North Port Expungement and Sealing Lawyer

North Port Expungement and Sealing Attorney

A criminal record can greatly impact your future work and housing opportunities. A North Port expungement and sealing lawyer at Ruhl Law, P.A., can help individuals get a fresh start. Whether you’re dealing with a past arrest, a dismissed charge, or a juvenile record, we can guide you through the process of expungement or sealing to ensure your case is handled efficiently and carefully.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that allows a person to have their criminal record permanently removed from the public record. When a record is expunged, it’s physically destroyed by the criminal justice agency. It will no longer appear on most background checks.

In Florida, once a record is expunged, the individual can legally deny the criminal charge. Under certain circumstances, such as when applying for a government job, professional licensure, or during certain legal proceedings, the charge may still appear. However, for most purposes, the offense is treated as if it never happened. On average, those with an expunged record see a 22% increase in wages within the first year.

Those receiving an expungement are also about 13% more likely to be considered for employment opportunities. The North Port expungement and sealing lawyers at Ruhl Law, P.A. can evaluate your case and determine whether expungement is the right option for you based on your arrest, disposition, and Florida statutes. Some of the benefits of expungement include:

• Improved employment opportunities
• Access to better housing options
• Restored reputation and peace of mind
• Freedom from lingering mistakes on your record

Who Is Eligible for Expungement?

Eligibility for expungement in Florida is determined by several factors. Florida’s criminal statutes outline strict eligibility rules for expungement, including disqualifications for certain felony convictions. Not every case can be expunged, but many individuals qualify who may not have otherwise qualified. A knowledgeable expungement attorney can help you understand your options based on your unique situation. You may be eligible for expungement in Florida if:

• You were arrested but not convicted
• Charges were dropped or dismissed
• You have never had a prior conviction
• You have never previously expunged or sealed a record in Florida

Violent crimes, sex crimes, and other serious charges may be excluded from eligibility. The application process also requires a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Law Enforcement. The final decision of whether expungement is granted lies with the court.

Who Is Not Eligible?

While expungement provides a fresh start, not everyone qualifies. Florida law outlines specific disqualifying factors that prevent an individual from expunging or sealing their criminal records. You may not be eligible if any of the following factors are present:

• You were convicted of a criminal offense.
• You have previously expunged or sealed a record in the state.
• Your offense was one of disqualifying crimes, including sexual misconduct, aggravated assault or battery, kidnapping or human trafficking, arson, child or elderly abuse, and certain violent felonies.
• You have a pending criminal charge or are currently under court supervision.
• Your case resulted in a withhold of adjudication for a disqualifying offense.

From 2023 to 2024, Florida reported over 150,000 criminal charges filed. It may be worth contacting an attorney to find out if you’re eligible, even if you don’t think you qualify.

What Is Record Sealing?

Record sealing is like expungement, but slightly different in how the record is handled. When a record is sealed, it is not destroyed. Instead, it’s removed from public view, and access is restricted. Government agencies and law enforcement can still access the sealed record under specific conditions. However, the general public, employers, and landlords won’t be able to see it.

Once your record is sealed, you can legally deny it under most circumstances. For eligibility, the following must apply:

• You weren’t convicted.
• You have no prior convictions on your record.
• The offense is not one of Florida’s disqualifying crimes.
• You have not previously sealed or expunged a record.

Why Choose Ruhl Law, P.A.?

Navigating the expungement and sealing process in Florida can be complex. At Ruhl Law, P.A., we want everyone to have a second chance, and we’re committed to helping clients work toward a fresh future.

Our team has extensive experience working with expungement and sealing cases. We can help you navigate Florida law and can advocate for you throughout the legal process.

FAQs About Expungement and Sealing Law in NorthPort,FL

How Much Does It Cost to Seal or Expunge a Record in Florida?

The cost to seal or expunge a record in Florida varies based on each county’s individual fee schedule. In Sarasota County, it costs $42 to seal or expunge a record, with additional filing fees. If you hire an attorney, costs may increase. However, your chances of approval and a speedier process also increase with the help of a knowledgeable expungement attorney.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Expunge My Record in Florida?

Legally, you’re not required to have an attorney to expunge your record in Florida, but it is highly recommended. The process comes with a lot of complex paperwork and requires strict compliance with eligibility rules, timelines, and court procedures. A lawyer can ensure all documents are filed correctly and represent you in court if necessary. Mistakes on your applications can result in denial or delays in proceedings.

Is It Better to Expunge or Seal a Record?

Expunging a record is generally better than sealing it because expunged records are physically destroyed and not accessible to most government agencies. Seal records still exist but are hidden from public view. Eligibility for expungement is more limited, however, and not all charges qualify. Both options offer their own privacy benefits, but expungement offers a higher level of confidentiality.

Will a Sealed Record Show Up on a Background Check in Florida?

In most cases, a sealed record won’t appear on a standard background check conducted by an employer or landlord in Florida. Government agencies, such as licensing boards, law enforcement, and the Department of Children and Families, will still be able to access sealed records for employment and regulatory purposes. Sealing a record provides significant protection against public access and can help you pass most background checks, however.

Hire an Expungement and Sealing Lawyer

If you’re ready to clear your criminal record and change your future, contact the team at Ruhl Law, P.A. today to schedule a consultation.