Expungement Lawyer in Central Florida

Helping Clients Clear Their Names

Having an arrest or criminal conviction on your record can make your life difficult. Many hiring managers and landlords use background checks to examine criminal records. Having an arrest record or a conviction record could lead to unfair discrimination. Many people make mistakes, and even if you are a law-abiding citizen, that blip on your criminal record could still impact you today.

Fortunately, you can erase your criminal record from the public eye by going through the expungement process. Expunging your records effectively eliminates them, allowing you to answer “no” when asked if you have a criminal background. However, the expungement process is complicated and is much easier with help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Our team at The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A. is here to help you expunge your criminal history so you can have a clean slate moving forward. To learn more about our services and receive a free consultation, call today at 407-573-7483.

What’s the Difference Between Expunging and Sealing Records?

Expunging records destroys criminal records, essentially deleting them from existence. Landlords, employers, and other members of the public will not be able to access your criminal history after the expungement process. However, law enforcement records and government records will still show your complete criminal history.

Sealing criminal records hides them from the general public. While the records still exist, they will not show up on most background checks. Law enforcement agencies will still be able to see any prior criminal offenses after your records are sealed.

Generally, most offenders aim for expungement, as it is a more permanent solution. However, not everyone is eligible for expungement. If your criminal conviction or arrest record does not qualify for expungement, record sealing may be an option for you.

What is the Process for Expunging Records?

If you are eligible for expungement in Florida, you can apply to have your criminal record expunged. The expungement process is complex, and making even a simple mistake can delay having your court records expunged. An expungement lawyer on our team can walk you through the process.

Applicants must take the following steps to receive a certification of expungement:

• Fill out a Certificate of Eligibility. You must provide documentation that you are eligible for expungement.
• Complete the FDLE fingerprint form. You must submit your fingerprints along with your certificate to determine whether you are eligible.
• Get a deposition of your criminal case. The Clerk of Court or arresting agency can also submit a letter if this deposition is unavailable.
• Pay the court fee. In most cases, the court requires you to pay a $75 fee for expungement.
• Submit a letter from an attorney on our team. If you are using legal representation, you must supply a letter from your legal counsel.

Who is Eligible for Expungement in Florida?

Unfortunately, not everyone with a criminal record is eligible for expungement. Our team will review your criminal history record to determine if you can apply.

You must meet the following requirements to apply for expungement:

• You have not been found guilty of any additional crimes
• You have not been adjudicated for any crimes similar to the one being expunged
• You have not sought expungement previously
• You are not filing for additional expungement
• You have completed all terms of your probation

Generally, the court only allows individuals to apply for expungement once within a ten-year timeframe. The expungement lawyers on our team can help you file a petition correctly for the best chance of acceptance.

What Can an Expungement Lawyer Do for Me?

Having a clean criminal record opens up many job opportunities, housing opportunities, and more. If you would like to get rid of a mistake you made by expunging your records, our team can help. We are experienced in walking our clients through the expungement process to drastically increase their chances of success.

The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A. is here to help you get rid of your criminal record so you can start again. For a free consultation from an experienced member of our team, contact our law firm today at 407-573-7483.