6 Reasons You Need To Seal Or Expunge Your Criminal Record In Florida

If you have been charged with a crime, sentenced, and served your time or met all of the requirements of your sentencing, it’s possible to have the crime erased from your record by sealing or expunging the record.

• Sealing a record means the record cannot be accessed by normal means; a court order is required for public access to the record. The crime does not show up in background checks and you can legally deny having ever been charged with a crime.
• Expunging a record is a more comprehensive way to clear your record. When a record is expunged it is removed or destroyed and is unavailable to anyone, even if they have a court order. It’s as if the offense never happened. Like sealing, you can deny having ever been charged with a crime.

The particular circumstances of your crime will determine whether sealing or expunging is a better option for you, but both provide similar benefits. Here are 6 reasons why it’s worth it to have your record sealed or expunged.

6 Reasons To Have Your Record Sealed Or Expunged

1. Your criminal record is no longer public. The Clerk of the Court, the police department, and the State Attorney’s Office must remove it from public access. Once the record has been removed from public access, you can legally say “No” when asked by anyone if you have ever been arrested.
2. You brighten your job prospects. Most jobs nowadays require candidates to undergo a background check before the hire is made. If your crime is still available to the public, it will show up in these background checks and could prevent you from getting the job.
3. It’s easier to find a place to live. Many landlords also require potential tenants to undergo a background check. A criminal record may be enough for the landlord to reject your rental application.
4. Professional licensing is easier to get. The State of Florida requires background checks for certain types of professional licenses. If you have an arrest record, your licensing request may be denied.
5. Lenders are more likely to approve your loan. If you ever plan to take out a loan for school, a car, or a house, get your record sealed or expunged! Lenders can and do check for a criminal record and use this information to make lending decisions.
6. Protect your reputation. Are you a different person from the one you were when you were arrested? Many people are and they don’t want an old mistake to interfere with their new life, which can easily happen if your record is still available to the public. You’ve learned from your mistake and paid dearly for it. It’s time to put it behind you and move on with your life.

Find Out If You Are Eligible To Have Your Record Sealed Or Expunged

The Fighter Law Firm can help determine if you are eligible to have your record sealed or expunged. Contact us at 407-344-4837 to discuss your situation. We work on sealing and expunging records in Orlando, Orange County, and Seminole County.

We value customer service and explain our process during your consultation. No high-pressure sales tactics from our law firm, what you see is what you get. Call us at 407-344-4837 to set up your free consultation with an attorney – not a caseworker. Our office is conveniently located in Orlando.

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