Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
As a Jacksonville Criminal Attorney I get calls all the time regarding a desire to seal or expunge their criminal past. However, few really know or understand the process and limitations that are involved with getting your Florida Criminal Record Sealed or Expunged. Therefore, I have decided to create this brief Blog to help clear up some initial misunderstandings. However, for the most clarity and understanding scheduling a FREE consultation with a Jacksonville Criminal Attorney is advisable.
One questions I get all the time is clients was to seal their ENTIRE criminal history. Meaning expunge all their arrests and criminal violations. However, this is not permissible under Florida Statutes. In Florida, a person is potentially applicable to have sealed or expunged ONE criminal arrest. To clarify, a Florida record seal will only handle ONE case you had before a Florida Court. Now, with that being said, if you had multiple charges in that ONE case, you can have all those charged sealed. This is best explained by example. Lets say, John smith has been arrested twice in his life. He calls a Jacksonville Criminal Attorney for a Consult. He wants his ENTIRE record sealed or expunged. This cannot be done, he will have to choose which arrest to deal with. His next question is regarding his arrest, it was for multiple offense, but all related to the one arrest. This is OK, a Florida record seal or expunction allows for ONE arrest to be sealed even if the arrest has multiple offenses.
Another question I get all the time is am I applicable for a Florida Record Seal or Expunction. Well, that answer depends on multiple factors. First and foremost is what was the adjudication of the offense you want sealed or expunged. This is important because if you have been CONVICTED of any offense you are not eligible for a record seal or expunction. Furthermore, if the adjudication was WITHHELD you are only eligible for a record seal. In contrast, if the charges were dropped you could be eligible for an expunction. Many clients do not know or remember the adjudication of their offense, that is OK, give a Jacksonville Criminal Attorney a call and we can find our for you.
In closing, if you have a criminal past that is effecting your future, give a Jacksonville Attorney a call. I can evaluate your case, make the proper determinations, and move forward in a manner that is beneficial to you and your future.
If you would like more information regarding Florida Record Seals and Expunction, check out Law Office of David M. Goldman PLLC‘s website. If you would like to schedule a FREE consultation with a Jacksonville Criminal Attorney, contact my office directly at 904-685-1200.