Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Re: Seal a record

This information was cut and pasted from my website. It should help you out.

The SLAVIN LAW FIRM can help you seal or expunge your arrest record if you meet the following three conditions: 1) You have never applied to have your record sealed or expunged before; 2) You haven�t been �convicted� of any crimes or criminal ordinances; and 3) You are not under any form of court supervision (probation, community control, etc.) If you meet all three conditions, the SLAVIN LAW FIRM can help you expunge your arrest record (subject to the limitations listed below).

Sealing your record is a bit different. In a nutshell, when your record is sealed, it still exists. However, the record is �under seal� and filed away at the clerk�s office. Without a court order, your record cannot be revealed to the public. If you are able to get your record sealed, and it remains sealed for ten years, you may apply to have that record expunged.

It should be noted that some arrests and/or charges cannot be sealed or expunged unless: 1) the State Attorney�s Office declined to prosecute the charge and filed a No Information; 2) the State Attorney�s Office dropped the charge by filing a Nolle Prosequi; or 3) you were acquitted of the charges and/or found not guilty by a jury of your peers.

The Florida laws on sealing and expunging criminal records are pretty confusing. An experienced criminal attorney can help you navigate through these complexities. Remember, your next job or loan application can depend on whether or not your arrest record is public.