Record Sealing and Expungement

Experienced Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Helping Clients Get a Fresh Start by Clearing Their Criminal Histories

At the Mayberry Law Firm, we understand the profound impact a criminal record can have on your life. Whether it’s a minor infraction or a more serious charge, the existence of a public record can affect your employment opportunities, housing prospects, and personal reputation. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Florida, you have options to minimize or even erase the negative effects of your criminal history. By sealing or expunging your record, you can reclaim your future and move forward without unnecessary obstacles holding you back. Our Tampa record sealing and expungement attorney has extensive experience obtaining conviction relief on behalf of clients and is immediately available to meet with you to discuss your situation. 

What Is Record Sealing?

When a record is sealed, it is removed from public view. Employers, landlords, and private entities will not be able to access your record. However, certain government agencies and law enforcement entities will still have access to the full details of a sealed record. Record sealing is often the first step in the process, as Florida law requires some records to be sealed for a minimum of 10 years before they can be expunged.

Sealing your record can make a significant difference in your opportunities. Many individuals find that a sealed record provides the relief they need to pursue jobs, housing, or loans without being unfairly judged for their past mistakes.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement goes a step further than sealing by removing the record entirely from public view. While certain government agencies may still know that a record has been expunged, they will not have access to the details without a court order. For most people, an expunged record is effectively invisible, allowing them to move forward without the stigma of their past.

Expungement is typically available to those who have had their charges dismissed, completed a diversion program, or successfully maintained a sealed record for 10 years. It is not available for convictions, but it can apply to non-convictions, such as cases where adjudication of guilt was withheld.

Key Differences Between Record Sealing and Expungement

Both sealing and expungement provide important protections, but they serve different purposes. A sealed record hides your criminal history from public view while still allowing government entities access. An expunged record removes most traces of the incident entirely, with access only possible through a court order.

For many individuals, the path begins with sealing a record and progresses to expungement after a decade. Each step provides greater privacy and reduces the potential for your criminal history to impact your life negatively.

Offenses Eligible for Sealing or Expungement

Not every record can be sealed or expunged. Florida law outlines strict criteria, including:

• The offense must not be prohibited under Florida Statute 943.059 or 907.041, which excludes certain violent crimes and sex crimes.
• You must not have a formal conviction (adjudication of guilt) on your record.
• You must not have previously sealed or expunged a record in Florida or any other state.

At the Mayberry Law Firm, our Tampa record sealing and expungement attorney is highly knowledgeable about the requirements for both sealing and expungement. We will carefully review your case to determine eligibility and guide you through each step of the process.

How We Can Help

Successfully sealing or expunging a record involves multiple steps and careful attention to detail. The process includes:

1. Completing the application with accuracy and having it notarized.
2. Obtaining a certified disposition for your case.
3. Submitting fingerprints on an FBI card or approved form.
4. Including the required $75 fee.
5. Awaiting a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
6. Filing a petition with the court once eligibility is confirmed.

Any mistakes in the process can cause delays, so having an experienced attorney handle your application is critical. At the Mayberry Law Firm, we have successfully sealed and expunged countless records for our clients. We know how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your petition is filed correctly and efficiently.

Why Choose the Mayberry Law Firm?

Our Tampa record sealing and expungement attorney is dedicated to helping clients move past the challenges of a criminal record. Whether you are seeking to seal or expunge your record, we provide personalized attention, a thorough understanding of Florida law, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for you. We’ve seen firsthand how transformative this process can be for our clients and are ready to help you take the first step toward a fresh start. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, call the Mayberry Law Firm at 813-444-7435. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.