Criminal records in Florida can impact many areas of your life, especially employment or housing. A criminal record carries a social stigma, but Florida law provides the option of expunging or sealing certain records.
Expungement is like hitting the delete button on your criminal record. If you made a mistake and got in trouble with the law, expungement can remove that record from public view. There are many benefits to having your criminal record expunged, especially if you’re in Broward or Miami-Dade counties.
Expungement is a legal process where a criminal record is erased from public view. Once a record is expunged it is no longer available to the public, meaning employers, landlords, and other entities conducting background checks won’t be able to see it. While law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access an expunged record, for most purposes, it’s as if the record never existed.
If you're looking to expunge your criminal record in Florida, you may qualify if you meet the following criteria:
The advantages of expunging a criminal record in Florida are life changing. A criminal record closes a lot of doors for most people, and expungement is the only process that can give someone a second chance to reintegrate into society without the stigma.
Once your record is expunged, it will no longer appear in background checks, ensuring that potential employers won’t see it. You can’t put a price tag on not having to worry about a criminal record, but it becomes even more valuable in competitive job markets like Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Sarasota County, and Orange County.
Landlords often screen potential tenants by running background checks. An expunged record eliminates the fear of rejection due to criminal history. The housing market is very competitive around the big cities in Florida.
If you're planning to pursue higher education, be aware that colleges, universities, and trade schools often conduct background checks. Expunging your record can help you advance your career without the roadblocks caused by a criminal record.
Having a criminal record can make you feel like society is looking down on you. Expungement allows you to move forward with a fresh start and, in some cases, restores certain rights that may have been affected by the arrest, like voting or owning a gun.
To ensure your expungement process is successful, it's crucial to have an experienced criminal law attorney in your corner. At Borell Law, we've successfully handled over 15,000 cases since 1989, including countless expungements.
Call us today for a free consultation: 1-888-503-5555.
