Orlando Criminal Expungement Lawyer

A criminal record can follow you for years, shaping how employers, landlords, and licensing boards see you before you ever get a chance to make your case. If you were arrested but never convicted, had charges dropped, or completed a diversion program, Florida law may allow you to clear that record. At The Wiseman Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense attorney helps clients throughout Central Florida pursue expungement and record sealing — giving them a real path forward.

Attorney Simon Wiseman has practiced criminal defense for more than 25 years, including time as a state prosecutor in Orange County, Orlando. He knows how these cases are evaluated, what the State of Florida looks for, and how to guide clients through every step of this process efficiently and correctly.

What Is Criminal Record Expungement?

Criminal record expungement is the legal process of removing an arrest record from public view in Florida. When a record is expunged, it is physically destroyed by the relevant law enforcement agencies. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) retains one confidential copy, but the public cannot access it. Expungement provides the highest level of record clearance available under Florida law.

Record sealing works differently. A sealed record is not destroyed — it is hidden from public view, but certain government agencies may still access it. Both options offer meaningful protection, and which one applies to your situation depends on the specifics of your case.

Are You Eligible for Expungement or Sealing?

Not every arrest record qualifies for expungement or sealing in Florida. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the nature of the charges, the outcome of your case, and your criminal history. Generally speaking, you may qualify if:

• Your charges were dismissed or dropped
• You completed a pretrial diversion program
• Adjudication was withheld in your case, meaning you were not formally convicted
• You have not previously had a record sealed or expunged in Florida or any other jurisdiction
• The offense is not on Florida’s list of disqualifying charges

Under Florida law, a person may only seal or expunge one arrest record in a single proceeding. Our attorney reviews your complete criminal history to determine which type of relief — sealing or expungement — applies to your situation.

The Florida Expungement Process

Clearing your record in Orlando requires following a specific, multi-step process through the courts and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Each step must be completed correctly to avoid delays or denial of your petition.

The process begins with applying to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. This application must be notarized and submitted with a set of fingerprints, a certified copy of your case disposition, and the required processing fee. For expungements, the State Attorney’s office must also sign off before FDLE processes the application.

Once FDLE issues the Certificate of Eligibility, you file a Petition to Seal or Expunge with the court in the county where the charges originated. The State Attorney’s office reviews the petition and may object. If there are no objections, the court typically approves the petition without a hearing. If approved, the clerk of court and FDLE update the record accordingly.

Every stage of this process has specific requirements. A missing signature, incomplete form, or incorrect documentation can set your petition back significantly. Our attorney handles all of it on your behalf — from gathering documents and preparing the required affidavits to representing you at any required court hearings.

What Expungement and Sealing Can Do for You

Successfully expunging or sealing your record can open doors that a criminal record keeps closed. Many clients come to us after struggling with background checks that are affecting their careers, housing applications, or professional licenses. Once your record is cleared, you may be able to legally deny that the arrest or charge ever occurred in most situations.

Common benefits include:

• Removing your arrest from public background checks
• Allowing you to answer “no” to questions about prior arrests in most circumstances
• Protecting your reputation with employers, schools, and landlords
• Preserving your eligibility for professional licenses and career advancement
• Reducing the long-term impact of an arrest that did not result in a conviction

A sentence follows to close out this section: These benefits are not guaranteed in every situation, but for eligible clients, expungement and sealing represent one of the most effective ways to move forward after an arrest.

How Much Does Expungement Cost in Florida?

The cost of expungement in Florida includes state filing fees, fingerprinting costs, and attorney fees, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 total. FDLE charges $75 for the Certificate of Eligibility application, while court filing fees vary by county. In Orange County, additional costs may include obtaining certified dispositions and notarization services. Attorney fees depend on case complexity and whether complications arise during the petition process.

Common Cases That May Qualify For Expungement

Arrests that did not result in a conviction are often the strongest candidates for expungement or sealing in Orlando. Cases where the State of Florida chose not to file charges, where charges were nolle prossed, or where you completed a pretrial diversion program may all be eligible. Cases involving drug charges and misdemeanor offenses where adjudication was withheld are also frequently eligible for record sealing. Our attorney evaluates the specific details of your case — including the charges, disposition, and your full criminal history — to identify the best available option.

Speak With the Orlando Expungement Lawyer at The Wiseman Law Firm

Clearing your record is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect your future. The Wiseman Law Firm helps clients throughout Orlando and Central Florida pursue expungement and record sealing with the same aggressive, detail-oriented approach Attorney Wiseman brings to every case. With more than 25 years of criminal defense experience and a deep knowledge of how Florida courts handle these petitions, he is prepared to guide you through the process from start to finish.

Do not let an old arrest continue limiting your options. Contact The Wiseman Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your eligibility and what clearing your record may mean for your future.