A criminal record can follow you for years, limiting employment opportunities, housing options, and your ability to move forward with your life. For a fresh start, expungement may be the solution.
At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys help clients clear their records and reclaim their futures. We oversee the state’s expungement process and work to give you the new opportunities that a Key Largo expungement lawyer can help you pursue. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Florida expungement laws allow eligible individuals to seal their criminal records from public view, providing opportunities for fresh starts. Expungement physically destroys or obliterates arrest records, making them completely inaccessible to the public, employers, and landlords conducting background checks.
To qualify for expungement in Florida, you must first obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Eligibility requirements include having charges dropped, dismissed, or resulting in an acquittal with no conviction. You cannot have previously sealed or expunged any records in Florida, and you cannot have any pending criminal proceedings.
Certain serious offenses are ineligible for expungement, including violent crimes, sexual offenses, and crimes against minors. You must complete all sentencing requirements, probation, and restitution before applying.
The expungement process involves petitioning the court where charges were filed, paying required fees, and obtaining approval from the state attorney’s office. Processing typically takes several months.
Once expunged, you can legally deny that the arrest occurred in most situations. However, certain government agencies and law enforcement can still access expunged records for specific purposes like employment screening for sensitive positions. During an initial consultation, a Key Largo attorney from our firm can further explain the details of expungement and whether you are eligible.
It goes without saying that having a criminal record that follows you for life can be a source of significant embarrassment for you and your family. Besides the social stigma, there are many more effects of a criminal record. You may struggle to find employment when you are subject to a background check, and a prospective employer can see that you have been arrested for a crime.
Even if you get a job offer, you may struggle to qualify for a professional license if you are seeking to work in certain fields. Others can also see your criminal record, such as landlords who are checking to see if you are a suitable tenant.
A Key Largo attorney can assist in navigating the criminal record-sealing process. Our lawyers can evaluate your eligibility by reviewing your criminal history, identifying which offenses qualify for expungement, and determining potential obstacles before you invest time and money in the process.
Your legal counsel can handle all required paperwork, ensuring petitions are completed accurately and submitted with proper supporting documentation. They can obtain certificates of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and coordinate with state attorneys, court clerks, and multiple agencies involved in the process.
Legal representation can increase approval chances. Defense attorneys present arguments to prosecutors and judges, addressing any concerns and advocating for your fresh start. They respond to objections and handle hearings if necessary.
Our lawyers also advise on timing, helping you understand when to apply and whether sealing records first might be appropriate. They can move the process forward by knowing local court procedures and maintaining relationships with local court personnel. Most importantly, expungement attorneys protect your rights throughout proceedings, ensuring mistakes do not jeopardize your opportunity for record clearance and a clean slate.
When it comes to something as important as your future, which can be at stake if you have a criminal record, you cannot afford to leave anything to chance. If you need guidance, schedule a consultation with a Key Largo expungement lawyer at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC today.
