Having your criminal record expunged can help you restore your reputation and put your past behind you. However, the process can be confusing to navigate on your own, and missteps can keep you from achieving these goals. Let the Law Office of Carlos M. Amor, P.A. assist you with successfully completing all the steps necessary to receive your expungement.
Expungement in Plantation Explained
What It Means to Have Your Record Expunged
Your criminal record documents every time you have been arrested, charged with, and convicted of a crime. For a fee, any adult can see your record and these entries by contacting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE does not notify you when another person requests to see your public criminal record.
Co-workers, potential employers, landlords, and even romantic interests can all access your record and use it to form opinions about you. An employer might decide not to offer you a job because of a recent conviction you failed to disclose. Similarly, a potential landlord could review your criminal record and refuse to rent to you because of a recent domestic violence conviction.
When you expunge an entry, it is completely deleted from your public criminal record. Someone who accesses your record will not be able to see any entry related to the expunged event. Moreover, any associated court records are also destroyed. It is as if the event did not happen. Also, in many cases, you do not need to disclose an expunged conviction or arrest.
Expungement Is Not the Same as Sealing a Record
Expunging a record is not the same as sealing it. Sealing a conviction removes it from the public’s view. However, instead of being destroyed, the court records are marked confidential. In certain exceptional circumstances, someone could obtain the court’s permission and access the sealed records.
To see if you are eligible for expungement and to get started, contact the Law Office of Carlos M. Amor, P.A. at 954-453-7200 today.
Applying for Expungement in Plantation
General Eligibility Requirements
Not every record can be expunged. One of the first hurdles you must clear is meeting the basic eligibility requirements for expungement. In general, an expungement is not available if:
- The offense is of a type for which expungement is not available.
- You were found guilty by a judge or jury of the offense.
- You have other petitions for expungement or sealing pending in another Florida court.
- You previously had a record expunged or sealed.
- You have been convicted of another offense or are presently under supervision.
So long as the offense is one that is eligible for expungement, you can proceed if your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty by a judge or jury. A knowledgeable Plantation expungement lawyer can verify your eligibility.
Having an attorney’s assistance throughout this process can help you overcome difficulties or challenges faster and keep your petition moving forward.
Why Choose Us?
Attorney Carlos M. Amor is an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney committed to protecting his clients’ rights and futures. He has a thorough understanding of the complicated laws and procedures surrounding expungement and can guide you through the necessary steps to clear your record.
FAQs
Your expungement lawyer, Carlos M. Amor, understands that the expungement process is complicated. Some common questions clients have include:
What does expungement do?
An expungement deletes all entries of an arrest and prosecution of a particular crime from your criminal record. It also results in the physical destruction of associated court records.
Is expungement the same as sealing a record?
No, sealing a record and expunging it are two different things. While sealing an entry removes it from your public criminal record, the physical court documents remain. Instead of being destroyed, they are sealed and kept from public disclosure.
Once my expungement is approved, is the underlying record gone forever?
Yes, for most purposes. You do not have to disclose that you had your record expunged to employers or most other entities who might ask about your criminal record. However, law enforcement agencies may still be able to see the record even after it has been expunged.
What happens if the FDLE does not issue a certificate or the State Attorney does not approve my application?
Getting a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE and having the State Attorney approve your application are both required steps in obtaining an expungement. If one or the other will not approve and support your expungement efforts, you must either try to resolve the issues with them directly or seek relief from the courts.
Attorney Carlos M. Amor offers free, no-obligation consultations by phone, video-conferencing, or in person. During your consultation, attorney Carlos M. Amor will answer your pressing questions and concerns.
Get Started Today With Help From Your Plantation Expungement Attorney
Clearing your criminal record through expungement may seem daunting, but attorney Carlos M. Amor is able to help you conquer this challenge. He will determine your eligibility for expungement and, if you’re qualified, assist you with navigating the remaining steps.
Start your journey toward expunging your record today by contacting the Law Office of Carlos M. Amor, P.A. at 954-453-7200.
ATTORNEY CARLOS M. AMOR
Carlos M. Amor is a skilled and experienced attorney and real estate broker. His legal practice in South Florida focuses on real estate litigation, real estate investments, tax deed and foreclosure auction purchases, traditional real estate transactions, short sales, foreclosure defense, and civil litigation. Carlos thinks “outside the box” and takes a practical approach to finding solutions that benefit his clients. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
