We Can Help You Expunge Your Florida Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record it is quite probable that during this economic downturn you have heard the term "expungement" or "expunge criminal record."  You may not be sure what it means or you may be confused about it but you are sure you'd like to find out more.

What can an expungement do for me?

An expungement can help people that have a criminal record that is causing them to be overlooked for jobs, promotions, leased housing or even financial loans.  In Florida the term expungement, for purposes of this discussion, will also include record sealings.  An expungement or having your criminal record expunged literally removes it from the "public record."

What is the "Public Record"?

In Florida just about any record that originates from any government agency is considered a "public record."  A public record is open and available for everyone to see that just so happens to want to see it.  This means that your criminal record is a public record and you can find information regarding it online and can actually view the real court record if you asked for it at the Clerk of Courts.  This also means that private companies that collect public records will sell your information to whoever pays for it.

Will a Record Expungement remove my Criminal Record from the Public Record?

Yes.  Now let's clarify what that means.  The public record is the official record that originates within the government.  This includes County records such as those generated by the Clerk of Court, Police records, Sheriff's records, records generated at the Office of the State Attorney, and records maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.  All of these records are affected when you have your criminal record sealed or expunged.  When I say "affected" that means these records are removed from the public record within all of these agencies and some agencies are actually required to physically destroy such records.

Is there a Seal or Expunge catch?

Yes.  Unfortunately, there are literally hundreds of private companies within and outside the United States that buy, trade, and sell information collected from public records.  These companies call themselves such things as "background checks" and "background data" companies.  You may see ads for these companies on TV or have had a potential job or apartment turn you down because of what one of these companies have said.

An order expunging or sealing your criminal record does not go out to all of those companies.  We provide another service that addresses those companies and speeds up the process of removal from their databases.

What Not to Do Once Your Record is Expunged

If your criminal record has been expunged or sealed pursuant to Florida law you have the lawful ability to deny that the arrest ever occurred.  There are several exceptions to this ability but for the most part do not admit that your record has been sealed or expunged.  If confronted with a private company disclosure utilize your ability to deny that the arrest reported is correct.

With a sealed or expunged criminal record you can deny any information relating to that arrest and get the Clerk of Court to provide you with a certified records check that indicates that no record exists.  You can also receive a background check through FDLE that will not show the expunged or sealed arrest.  Armed with these documents you can back-up your denial.

If you have further questions you can review our Expungement FAQs page or just call us.  We will be happy to answer your questions regarding Florida expungement law.

To Speak to Eric J Dirga, a Florida Expungement Attorney

I represent people who have been arrested for criminal offenses in Florida that now want to expunge that record. I have been practicing criminal law and expungement law since 1997. I provide statewide representation for expungements throughout Florida. Call (407) 841-5555 to set up a time for a consultation either over the phone or in person.

If you found any information I have provided on this webpage helpful please click my Plus+1 button so that others may also find it.

Orlando Expungement Attorney Eric J Dirga

 

"I find that most people do not fully understand the impact of an expungement or how expungements and sealed records really work.  I explain a laundry list of things I think are important to make sure expunging or sealing a record is right for them.  I do all this before a client hires me "

To Hire Eric J Dirga

Contact us at (407) 841-5555. We have very competitive rates and we represent people throughout the state of Florida.