution.
- If you are seeking to be licensed by the Florida Bar to practice law in the State of Florida.
- If you are seeking employment, to be licensed or contract with the Department of Children and Families, Agency for Health Care Administration, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Juvenile Justice.
- If you are seeking to be employed or licensed by the Department of Education, certain types of public schools, private schools or child care facilities.
- If you are seeking employment or access to one of Florida’s seaports.
- If you are seeking to purchase a firearm.
When a record is Expunged, the above entities will not have access to the actual record. They will, however, be informed that the record has been expunged but will be denied access.
For both sealing and expunging, if you are not dealing with any of the above the entities or scenarios, you may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the events covered by the sealed or expunged. In other words, it’s as if your record is returned to the way it was before the case ever occurred.
Expungement Process
The road to a sealed or expunged record can oftentimes be a lengthy one. It requires contacts with the Courts, the State Attorney’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and then back with the Court again for a Petition or Motion to Seal or Expunge the record.
Our Ft Lauderdale record sealing Lawyers will look for ways to eliminate the record of your criminal charges. An expungement lawyer near you is available to guide you through the process.
Is it Possible to Expunge Multiple Records in Fort Lauderdale?
In the State of Florida, it is almost impossible to expunge multiple charges/convictions. The State only allows for one expungement on a record to exist, meaning that if a defendant has multiple charges or convictions on their record, they could only be able to expunge one offense. Even if a person has already had their record expunged/sealed in another State, they are unlikely to do so once a person has done so already. However, if there are multiple arrests related to one offense, the State may allow to expunge those arrests if they have are directly related to an offense.
Contacting a Ft Lauderdale Expungement Attorney
If you are looking for help with any record sealing case, please contact one of our Ft Lauderdale expungement Lawyers near you for a free consultation.
As former Prosecutors, the Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert have the experience needed to effectively represent individuals looking to seal or expunge their records in Florida. Please contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss how we can protect your record.
If you would like to learn more about this wonderful legal remedy, call us and we will be happy to give you additional information.
It gives us great pleasure to clear an individual’s record in order to restore one’s reputation, improve employment prospects, and contribute to one’s overall well-being.
