Sealing and Expunging Your Criminal Record in Florida

Aside from a few exceptions, your criminal history is secured and inaccessible when a court order seals it. In order to obtain the court order to do this, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and follow the application and petitioning process set out in Section 943.059, Florida Statutes. To be eligible for the sealing of your criminal history record, the following criteria must be met:

  • Never have been adjudicated guilty of a criminal offense or comparable ordinance violation, and must never have been adjudicated delinquent (as a juvenile) for committing any felony or a misdemeanor specified in 943.051(3)(b), Florida Statutes;
  • Not have been adjudicated guilty of or adjudicated delinquent for committing any of the acts that stem from the arrest or alleged criminal activity that is the subject of the petition to seal your record;
  • You cannot have any petition to seal or petition to expunge pending before any court;
  • The charge that you are petitioning the court to seal or expunge must not be a disqualifying offense (discussed below);
  • Any sentence of probation or court supervision must have ended.

Why Should You Choose Us to Seal and Expunge Your Record?

Protecting your reputation after an arrest is extremely important. The process of sealing and expunction can be long, complicated, and very stressful. There are forms available online for individuals to apply to have their records sealed and expunged, but hiring an experienced attorney can save a lot of time and prevent endless frustration.