Trusted Expungement Lawyers in Orlando, Florida

David Weisselberger | June 2, 2024

DO I QUALIFY?

If you’re looking for top Orlando expungement lawyers, you’ve come to the right place. Clearing your criminal record is crucial for a fresh start, and our expert team specializes in navigating the complex expungement process in Florida. With a deep understanding of state laws and a personalized approach, our Orlando expungement lawyers are dedicated to helping you reclaim your future. Whether it's for employment, housing, or personal peace of mind, trust our experienced attorneys to provide the guidance and support you need. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a clean slate and a brighter tomorrow

Expungement in Orlando

All court and law enforcement records pertaining to an arrest are destroyed in full when an arrest is expunged. Records that are sealed still remain. Yet, these records are only accessible to a limited number of public organizations, including courts, police departments, and state licensing authorities.

expungement in florida

After ten years, expungement is possible in situations where records can be sealed. An official record cannot be expunged until it has been sealed. Charges for which a person was found guilty are not eligible for record sealing or expungement, and Florida will permit the sealing of several records only once. 

Florida expungement lawyers will make sure you understand what expungement is and the legalities involved with the process. 

Regardless, a significant benefit of having a sealed criminal record is that, in many cases, it is acceptable for a candidate with a sealed or expunged record to respond "No" when asked if they have ever faced criminal charges. Benefits of Expungement in Orlando also includes: 

  • The charge and conviction may no longer appear from background checks
  • The public may not have access to your arrest record 
  • Purchase of firearm may be allowed
  • Court records may be destroyed or sealed

Eligibility Requirements for Expungement in Orlando

The following criteria shows whether you are eligible for a criminal record expungement under Florida Statutes 943.0585(4)(a) and 943.059(4)(a):

  • No Charges Filed or Case Dismissed: The case must not have resulted in the filing of charges, or if they were, they must have been dismissed by means of pretrial diversion (PTD), nolle pros, dropped charges, or pretrial intervention (PTI).
  • No Previous Guilt Adjudications: No criminal offense in Florida shall have a prior delinquency or guilt adjudication. Furthermore, charges listed under Florida Statutes, Sections 943.0585 and 943.0584, are covered by this criteria.
  • No Previously Expunged Cases: The person cannot have any Florida cases that have been sealed or expunged in the past.
  • No Pending Expunge or Seal Petition: No Florida court should be holding any of your pending expunge or seal petitions.

What Crimes Can't Be Expunged in Orlando?

While Florida's expungement laws are stringent and crimes such as the following can’t undergo Expungement in Orlando:

  • Arson
  • Drug trafficking and manufacturing
  • Acts of domestic violence 
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder
  • Stalking and aggravated stalking
  • Any offense that requires registration as a sexual offender

It is best to discuss with expungement attorneys in Orlando further more about the crimes qualified for expungement and sealing.

The Expungement Process in Orlando

The expungement process in Orlando involves several key steps to ensure your criminal record is cleared. Here’s a concise breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Obtaining the Application and Filling It Out

Getting and completing the Application for Certification of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is the first step in the expungement process you do with expungement attorneys in Orlando. It has to be notarized and fully filled out.

Step 2: Submitting a "Affidavit and Petition to Expunge"

Once the Certificate of Eligibility is obtained, the person needs to fill out a "Petition and Affidavit to Expunge." This petition, which is particular to the county in which the incident happened, is completed truthfully and in compliance with the law with the guidance of Orlando expungement attorneys.

Step 3: Notify Important Parties

Following the completion of your petition, the original paperwork and the "Certificate of Eligibility" are sent usually by expungement attorneys in Orlando to the county clerk's office where the incident happened. It is necessary to provide copies of these papers to the State Attorney's Office and notify the appropriate agencies of your petition.

Step 4: Show Up for a Hearing

In certain situations, the court might need to hold a hearing before deciding whether to allow the expungement. If a hearing is necessary, be ready to make your case and provide justification for the erasure of your record. This is when Orlando expungement attorneys come to represent you.

Step 5: Court Order

The court will issue an order to erase your record if the judge approves the expungement. The relevant authorities will receive the court order and ensure that your record is removed from their records. Talk with expungement lawyers in Orlando for updates.

Why Hire an Orlando Expungement Lawyer?

By completing a request package and sending it to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), you may seal or expunge your criminal record on your own.

However, expungement and sealing of records is not an easy task and it requires an expert with years of experience to make sure it is done right. 

Rather than attempting to manage this procedure alone, our Orlando expungement lawyers can help you complete the required documents correctly. Ensuring you abide by the regulations is just as important as giving the FDLE accurate information. Your expungement lawyer will determine whether your case is eligible for sealing or expungement. 

Moreover, they will contact agencies that are involved for the legalities such as the prosecutor's office.For the case hearing, you could also require legal representation. If you filed the paperwork, submitted it to the wrong party or misinterpreted the guidelines, the court may reject your effort. So, in this case, having an experienced attorney is crucial.

Expunge Your Record in Orlando with Erase The Case

Just because you were involved in legal proceedings doesn’t mean you have to keep it with you forever. Speak with the best expungement lawyer in Florida about your concerns regarding sealing and expungement by calling 1 (866) 372-7335. Expungement of records is once in a lifetime opportunity for you to reset. Don’t let your past hinder you from pursuing a better life. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your eligibility and how we can assist you.

FAQ

To expunge your record in Orlando, Florida, you will first need to determine your eligibility as some cases cannot be qualified for expungement. Florida Expungement attorneys can help you get started. After you ensure your eligibility, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to get an application for a Certificate of Eligibility. 

Once you receive the Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE, you must file a petition to expunge with the court. Afterwhich, you present your petitions to important agencies and you might need to attend a hearing where Orlando expungement attorneys represent you. And lastly, you wait for the court to decide If the judge grants the expungement, the court will issue an order to expunge your record.

The waiting period in expunging a felony in Orlando, Florida can take 5 to 7 months but varies depending on the nature of the offense and other factors. And it can take years to expunge your records. That is why we encourage you to get the best expungement attorney in Florida to keep you updated.

5/5 - (1 vote)
5.0
Customer Ratings
the-national-trial-lawyers
successsful track record
Fastest expungement firm
attorney in florida
5 star
affordable price
Contact Us
Free Consultation
1 (866) 372-7335
Client reviews
  • It was a great experience working with David on a previous case. He really goes above and beyond and provides great service. He was able to get everything done in less than 4 months at a very reasonable price. His current payment plan, Pay Later is a great option!
    David Gonzalez
  • This is one of the best choices I have made in my life. I feel like life has truly given me a second chance from my past mistakes. I chose Erase The Case because of the reviews and now I want to make sure I pass on this experience so that some other people can trust this company....
    Sanchez
  • one month ago
    Florida Expungement Attorney of the Year!! Great service… The best part is I didn't have to do anything except the online video call which took less than 5 minutes to get the notarized papers!! David took care of everything...
    Brian Diaz-Fernandez
  • Great experience with this law firm!! David was very helpful throughout the entire process from start to finish. Explained everything in detail with constant communication. Fully recommend to anyone looking for this service or information.
    Chaim cohen
Read more Reviews
phone-handsetcrossmenu