When a case is closed, people tend to forget about it because they are relieved it is over. However, a case is almost never completely over for many people, who might leave the courtroom but still have significant entanglements that prevent them from having a normal life. For example, anyone who requests a background check, as well as:
- employment opportunities (disqualification from jobs)
- inability to secure government-sponsored university loans
- using a professional license
- applying for certain housing
If you have a conviction, you should know that all is not lost. Florida provides a pathway to potentially erase certain criminal records through a process known as expungement or sealing (of the record.)
What is expungement?
The process of legally destroying or sealing certain criminal records through an official process. However, not all offenses are eligible for expungement. Minor offenses like minor misdemeanors and cases that do not result in a conviction may also qualify.
How do I clean up my criminal record?
If you have been convicted and sentenced, and the offense you committed is of public domain, your attorney can inform you if you qualify for expungement, depending on your case and criminal history,
Expungement is not the easiest process, but it can be done, and there are many advantages to it if you have a criminal record.