Fort Lauderdale Expungement & Record Sealing Lawyer
A Haber | Blank LLP, we understand that everyone makes mistakes, especially in their youth. But our mistakes should not follow us around for the rest of our lives. A criminal record can make it impossible to create the career, housing, and life that you want. If you were arrested at any point in your past, or were arrested and served time in jail or on probation, yet were not formally convicted, you may be able to have your criminal record sealed or expunged. But it is up to you to take your second chance. The criminal justice system will not erase your record without going through the proper legal channels, and this requires petitioning the court with the help of an experienced lawyer. Our Fort Lauderdale expungement & record sealing lawyer is here to guide you through this process.
Can My Criminal Record be Sealed or Expunged?
An arrest that was later dismissed or formal adjudication was withheld can be expunged or sealed. In order to be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were not formally convicted of a crime, meaning adjudication of guilt was withheld
- The case was dismissed
- You have not been convicted of a criminal offense in the past
- You are no longer in probation
- You have not had a prior sealed or expunged case
- The crime was non-violent
Record sealing can expungement can be used in misdemeanor and some third degree felony offenses, though DUIs, violent crimes, and certain other crimes remain ineligible for sealing or expungement. While the eligibility rules for expungement and sealing are almost identical, there are subtle differences that make expungement more complicated to carry out.
The Difference Between Expungement and Record Sealing
Aside from eligibility requirements, the only difference between sealing and expunging is that sealing hides your record, whereas expunging destroys it. If your record is expunged, the record is physically destroyed, meaning it is completely removed from databases.
Why Would I Want My Record Sealed or Expunged?
Expunging and record sealing both keep your criminal record from the eyes of potential employers, landlords, and lenders. And, you can legally deny having a criminal record. Not having to check that box for a job application automatically bumps you up a level in terms of gaining employment. Sealing and expungement do not, however, erase all public records of your criminal history, as news articles and social media posts cannot be removed via the expungement and record sealing process.
Call a Fort Lauderdale Expungement and Sealing Lawyer Today
No one deserves to have a minor offense from their past continue to bring them down long after the fact. If you were arrested for a nonviolent crime and you plead no contest, plead guilty, the case was dismissed, or you were not formally convicted for one reason or another, you may be eligible to have your criminal record hidden or erased entirely. Call the Fort Lauderdale expungement and sealing lawyers at Haber | Blank LLP today at 954-767-0300 to schedule a free consultation.
