Criminal records can impact your life long after you’ve paid your debt to society. When a past mistake continues to obstruct employment opportunities, housing applications, and educational prospects, sealing your record offers a powerful legal remedy. For those eligible, this process creates a clean slate by restricting public access to your criminal history and opening doors your record previously closed.
At The Wiseman Law Firm, our experienced lawyer understands the life-changing impact of sealing criminal records. With over 25 years of experience and a track record that speaks for itself, you can trust us to guide you through the complex legal process and help you reclaim your reputation and future opportunities with aggressive representation. We work diligently to determine your eligibility and navigate the intricate requirements of Florida’s record sealing statutes, so you have the best chance of a successful outcome.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing in Florida
Record sealing is a legal procedure that restricts public access to your criminal history. While the records still exist, they become confidential and unavailable through standard background checks. Florida law establishes specific guidelines for record-sealing eligibility. The process requires careful preparation and attention to legal detail to ensure success, making professional legal guidance invaluable throughout this journey.
At The Wiseman Law Firm, we can help you determine whether you’re eligible for record sealing and explain how the process works so you can better understand your rights.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for record sealing in Florida, you must meet several fundamental criteria, including the following:
- You must have no prior sealed or expunged records
- You cannot have been adjudicated guilty or delinquent of any criminal offense
- You must have completed all terms of your sentence, including probation and payment of fines
- Your case must have been resolved with a withhold of adjudication
- The offense must not be among Florida’s list of disqualifying offenses
Additional factors may influence your eligibility, including the nature of your offense and your criminal history. Before proceeding, we conduct thorough evaluations to determine whether your case meets all requirements.
Disqualifying Offenses
Florida law explicitly prohibits sealing records for certain serious offenses. These include violent crimes, sexual offenses, and cases involving children or elderly victims. Drug trafficking, arson, voyeurism, and domestic violence cases typically cannot be sealed under Florida statutes.
Even if your offense isn’t on the disqualifying list, other factors may affect eligibility. For instance, if you’ve been convicted of any crime, you generally cannot have your record sealed. With our extensive legal knowledge and experience with Florida’s criminal justice system, we can help you understand the nuances of these restrictions.
What Is the Record Sealing Process Like in Florida?
The process of sealing a criminal record in Florida involves multiple steps and requires interaction with several government agencies. Working with an experienced attorney significantly increases your chances of success. We provide unwavering support and guidance through every step, including the following:
Required Documentation
The record-sealing process begins with obtaining a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This involves submitting fingerprints, completing application forms, and paying filing fees. Once you receive this certificate, you must file a petition with the court where your case was handled, along with supporting documentation.
Judge’s Review
A judge will review your petition and may schedule a hearing before making a decision. If approved, court orders will be sent to various agencies instructing them to seal your records. This complex process may take several months to complete from start to finish, with numerous opportunities for procedural errors that could delay or derail your application.
Common Challenges
You may encounter obstacles during the record-sealing process, including incomplete documentation, procedural errors, or discovering disqualifying factors not initially apparent. Sometimes, prosecutors may object to your petition, requiring legal arguments to overcome their opposition.
Our approach involves thorough preparation and anticipation of potential issues before they arise. We carefully review your entire criminal history, not just the case you wish to seal, ensuring we have complete information about your eligibility. This comprehensive preparation helps avoid surprises and increases your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact The Wiseman Law Firm for Record Sealing Assistance
Navigating Florida’s record-sealing process requires detailed legal knowledge and procedural expertise. The Wiseman Law Firm brings over two decades of criminal defense experience to your case, providing personalized guidance through every step of this complex legal journey. Our thorough approach may help you successfully seal their records and move forward with their lives.
The Wiseman Law Firm is committed to helping you secure the fresh start you deserve. Our Orlando-based lawyer offers compassionate representation backed by extensive courtroom experience and a deep understanding of Florida’s criminal justice system. To discuss your record-sealing eligibility and explore your options during a free consultation, call us today at (407) 420-4647 or complete our contact form.