How long does it take to get a record expunged in Florida?

• Arson.
• Aggravated Assault.
• Aggravated Battery.
• Illegal use of explosives.
• Child abuse or Aggravated Child Abuse.

1. Step 1: Obtaining and Completing the Application. ...
2. Step 2: Submit Application to the State Attorney's Office. ...
3. Step 3: Submit completed application to FDLE. ...
4. Step 4: Complete and File a “Petition and Affidavit to Expunge or Seal” ...
5. Step 5: Filing the Petition.

Can I file an expungement myself?

Yes. You are allowed to pursue your case “pro se,” meaning without an attorney. The court might provide the forms you need to file the petition. However, the process of expunging a criminal record can be challenging.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in Florida?

No, felonies in Florida do not automatically disappear after 7 years. Criminal records, including felonies, remain part of your public record unless they are sealed or expunged.

Who can see your record after expungement?

Also, certain government agencies will almost always have access to expunged records. Courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice agencies can access expunged records for future criminal investigations and charging and sentencing decisions.

How long does it take to have your record expunged in Florida?

On average, an expungement in Florida takes 5-7 months.

Can the FBI see an expunged record?

Expunged records can, in some cases, appear on FBI background checks, especially those conducted by law enforcement or certain government entities.. While expungement is meant to remove or restrict access to criminal records, the effectiveness of the process varies by jurisdiction.

What is the Second Chance Act in Florida?

The Second Chance Act (SCA) supports state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations in their work to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for people returning from state and federal prisons, local jails, and juvenile facilities.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

What is the benefit of expungement in Florida?

Having your record sealed or expunged means that your criminal record will either be destroyed or removed from public access, making it confidential to the public, future employers, and common background searches, with certain limitations.

Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Florida?

Do I have to have an attorney to get my criminal history sealed or expunged? There is no requirement that you have an attorney in order to request a seal or an expungement of your criminal history record.

What crimes can be expunged in the state of Florida?

Felonies Eligible for Expungement in Florida

Common ones include grand theft (3rd degree), possession of controlled substances, and certain types of fraud. Certain Drug Offenses: First-time drug possession offenses can often be expunged, especially if you've completed a drug court program.

Who can see my expunged record in Florida?

If you are seeking to be employed or licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, or the Department of Juvenile Justice, or you wish to work with children, the elderly, or disabled people (mentally or physically), those ...

How to speed up the expungement process?

What is the Clean Slate Act in Florida?

The Clean Slate Initiative passes and implements laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free, and expands who is eligible for clearance.

Will a sealed record show up on a background check in Florida?

If a Florida criminal record has been officially sealed or expunged, the FDLE will remove public access to it and will erase it from the person's criminal history. Any changes to the FCIC are forwarded to the NCIC, where the expunged/sealed records are redacted.

Can an expungement be reversed?

Rest assured that the expunged crime will not be reversed, meaning it will still be invisible to employers and landlords during a background check. However, law enforcement and the criminal court can use your expunged crime against you after a new arrest.

What companies can see expunged records?

How much does expungement cost in Florida?

$275.00 Fee to Seal or Expunge

Criminal Records include judicial records (Courthouse) and non-judicial records (police records of arrest, bookings etc.)

How far back does Florida background check go?

Generally, there are no state laws in Florida that regulate how far back a pre-employment background check can go. This means that some screenings can look indefinitely into someone's history—including criminal records.

How do I know if my record is expunged?

You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.

What to say to a judge for expungement?

This conviction does not reflect the person I am today, and I humbly ask the court to consider my petition for expungement based on my personal growth and the changes I have made since my conviction. At the time of the offense, my life was in disarray.