A criminal record can have a detrimental effect on a person’s ability to find and keep a job, find a place to live, or gain admission to school. Under the Florida statutes, adult criminal records are made public—that is, unless a court has sealed or expunged the record. While a sealed record is given restricted access, an expunged record is completely removed from the court’s record-keeping system and is also destroyed. Members of the general public cannot view an expunged criminal record.
Criminal records which are subject to expungement in Florida include arrests, charges, and case dispositions. Criminal records expungements depend upon the nature and circumstances of the underlying charge. In order for you to expunge your criminal record, the case that you seek to expunge must be closed, and you must have completed all of the required terms of your probation.
The knowledgeable St. Petersburg criminal expungement attorneys at Khonsari Law Group know how frustrating it is to have an open criminal record for all to see. Our attorneys can discuss your case with you and may be able to assist you with obtaining a criminal records expungement.
Steps for Obtaining a Records Expungement
The first step to obtaining a criminal records expungement in Florida is to determine whether or not you qualify. In order to have your record expunged, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) must first determine that you are eligible to do so.
If you have ever been found guilty and convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime—including an assault—then you will not be able to seal or expunge your criminal record. Moreover, in order to obtain a criminal records expungement in Florida, you must have obtained one of the following results in your case:
- No action was taken in your case, or for whatever reason, the State’s Attorney decided not to file criminal charges against you.
- The State’s Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against you but later dismissed those charges. In other words, the State’s Attorney must have nolle prossed the charges in your case.
- A Florida judge acquitted you of the charges that the State’s Attorney brought against you.
The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group can determine whether you are eligible for a criminal records expungement. Once it has been determined that your record is eligible for expungement, you will need to fill out the proper application and other paperwork. When filling out the paperwork, it is important to be specific and not guess. If you do not know the answer to a specific question asked, then you should leave it blank.
The final step in the expungement process, prior to submitting your application, is to pay the necessary fee. In Florida, the cost for an expungement petition is $75.
Call a St. Petersburg, Florida Criminal Expungement Lawyer Today
Navigating your way through the criminal records expungement process in Florida can prove complicated. In order to qualify and obtain a records expungement, you must fulfill all of the requirements imposed by Florida law.
To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a St. Petersburg, Florida criminal expungement lawyer, please call us at (727) 269-5300 or contact us online.
Rohom Khonsari
Lawyer
Mr. Khonsari founded and is principal/partner of the Khonsari Law Group. With experience in both criminal and civil law, Mr. Khonsari built the law firm with the standard of doing everything possible for each and every client. With over forty jury trials, he has used his trial advocacy in successfully representing clients charged in criminal court and also those who have cases in the civil realm.
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