Sarasota Expungement and Sealing Lawyer

Sarasota Expungement and Sealing Attorney

It can be a life-changing relief to get your criminal record sealed, and for those who live in Sarasota, Florida, the law gives them various options to do so. Whether you have been arrested but never faced charges, have dropped charges against you, or successfully completed a diversion program, you could be eligible for sealing or expunging your record. A Sarasota expungement and sealing lawyer can help you understand what your options are. If you’re unsure about the process, an expert criminal defense lawyer in Sarasota can guide you through it and help ensure your record is cleared.

At Ruhl Law, P.A., our dedicated firm is eager to help you move on from the past and erase the mistakes that you may have made long ago or misunderstandings that could have implicated you. We have a successful track record helping individuals clear their names, and can apply our vast knowledge and experience navigating sealing and expungement laws to help you. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and get you started with moving on.

Why Expungement or Sealing Matters in Sarasota

In 2025 alone, there were notable amounts of criminal charges in Sarasota, with 15 cases of aggravated assault, 15 cases of theft from vehicles, and 6 motor vehicle thefts being recorded from February 1st to February 25th. Despite being innocent, these people may be carrying a criminal record if they were arrested but not charged or convicted. For these individuals, it is crucial that they take the legal steps necessary to put the past behind them.

Even if a criminal record doesn’t lead to a conviction, it can impact nearly all aspects of a person’s life, inhibiting them from getting a job, accessing housing opportunities, having professional licensing, and even maintaining their social status. In places like Sarasota, where employers, licensing boards, and landlords commonly carry out background checks, having your record cleared can provide significant relief and a new start.

What’s the Difference Between Sealing and Expungement in Florida?

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), both sealing and expungement are legal actions that can be taken to limit the access of the public to your criminal record. Sealing means that your criminal record is still on file, but the public can’t see it. While most landlords and private employers won’t be able to see a sealed record, government agencies and some parties may be able to access it in specific situations.

Expungement, on the other hand, means that the individual’s criminal record is physically destroyed – albeit for very limited exceptions. As a general rule, expungement offers more sweeping protections than sealing. Only under restricted circumstances can law enforcement and some government agencies still access their record.

In the Sarasota area, both expungement and sealing processes are handled by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, that is serving Sarasota County. The FDLE and this court are responsible for overseeing all applications and making approvals.

Eligibility Requirements

Under Florida’s criminal laws, expungement or sealing is barred for anyone convicted of offenses in Florida or another state. Furthermore, the charges must qualify under Florida Statute 943.0585 (expungement) or 943.059 (sealing). Applicants can also not have previously expunged or sealed their records in the state of Florida.

There are certain crimes, such as sexual offenses, violent crimes, and some felonies, that may not be eligible for sealing or expungement. In order to have a case expunged, it must be completely closed, such as through the completion of a diversion program, acquittal, or dismissal.

Sarasota Expungement Process

A dedicated attorney from our firm can help you understand whether you are eligible for the expungement or sealing process and help you walk through the strict procedural steps governed by the FDLE.

From helping you get a certified disposition of your case from the Clerk of Court in Sarasota County to obtaining a certificate of eligibility and filing a petition to ensure your case is fairly represented during review from the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, we are with you every step of the way.

FAQs About Sarasota,FL Expungement and Sealing Law

What Are Common Reasons for Record Sealing or Expungement in Sarasota?

Common reasons for record sealing or expungement in Sarasota include being arrested but never charged, successfully completing pretrial diversion or deferred prosecution, having a case that results in an acquittal, having a case that is dismissed, or getting charges dropped by the State Attorney’s Office. Under Florida law, juvenile records may be eligible for automatic expungement.

Can I Seal or Expunge a Felony in Sarasota?

There are only certain types of felonies that may be eligible for sealing, and the charge must have been acquitted, dropped, or dismissed. There are some offenses that can never be eligible, such as violent crimes, sexual offenses, and other specific felonies. A skilled expungement attorney can help you understand whether you are eligible.

Do I Need to Attend Court for My Expungement?

As a general rule, you do not need to attend court for your expungement case in Sarasota, which is commonly a relief for snowbirds who may not be present for the entirety of the expungement process. An attorney can generally appear on your behalf. However, if the state attorney objects, you could be required to appear at the Sarasota County Courthouse.

What if I Was Arrested but Not Charged?

If you have been arrested for a crime but not charged, you may be eligible to expunge the arrest. Some of the more common expungement situations include arrest cases that were ultimately dropped or dismissed. An attorney from our firm offers a free consultation to help you understand whether you’re eligible for expungement or sealing in Sarasota.

Talk to a Sarasota Expungement Attorney Today

With incidents of crime continuing in Sarasota, including the 88 total incidents reported alone in just the first two months of 2025, many people in the area are weighed down with records that not only can be cleared but also should be cleared. A dedicated attorney from Ruhl Law, P.A., is determined to help you understand your options today. Contact us right away to get started.