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An arrest, even if charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, can stay on your record forever. This public record can make it hard to get a job, go to school, or even get a loan. At Jorge L. Gonzalez Law, we understand how a past arrest can impact your life. We are dedicated to helping you put your past behind you so you can build a better future.

Why Clear Your Record?

Unless you take action, your arrest record remains public. This means that anyone, including potential employers, landlords, or even just people searching online, might see details about your past arrest. Clearing your record can help you:

• Find Jobs: Many employers check criminal records.
• Get Housing: Landlords often look at background checks.
• Go to School: Colleges and universities might review your history.
• Feel Better: It can give you peace of mind and privacy.

What Does “Sealing” or “Expunging” Mean?

Florida law offers two ways to clear your criminal record from public view: sealing or expunging. Both hide your record from most people, allowing you to legally say the arrest never happened, with some important exceptions.

Here’s how they are different:

• Record Sealing: When a record is sealed, it’s hidden from the general public. It’s still kept by law enforcement agencies and the court, but most people cannot see it.
• Record Expungement: This is like destroying the record. The physical record is removed, though a very limited, secret copy might be kept by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) only for law enforcement use.

Feel free to visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website for more information on the differences between sealing and expunging, as well as more information on how to apply. 

When You Still Might Need to Share Information:

Even if your record is sealed or expunged, there are special situations where you might still need to talk about your past arrest. These often include applying for jobs with:

• Law enforcement agencies
• The Florida Bar (if you want to be a lawyer)
• Agencies that work directly with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities
• Certain jobs with schools or the Department of Education

Am I Able to Clear My Record?

We understand how much you hope to clear your past record, and we want to gently guide you through exactly who qualifies. It’s important to know that not all past criminal records can be hidden or removed. And typically, this special chance is only given once in a lifetime.

Our goal is to help everyone, but there are certain situations where a record usually cannot be hidden or destroyed. This often happens if:

• You were found responsible for the crime by a judge or jury.
• You are currently in a special program (like a diversion program meant to keep you out of trouble) or still being watched by the court.
• You have already used this option to hide or destroy a record before.
• Your arrest was for a crime that the law considers very serious.

Some crimes that usually cannot be sealed or expunged include:

• Serious assault or battery
• Child abuse or abuse of the elderly
• Sexual crimes
• Robbery
• Burglary of a home
• Kidnapping
• Certain drug crimes

How We Can Help You Clear Your Record

Clearing your record can feel complicated, with many steps and rules. Our dedicated team at Jorge L. Gonzalez Law understands this and is here to guide you. We are committed to helping you by:

• Carefully checking if your past record qualifies for sealing or expungement.
• Managing all the detailed paperwork and official steps for you.
• Guiding you clearly through each step, answering all your questions along the way.

Don’t let your past hold you back. We are deeply committed to helping you take control of your future. Call Jorge L. Gonzalez Law today at 305-227-4700 for a free, confidential talk about your situation.