A criminal record comes with complications, such as employment difficulties, travel restrictions and low housing prospects. However, you may have the chance to get a fresh start through expungement.
In Florida, eligible applicants may have the opportunity to remove their offenses. If you seek to do so, understanding the expungement process can help you get started.
Assess your eligibility
Courts can only consider expungement applications from individuals who meet the eligibility criteria:
- Your criminal record is eligible for expungement.
- The judge or jury dropped or dismissed your case.
- You did not receive a guilty verdict for committing a criminal offense in the state.
- You are not under court supervision.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, you may ask for advice from a criminal defense law attorney.
Request a certificate of eligibility
You need to request a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). They may only grant this document if you:
- Satisfy the eligibility criteria.
- Submit a certified statement from the State Attorney’s Office.
- Provide a copy of your case record.
- Pay a $75 fee.
This certification is essential, as it allows you to file a petition for record expungement.
File a petition
The next step is filing a petition. You must submit your original petition and certificate of eligibility to the county court that handled your case. Ensure to provide copies of these documents to the State Attorney’s office in the same county.
Wait for a response
After successfully filing your petition, the court will review your request and issue a decision. Receiving an approval is possible, but so is denial.
Expunging your criminal record is a significant step toward a brighter future, but it can be tough to navigate alone. A criminal defense attorney can offer clarity on the expungement process and walk you through the steps.