In the State of Florida, if you are arrested, the law allows you under limited circumstances to have your record expunged. You may be entitled to have your record only sealed and therefore it is suggested you listen to the section on sealing your record as well.
When your record in expunged it is literally erased. When it is sealed it is sealed and kept from public view. It is harder to get your record expunged than it is to be sealed and many people are not eligible to have their record expunged. Therefore, it is recommended that you discuss with an attorney whether you are eligible.
In the State of Florida, if you are arrested, the law allows you under limited circumstances to have your record expunged. You may be entitled to have your record only sealed and therefore it is suggested you listen to the section on sealing your record as well. When your record in expunged it is literally erased. When it is sealed it is sealed and kept from public view. It is harder to get your record expunged than it is to be sealed and many people are not eligible to have their record expunged. Therefore, it is recommended that you discuss with an attorney whether you are eligible. If you have ever had a record sealed or expunged in the past you are no longer eligible because you are only allowed under existing law to seal or expunge your record one time. If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense or, if you have been convicted or adjudicated of the offense in question, you are not eligible.
You must petition the appropriate court to expunge your record. The judge has the authority or discretion to either grant or deny your request.
By expunging your record you may save substantial embarrassment in the future and it may even help you get a job. it is also possible in certain circumstances to truthfully deny that you were ever arrested even though the arrest did take place. But the right to deny the arrest is limited to certain situations and so it is always helpful to review those with an attorney prior to denying your arrest. As indicated above, it is intended for you to listen to the section on sealing your record as well as this section in order to determine which process is best for you. However, because the area is complicated, it is recommended that you discuss this matter with a competent attorney.
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Winter Park, Florida 32789
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