Punta Gorda Expungement and Sealing Lawyer

Punta Gorda Expungement and Sealing Attorney

A criminal record can follow you for the rest of your life. It can negatively impact your job opportunities, keep you from obtaining decent housing, shatter your personal relationships, and have severe social consequences. It can be difficult to live a peaceful life with such a hefty legal weight bringing you down. Depending on your conviction, you may be eligible for expungement. A Punta Gorda expungement and sealing lawyer from the team at Ruhl Law, P.A., can help. If you need broader assistance with legal matters, a local Punta Gorda criminal defense lawyer can provide comprehensive support and guidance.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process of removing a past criminal charge or conviction from public view, making it next to impossible for anyone to find out about your past misdeeds. By having a past conviction removed from your record or sealed from the public, you may find some much-needed relief or peace of mind and maybe even a chance to rebuild your life with a clean slate. Not every case is eligible for expungement, however. `

To be eligible for expungement in Florida, your case has to meet certain criteria: the charges in your case must have been dropped, dismissed, or resulted in an acquittal in a court of law. In addition, your case must have been dismissed after you entered into a treatment program of some kind, or your lawyer must have been able to get a motion to suppress or dismiss your case.

The Difference Between Expungement and Sealing

While both processes are fairly similar, it is important to recognize the distinct differences between having your case expunged and having your case sealed. When your case is expunged, the record of the case is physically destroyed, except for one copy that is kept confidentially by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). When it is sealed, the record is hidden from public view but is still accessible by government agencies if needed.

Different Forms of Expungement in Florida

There are many different forms that an expungement case can take in Florida. The kind of expungement you will pursue depends largely on the details of your case and whether or not you are considered eligible. Here are some of the different kinds of expungement cases you can pursue in Florida:

• Administrative Expungement: If you were arrested and charged with a crime that was later revealed as a complete mistake on the state’s part, you would pursue an administrative expungement case. If someone made a false report against you or you were a victim of mistaken identity, this is the case you would pursue.
• Juvenile Diversion Expungement: You would pursue a juvenile diversion expungement if you completed an approved diversion program for a misdemeanor charge when you were a minor. You can then initiate the process of having your juvenile record expunged, which would treat the record like it never even happened.
• Lawful Self-Defense Expungement: Some people are forced to commit a crime in an act of self-defense, such as severely injuring or killing someone who is trying to kill them. Often, these charges are dropped once self-defense is proven, and they can pursue a lawful self-defense expungement to make sure the record is erased forever and can’t impact their future in any way.
• Human Trafficking Expungement: Regrettably, many people become tragic victims of human trafficking. When human trafficking rings are busted, and the perpetrators are convicted, some of the people initially thought to be accomplices may turn out to be victims themselves. Seeking expungement for this crime is a way for human trafficking survivors to clear their records and move on with their lives.

FAQs

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

A: The amount that it might cost you to seal or expunge a record in Florida depends entirely on the record itself. If the case is more complex, it may be harder to fully expunge and cost more. If there are multiple charges or multiple counties involved, the process can be difficult and costly as well. That’s not including attorney fees, court costs, and application fees.

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

A: No, you technically do not need to hire a lawyer to have your record expunged in Florida. However, moving forward with an expungement alone can be a difficult, costly, and confusing process. Having an experienced lawyer on your side who knows the process and can keep you updated on how things are progressing can make all the difference in the long run.

Q: How Do I Get My Record Sealed or Expunged in Florida?

A: In order to get your criminal record sealed or expunged in Florida, you need to start with the application process. When you petition the court for an expungement, there are no guarantees that the court will decide to grant you one. Depending on the details of your case, you may not even be eligible. An experienced lawyer can help you find out if you’ll qualify and provide you with guidance as you go through the process.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Expunging and Sealing in Florida?

A: The primary difference between having your record expunged and having it sealed in Florida is what happens to the record itself. In an expungement, the record is totally destroyed and gone forever, apart from a singular copy held by the FDLE that’s strictly confidential. When the record is sealed, it is simply hidden away from public view but is still accessible by law enforcement and government agencies if needed.

Reach Out to an Expungement Lawyer Today

It can be exciting to discover that there may be a way to erase your criminal record or at least part of it. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for expungement, you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. The legal team at Ruhl Law, P.A. can help you prepare your case, work through the application process, and represent you in the hearing. Contact us to speak with a team member about your case and schedule a consultation.