When you get your criminal record sealed or expunged, the Clerk of Court and law enforcement agencies take your criminal case out of the public database. Your criminal background should no longer appear on the clerk’s site or online inmate screens. Your arrest also should not appear on criminal background checks. When completing job applications or applying for housing, you can state you have never been arrested or charged with a criminal offense. 

To have your record sealed or expunged, you must meet the following criteria, according to Florida Law:

• You have not previously had your record sealed or expunged in Florida
• You were not adjudicated guilty of the crime
• You have not previously been adjudicated guilty of a crime
• You are not under court-ordered supervision, such as probation or house arrest
• You did not enter a guilty or no contest plea to an offense that is ineligible for sealing or expungement.
• According to FL Statute 943.059 and FL Statute 943.0585, there are many ineligible criminal offenses, some of which are listed below:
• Assault (if domestic violence)- FL Statute 784.011;
• Battery (if domestic violence)- Florida Statute 784.03;
• Assault on a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, or other specified officers – FL Statute 784.07(2)(a);
• Carrying a concealed weapon – FL Statute 790.01(1);
• Unlawful possession or discharge of a weapon or firearm at a school-sponsored event or on school property – Florida Statute 790.115;
• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor – FL Statute 790.22(5);
• Petit theft– FL Statute 812.014(3);
• Neglect of a child – FL Statute 827.03(1)(e); or
• Cruelty to animals – FL Statute 828.12(10).
• If you were charged with any of the above offenses, but the charges were dropped or dismissed, you may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged.

If you answered yes to all of the above, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your record.

Contact Orlando Sealing and Expungement Attorney Brandon Gans today to confirm your eligibility and get started on sealing or expunging your criminal record. This process can be a lengthy one so don’t delay in calling now to see if you are eligible.