How to get your criminal record expunged
If you have ever been arrested or charged with a crime, regardless of whether or not you were actually convicted, it is a matter of public record. What does this mean? It means that any time you apply for a job, for housing, for school, for a loan, or for any sort of certification or licensing, your arrest record will raise an eyebrow. Having an arrest or a charge on your record often means the difference between landing the job and finding yourself out of luck. In this economy, having a blemish on your record is a big red flag and a roadblock to your dreams and goals. This does not have to be the case.
If you can get your criminal record expunged, do it! What does this mean? When your record is expunged, it is as though your arrest or charge never occurred. The public will no longer be able to access your records without going through an extensive procedure to petition and receive a court order to view them. Unless you are applying for a job with the government, no potential employer will come across your criminal record at all because it effectively will not exist. Landlords, lenders and colleges and universities will not be able to access your records. Expungement is essentially a fresh start.
Not every arrest or charge meets the requirements for seal/expungement. In the same way, not every person with a criminal record meets the personal requirements for expungement eligibility.
To be eligible to have your record expunged, you must meet these four standards:
The crime you were arrested or charged with is listed in Florida Statute 907.041.
This must be your first time applying for a record sealing or expungement in any state.
You have either had your case dismissed, completed a diversion program, or your records have been sealed for ten years minimum.
You have no Adjudication of Guilt for any criminal offense in any state on your record.
A seal/expungement attorney can review your case and advise you about your eligibility.
We are ready to help you at The Law Offices of Gary M. Zeidwig. Use our free evaluation form to contact us, or you can send an email at gz@zeidwiglaw.com or give us a call at (954) 523-3993 so we can set up a meeting to go over your case and give you the best advice and representation. Gary Zeidwig is an award-winning trial attorney who has defended numerous clients against criminal charges and has a strong, successful history of effective criminal defense.