Expunge Criminal Record
If you have an arrest listed on your criminal record, your life can be impaired in many ways. Your criminal history can be viewed by anyone because it is contained within Florida’s public records. This means that any time you apply for a job, prospective employers can see your entire criminal history, which can immensely impact their hiring decision. This is also true for any housing or educational opportunities you may plan on pursuing. When you have a criminal record, your life will be hindered.
After people realize the impact their criminal record has on their way of living, they often wish they had a “clean slate” or a “second chance”. Luckily, the state of Florida grants people a second chance through the process of expungement. Expungement is a process in which a person’s criminal offense is legally “erased”, if the person was not convicted. When a person has his/her criminal offense expunged, his/her arrest record will not be accessible to the public. Instead, when an inquiry is made about the person’s criminal record, the inquirer will see a statement that indicates the person’s arrest record has been expunged. For many people, this confidentiality allows them to move forward with their lives, and leave their pasts behind.
Applying for Expungement
Many offenses are eligible for expungement, but there are some offenses that cannot be expunged. Before a person applies for expungement, he/she should make sure that:
- he/she has not been found guilty of a delinquent crime as a juvenile
- he/she does not have a sealed/expunged prior arrest on his/her record
- he/she has not pled “guilty” or “no contest” to the offense he/she wishes to have expunged
- he/she has not been found guilty of a crime as an adult
If a person does not meet the criteria above, he/she may not be eligible for expungement. If you are seriously considering expungement, the next step you should take is to speak with a qualified expungement attorney.
Sarasota Expungement Attorneys
At the Law Offices of Finebloom & Haenel, we understand the difficulties and limitations people face once they have a criminal history. Our attorneys also know how beneficial it can be to have your criminal record expunged. If you are considering expunging your criminal record, you should speak with one of our experienced Florida expungement attorneys. During your initial consultation, we can review your criminal record to see if you qualify for expungement. Our knowledgeable legal team will then advise you of the expungement process and help you with the necessary paperwork. At the Law Offices of Finebloom & Haenel, we want to help you move forward with your life without restrictions.
Call the Law Offices of Finebloom & Haenel today to discuss your expungement options!
