Clearwater Expungement Attorneys Fighting to Restore Your Rights
Having a criminal record can follow you for years, affecting your job opportunities, housing applications, professional licenses, and even personal relationships. Many people don’t realize that Florida law allows certain individuals to seal or expunge their criminal records, giving them a fresh start and a second chance.
At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we help individuals navigate the record sealing and expungement process to clear their past and protect their future. If you have ever been arrested or charged with a crime, you may be eligible to remove it from public view.
What Does It Mean to Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record?
Many people use the terms sealing and expungement interchangeably, but they are two different legal processes with distinct effects on your criminal record.
Sealing a Record
- A sealed record is removed from public access, but it still exists within the legal system.
- Government agencies, law enforcement, and certain employers (such as schools or healthcare organizations) may still see the sealed record under specific circumstances.
- If your record is sealed, you do not have to disclose the arrest on job or housing applications.
Expunging a Record
- Expungement means your record is completely erased from public and most government databases.
- The record is physically destroyed except for a confidential file kept by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
- Even most law enforcement agencies cannot access an expunged record without a court order.
Expungement is the best option, but not everyone qualifies. Our attorneys can help determine the best legal path for your case.
Call us at 727-446-7659 now to find out if you qualify for record sealing or expungement!
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing or Expungement in Florida?
Florida law has strict eligibility requirements for sealing or expunging a criminal record.
You May Qualify If:
- You were arrested but never charged.
- Your charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a “nolle prosequi” (declined prosecution).
- You completed a Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program, and the charges were dismissed.
- You were found not guilty at trial.
- You received a withhold of adjudication (for sealing only).
- You have never been convicted of a crime (including misdemeanors).
If you have been adjudicated guilty of any crime, you are NOT eligible for sealing or expungement under Florida law.
Crimes That Cannot Be Sealed or Expunged
Certain offenses are never eligible for record sealing or expungement in Florida, including:
- Sex crimes (sexual battery, child pornography, human trafficking)
- Violent felonies (homicide, manslaughter, aggravated assault/battery)
- Drug trafficking
- Domestic violence-related offenses
- Kidnapping or false imprisonment
- Arson
- Robbery or burglary of a dwelling
If you were charged with one of these offenses but the charges were dropped, you may still qualify for expungement.
Call Now for a Free Consultation at 727-446-7659 to Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Expungement Attorney!
Benefits of Sealing or Expunging Your Criminal Record
Having your record sealed or expunged can change your life by removing barriers caused by past legal trouble. Benefits include:
- Better Job Opportunities – Most employers cannot see sealed or expunged records in background checks.
- Easier Housing Applications – Landlords who run background checks will not find a sealed or expunged record.
- Restoration of Rights – Sealing or expunging your record may help restore professional licenses and other rights.
- Personal Privacy – Your record will no longer be available on public databases, protecting your reputation.
- Peace of Mind – You no longer have to worry about past mistakes affecting your future.
How to Seal or Expunge Your Record in Florida
The process of sealing or expunging a record involves several steps, and even small mistakes can result in delays or denials. Our attorneys handle everything for you, ensuring your petition is completed accurately and efficiently.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
✔ Our attorneys review your case to confirm you meet Florida’s eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility
✔ We submit an application to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to get a Certificate of Eligibility.
✔ FDLE reviews your criminal history and approves or denies your request.
Step 3: File a Petition with the Court
✔ If approved by FDLE, we file a petition with the court in the county where your case was handled.
✔ A judge reviews your case and may schedule a hearing.
Step 4: Court Approval & Final Order
✔ If the judge grants your petition, the record is officially sealed or expunged.
✔ Government agencies are notified to remove your record from public access.
The sooner you start, the sooner you can clear your record! Call us now to begin the process!
Take Control of Your Future – Call McGuire Megna Attorneys Today!
If your criminal record is holding you back, don’t wait to take action. Sealing or expunging your record can open doors to better opportunities and give you the fresh start you deserve. At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we make the process easy, fast, and stress-free.