How do I stop an employer from seeing my Florida felony charge? The answer depends on a number of variables. If a potential employer runs a background check on you, he or she will likely see all of your arrests. Even if the charges were dropped, the arrest will still appear. The good news is that you may be able to seal or expunge your Florida criminal record.
In order to seal or expunge the record, you cannot have a criminal conviction in any case. Additionally, you cannot have ever sealed or expunged any other record. There are certain crimes that cannot be sealed in Florida (See Florida Crimes that Cannot be Sealed). If the charges were dropped or your record has been sealed for 10 years, you may be able to expunge your record. If adjudication of guilt was withheld (meaning you were not convicted), you may be able to seal your record. See What is the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging for more information.
If you seal or expunge your record, most people will not be able to view the Florida case that you have sealed or expunged, and you can legally deny or fail to acknowledge the arrests covered by the sealed or expunged record, unless it falls under one of the exceptions listed in Florida Statute Sections 943.0585 or 943.059. If you are interested in sealing or expunging your Florida criminal record, contact a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer to review your Florida Criminal History and determine if your applicable for a Record Seal or having your Record Expunged.