Definition of Terms for Florida Expungements

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Below are a list of terms used in expungements and sealings and throughout SealAndExpunge.com that may need defining for our readers.  If you have any questions please call us.

Expungement Definitions

• Arrest Record
  See Criminal Arrest History.
• Background Check
  This is data accessible by the public that contains information regarding your arrest.  There are two types of background checks - official (law enforcement records) and private (private companies that collect public information and then sell it to anyone).
• Case Disposition
  A disposition is the final result of a case.  If placed on probation the disposition would be the order placing you on probation.  If you violate probation the disposition can be modified.
• Certificate of Eligibility
  This is a document that FDLE issues to a person seeking to seal or expunge his/her criminal arrest record.  It is required before a petition to seal or expunge can be heard before the court.
• Criminal Arrest History
  A criminal arrest history begins upon arrest.  It is a recorded record chronographically indicating an arrest, the charges, and the court disposition.  It includes all arrests in chronological order with the case dispositions.
• Criminal Offense
  Any law infraction that can be punished by loss of liberty.
• Criminal Records Checks
  See Background Check.
• Expungement And Sealing
  Under Florida law, this is a process by which a person that qualifies can have a criminal arrest history removed from the public record.
• Mistaken Arrests
  Arrests that are contrary to law.  A good example is a warrant arrest for someone with your same name.  It is not any case that has been dropped or found not guilty at trial.  The basis for the arrest must be contrary to law.
• Public Record
  Florida has a broad public records law.  All arrest records and court documents (unless sealed) are public records pursuant to chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.  A public record means that the documents comprising the record are open to public inspection by anyone.

A Note regarding the definitions presented here.

The definitions are mostly plain English wording of terms by Eric J Dirga based on his experience and the common questions raised by clients.  Formal definitions can be looked up in dictionaries and are not presented here.  This is meant only to help in understanding the expungement process.

Additional web services that can help define terms:

• www.dictionary.com
• www.lawguru.com