A criminal record can follow you long after a case is resolved, affecting employment, housing, licensing, and even your reputation. Fortunately, Florida law allows certain individuals to seal or expunge their records, giving them the opportunity for a fresh start.
At Roussos Law Group, we help clients throughout Florida determine eligibility and navigate the complex process of expungement and record sealing. Our team understands how the system works from both sides and how to ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Under Florida Statutes §§943.0585 and §943.059, eligible individuals may petition the court to either seal or expunge their criminal record. Both options limit public access to criminal history information, but they differ in how the records are handled:
You may qualify if:
The process for expungement or sealing involves multiple steps and coordination between state agencies and the courts. Our firm assists clients through each phase to ensure accuracy and compliance with Florida law.
Typical steps include:
Processing times vary, and errors in documentation can cause delays. Having experienced counsel ensures that your petition is properly prepared and filed.
Even if your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, your arrest record may still appear in background checks. This can create unfair barriers to employment, housing, and education.
Our team helps clients:
At Roussos Law Group, we believe that one mistake — or even an unfounded accusation — should not define your future.
The advantages of sealing or expunging a criminal record can be significant:
However, certain agencies — including law enforcement and the Florida Bar — may still access sealed or expunged records under specific legal circumstances.
This summary is provided for general educational purposes and may not reflect recent legislative changes. You should consult an attorney to determine eligibility and next steps for your situation.
Sealing hides your record from public access, while expungement destroys it (with limited exceptions for FDLE and certain agencies).
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You may be eligible to have your record expunged, but you still must complete the FDLE eligibility process and court petition.
The process can take several months, depending on FDLE processing times and court schedules. An attorney can help ensure that paperwork is complete and accurate.
Once sealed or expunged, the record should not appear in standard public background checks. Certain governmental agencies, however, may still have access.
Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through every step with confidence.
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Sealing hides your record from public access, while expungement destroys it (with limited exceptions for FDLE and certain agencies).
{cdla2}
You may be eligible to have your record expunged, but you still must complete the FDLE eligibility process and court petition.
The process can take several months, depending on FDLE processing times and court schedules. An attorney can help ensure that paperwork is complete and accurate.
Once sealed or expunged, the record should not appear in standard public background checks. Certain governmental agencies, however, may still have access.
