There are many different reasons why people in Tampa may wish to have their past criminal records “sealed” or expunged. In some states, this may also be known as expunction of the records, but all the terms mean to have the history of criminal activities removed from the individual records.
It is important to clarify that expungement is a court-ordered process. This is not a simple procedure for most individuals, and it will be important to have an experienced expungement attorney to represent you through the process. It is also important to realize that not all criminal records can be expunged, but most juvenile records can be unless the charge is prohibited from being sealed.
Obscures Information
The most significant benefit to expungement or sealing of records is that the record is removed from various channels the majority of people have access to. Records, after expungement, will be clear of the expunged record unless the person searching has the right to access that information.
In most cases this will only include law enforcement or the legal system. Records may also be checked when a person is purchasing a firearm or working in specific jobs, including those with children or special populations such as the elderly, even if the records have been expunged.
Employers will not be able to see the expunged records, nor will educational institutes or anyone else searching through public records. Your expungement attorney will be able to consult with you on your particular case and provide further information after reviewing your criminal record history.
Your Attorney Choice is Important
It is essential to find an experienced expungement attorney to work with you through the process. Incorrectly filing documents with the court, failing to complete specific documents or other errors can delay the process.
Additionally, there are only particular circumstances under which the court will expunge records. The attorney you select will need to review your complete criminal history, including arrests and any convictions.
Florida allows for a rather difficult finding of guilt that is not considered a conviction. In this case, the court in Tampa or another location in the state withheld the adjudication of guilt, which may allow the record to be expunged as long as there is no other conviction on your record and the offense is not one of the prohibited offenses under the law.
Florida law can be difficult to understand when it comes to expunging your record. At Bulluck Law Group, our expungement attorney can work with you to evaluate your case and represent you in court.
