Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
A criminal record can impact the rest of your life. Depending on the charges on your record, having such marks can make it difficult to secure employment and qualify for financial benefits. You may also struggle to get housing, vote, or serve in the community.
The good news is that you don’t have to allow a criminal record to dictate your life. With the right help, you may be able to have a court expunge your record and clear your name, so that you can move forward with new resolve and peace of mind.
Record Expungement: What It Means
As the term suggests, to expunge your criminal record means to have it removed, so that no one can tell you were previously charged with a crime. Here are a few other important things to keep in mind:
- The expungement directs the court to treat you as though you never had a criminal conviction.
- The expungement removes the conviction from the legal record.
- A judge or court must order the expungement.
- In some states, the files might be expunged from public records but remain sealed and accessible for law enforcement.
Schedule a free consultation with our Fort Lauderdale criminal record expungement lawyer today to explore your options and devise a sound strategy.
Differences And Similarities Between Sealing And Expunging A Record
The terms “record expungement” and “record sealing” are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences.
When a court seals your criminal records, the record of the charge still exists, but is only available to certain government agencies. However, a court order can unseal a record and allow others to see it. This can occur in instances such as if you apply for a job with a criminal justice agency or if you are the subject of future criminal prosecution. Unsealing can also be ordered if you apply for a job in a public or private school.
An expunged record, on the other hand, is destroyed from most databases permanently, and only law enforcement can acquire access to it. Most of the entities that can view a sealed record cannot view an expunged one.
When A Conviction Is Eligible For Expungement
If law enforcement mistakenly arrests a person, that record is eligible for expungement. This is the case with a juvenile or an adult. In the state of Florida, you are also eligible for expungement if the charges against you were dropped or dismissed, or if you were acquitted. In any case, you are only eligible if you’ve never been convicted of a criminal offense.
It is important to note that all juvenile convictions will automatically be expunged once the individual in question reaches a certain age.
A third way to get an expungement is if you have never sealed or expunged another arrest record in the state of Florida. Exceptions, however, do exist, so it is crucial that you speak with a Fort Lauderdale criminal record expungement lawyer as soon as possible.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options.
Other Expungement Eligibility Options
Your lawyer will review your case and criminal history. Under Florida law, it is possible for you to be found guilty but not be convicted. You can get an expungement of your records even if you were found guilty or pled guilty to charges. There are instances, however, when you cannot have a record sealed or expunged when adjudication is withheld, including sexual misconduct, terrorism, manslaughter or homicide, and aggravated assault.
Guiding You Through The Process
If you have a criminal record, the thought of having that information removed and destroyed provides much relief. However, you do not want to go through this process alone. A qualified Fort Lauderdale criminal record expungement lawyer can help. Your attorney will have the necessary experience and knowledge to petition the court for an expungement. The first step you should take is to schedule a free consultation with the Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A., so that we may examine your eligibility and explore your legal options.