St. Johns County Expungement Lawyer
Helping You Clear Your Criminal Record
Having a criminal record can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or obtain a loan. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you may be eligible to have your record expunged or sealed. At First Coast Criminal Defense, we understand how important it is to have a clean record, and we are here to help you through the process of clearing your name.
Our St. Johns County expungement attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for expungement or record sealing. Call (904) 474-3115 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
What is Expungement?
Expungement is the process of having your criminal record sealed or destroyed. Once your record has been expunged, it will no longer be accessible to the public, including potential employers, landlords, and lenders. In most cases, you will not have to disclose the expunged record on job applications or other forms.
Expungement is not the same as record sealing. When your record is sealed, it is not destroyed, but it is no longer accessible to the public.
Expungement is only available in certain cases, such as when:
- You were arrested but not charged with a crime
- You were charged with a crime, but the charges were dropped
- You were acquitted of the charges
- You were convicted of a crime, but the conviction was later overturned
Expungement is not available for all types of crimes. For example, if you were convicted of a sex crime, you will not be eligible to have your record expunged. Additionally, you may not be eligible for expungement if you have been convicted of multiple crimes.
What is Record Sealing?
Record sealing is the process of having your criminal record hidden from the public. When your record is sealed, it is not destroyed, but it is no longer accessible to the public. In most cases, you will not have to disclose the sealed record on job applications or other forms.
Record sealing is available in more cases than expungement, including when:
- You were convicted of a crime, but you were not sentenced to jail or prison
- You were convicted of a crime, but you were sentenced to jail or prison and have completed your sentence
- You were convicted of a crime, but you were sentenced to probation and have completed your probation
Record sealing is not available for all types of crimes. For example, if you were convicted of a sex crime, you will not be eligible to have your record sealed. Additionally, you may not be eligible for record sealing if you have been convicted of multiple crimes.
How to File for Expungement or Record Sealing
The process of filing for expungement or record sealing can be complex, and it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side. At First Coast Criminal Defense, we can help you determine if you are eligible for expungement or record sealing and guide you through the process.
The process of filing for expungement or record sealing typically involves the following steps:
- Obtain a copy of your criminal record. You will need to obtain a copy of your criminal record to determine if you are eligible for expungement or record sealing. If you were arrested in Florida, you can obtain a copy of your criminal record from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. If you were arrested in another state, you will need to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency to obtain a copy of your criminal record.
- Complete the necessary forms. You will need to complete the necessary forms to file for expungement or record sealing. The forms must be completed accurately and submitted to the appropriate court. If the forms are not completed correctly, your request may be denied.
- Pay the filing fee. You will need to pay a filing fee to file for expungement or record sealing. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
- Wait for a decision. After you have filed the necessary forms and paid the filing fee, you will need to wait for a decision. If your request is approved, your record will be expunged or sealed. If your request is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision.
Our team can help you complete the necessary forms, pay the filing fee, and guide you through the process of filing for expungement or record sealing. We will work hard to help you clear your name and move forward with your life.
Contact us today at (904) 474-3115 for more information about our knowledgeable and experienced legal services.
