Sealing Criminal Records
People who have been arrested for a criminal offense often wish that they could go back in time and change their actions. After a person has been arrested for a crime, a negative mark appears on their criminal record. Your criminal record is extremely important because it is accessible to the public. This means that your future employers, landlords, schools, and neighbors can view your criminal history. Often times, people are denied employment opportunities, housing options, and educational prospects based on the information that is contained in their criminal record.
Your criminal record can place continual limitations on your way of living. Thankfully, the law allows you to have a second chance through the sealing and expungement process. If you have been arrested for a crime, and the adjudication (judgment or decree) of guilt was withheld, your offense may be removed from public records. This means that the public will not be able to see your arrest when they view your criminal record. Not all criminal offenses can be sealed. There are some crimes that cannot be sealed according to Florida law.
Florida Criminal Record – Sealed versus Expunged
The main difference between a sealed record and an expunged record is public accessibility. Once a person’s criminal record has been sealed, the public will not have access to it. The only people who may access a sealed criminal record are governmental officials that are defined in the Florida Statutes.
When a person’s criminal record is expunged, the public will not be able to see the offense the person had expunged. Instead, the public will receive a statement indicating that the person has had their criminal information expunged from his/her record. The only way a person from the public would be able to access an expunged record is through the issuance of a court order.
Only one arrest record may be expunged or sealed at the same time. In some instances, the court may decide to expunge or seal more than one arrest record if the records are directly related to one another.
Florida 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 sealed. If you are considering sealing 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 sealing or expungement. Our knowledgeable legal team will then advise you of the sealing 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!
Contact the Law Offices of Finebloom & Haenel.
