Boca Raton Expungement & Sealing Lawyer
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, even if you were not convicted, there will be a public record of it. Even if your case was fully dropped, the criminal charges will appear in background checks, criminal record searches, and search engines. This can cause a lifetime of harm when getting jobs, applying for loans, applying for rental leases, running for public office, etc. If you were charged with a crime and a judge ordered sanctions against you, but you were not formally convicted, you may be able to have your records sealed, though not expunged. Whether you are concerned about your child’s future or your own prospects, an lawyer can help you navigate this tricky area of the law. The Boca Raton expungement & sealing lawyer at Haber | Blank LLP is here to answer any questions you may have.
Expungement vs. Sealing
Expungement and record sealing can be used if you were acquitted of the crime, your case was dropped by the prosecutor, or the judge granted a motion to dismiss, or you were not formally convicted. You must also have no prior convictions in order to qualify for expungement. Record sealing works the same way—it can be used if adjudication of guilt was withheld, meaning you were charged with a crime and a judge ordered sanctions, but no formal conviction. In this event, you can even be found guilty, or pled guilty, as long as adjudication was withheld. If you are successful in having your records sealed for 10 or more years, you can then apply for expungement.
What Does Record Sealing or Expungement Accomplish?
With a sealed or expunged record, you can deny that the charges ever existed. You can do this even under oath, under most circumstances at least. As such, your file will not appear in the public record, your employer will not be able to find out about the incident, and others will not see it in your background check. Exceptions to this rule include working in law enforcement, education, working with the elderly, and a few other cases. This greatly improves your chances of being employed and moving on with your life without having your past continuing to hold you back. The difference between sealing and expunging is that if your record is sealed, it is hidden from the public, whereas expunged records are destroyed.
When a Record Cannot be Sealed or Expunged
Certain crimes cannot be sealed for adults. These “forcible felonies” include violent and non-violent crimes such as aggravated assault, sexual assault, child abuse, burglary, stalking, drug trafficking, and more. These charges can be expunged, however, as long as the case is dismissed.
Call a Boca Raton Expungement and Sealing Lawyer Today
Having your case expunged or sealed is a crucial step in moving on with your life in a positive way. Automatic expungement and sealing is possible for juveniles, but adults must take matters into their own hands. Our Boca Raton expungement and sealing lawyers at Haber | Blank LLP can help you get started today. Do not let an arrest that did not lead to a conviction ruin your life. Call us today at 954-767-0300 to schedule a free consultation at your soonest convenience.
