How to Get Your Criminal Record Sealed in Florida
I often get phone calls from people asking me if they can get their criminal record sealed or expunged in Florida because they are having trouble getting a job once their potential employer finds out about their record. In order for me answer their question, I first have to get some information from them such as whether they were adjudicated guilty of the Florida criminal charge that they are calling about. If the answer is yes, then they cannot get their Florida criminal record sealed or expunged. If the answer is no, then I ask them whether they have ever before had a criminal record sealed or expunged. If the answer is yes, then they cannot get their Florida record sealed or expunged. If the answer is no, they I ask them whether they currently have a motion to seal or expunge their record pending in any court anywhere. If the answer is yes, then they cannot get their Florida record sealed or expunged. If the answer is no, then they may be eligible to have their Florida criminal record sealed or expunged. As you can see, the rules for getting a criminal record sealed or expunged in Florida are quite stringent. If you wish to review for yourself the rules regarding sealing or expunging your record, read Florida Statute Section 943.0585. If you think you are eligible to get your Florida record sealed or expunged and you wish to have that done, contact an experienced Florida sealing record lawyer so that he or she can file the necessary paperwork to get your record sealed or expunged.
Florida criminal lawyer Ronald Chapman has extensive experience helping people get their criminal records sealed. You can read more about Mr. Chapman’s experience as well as review news articles about some of his cases. Some of the types of cases and issues that Mr. Chapman has handled since 1990 include:
• Death Penalty Cases
• Assault and Battery Cases
• DUI Cases
• Drug Cases
• Sex Crimes Cases
• Sealing & Expunging Criminal Records
• Bond|Bail
• Mistaken Identification and Wrongful Conviction
• Police Interrogations
• Sentencing
I had a DUI, after 2.5 years the Prosecuting attorney decided
not to prosecute my case and threw it out because they did not have any proof I did anything wrong. Do I have go through the expungement process to get the arrest off my record. Is there a different process for a Nolle Prosequi.
Attorney Chapman's response:
You will need to petition the Court to have your record expunged.
Ihave been just released from willard corrections here In Connecticut and have found that getting employed has been very difficult because of my extensive criminal background and I am looking for a way to have my past sealed even If it is just for a short period of time to give myself a fighting chance to survive Iam becoming discouraged. I know I have been giving chances before however Iam not that man anymore any help in directing me to the right resources to have my record sealed would be much appreciated thanks for your time. yours truly sean parsons a 51 yearold excon.
Attorney Chapman's response:
Because I am not licensed to practice law in Connecticut, I do not know how to get your record sealed in that state. I suggest you contact a criminal defense lawyer who practices law in Connecticut.
I have a "withheld adjudication" for a non-violent felony on my record. Will this prevent me from purchasing a firearm and if so, can this record be expunged/sealed and how long must I wait after completing probation? Thank You.
Attorney Chapman's response:
1. Regarding purchasing a firearm, look at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_Laws_in_Florida
2. Whether your record can be sealed depends, in part, upon what the felony was.
3. You can apply to have your record sealed as soon as your probation is finished.
Dear Mr. Chapman,
Firstly, thank you for this comment board and your valuable time. I have just a brief question for you:
My record was sealed in Florida (FDLE) in 2009 and I am aware that certain agencies can still see it if need be. I am applying for a position in Northern California to work at an elderly living complex (exec position). Will my non-violent, non-drug arrest (adjudicated) felony show up as I apply for a position with this private company?
Thanks for your precious time.
Sincerely,
Joseph Gallagher
Attorney Chapman's response:
It should not show up since it was sealed.