Sealing & Expungement
Compassionate Advocacy. Powerful Defense.
Record Sealing and Expungement Attorney in Seminole County, Florida
A Fresh Start Is Possible in Seminole County
A criminal record—even for an arrest that didn't lead to a conviction—can follow you for life, affecting your employment opportunities, housing applications, educational pursuits, and professional licensing. In Seminole County and throughout Florida, many individuals qualify to have their records sealed or expunged, giving them a chance to move forward without the burden of a past mistake.
Our experienced attorneys serve clients throughout Seminole County, including Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Casselberry, and surrounding communities. We have extensive knowledge of Florida's record sealing and expungement laws and the specific procedures followed in Seminole County courts.
Understanding Record Sealing vs. Expungement in Florida
Sealing Your Record
When your record is sealed:
- The public cannot access your criminal history record
- You can legally deny or fail to acknowledge the sealed arrest in most circumstances
- The record still exists but is confidential and accessible only to certain government agencies
Expunging Your Record
When your record is expunged:
- Physical destruction of your criminal history record occurs
- Even most government agencies cannot access the information without a court order
- You can legally deny or fail to acknowledge the expunged arrest in most circumstances
Eligibility for Record Sealing and Expungement in Florida
General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for sealing or expungement in Florida, you typically must:
- Have no prior convictions for any criminal offense
- Have never sealed or expunged another record in Florida (with limited exceptions)
- Not be currently under court supervision or have charges pending
- Have a case that qualifies under Florida law
Common Disqualifying Offenses
Florida law prohibits sealing records for certain serious offenses, including:
- Sexual crimes and offenses against children
- Aggravated assault/battery
- Robbery and burglary
- Kidnapping and false imprisonment
- Drug trafficking
- Domestic violence
For Expungement:
- The charges must have been dismissed, dropped, or you were found not guilty
- You may qualify if your case was dismissed after completing a diversion program
For Sealing
- Your case must have been resolved without a conviction (through acquittal, dismissal, or withholding of adjudication)
- The offense must not be among Florida’s list of ineligible offenses
The Record Sealing and Expungement Process in Seminole County
Clearing your record is a multi-step process that requires precise legal work:
Benefits of Sealing or Expunging Your Criminal Record
Employment Advantages
- Apply for jobs without disclosing past arrests to most private employers
- Improve your chances of securing better employment opportunities
- Reduce the likelihood of employment discrimination based on your past
Housing Benefits
- Apply for housing without the stigma of a criminal record
- Increase chances of approval for rental applications
- Qualify for housing assistance programs previously unavailable
Educational Opportunities
- Apply to colleges and universities with confidence
- Qualify for student loans and financial aid
- Pursue professional licensing and certifications
Personal Peace of Mind
- Move forward without the shadow of past mistakes
- Reduce anxiety about background checks
- Restore your reputation in the community
Why Choose Our Seminole County Record Sealing and Expungement Team
Specific expertise in Florida's complex sealing and expungement laws
Experience with the Seminole County court system
Personalized attention to your unique situation
Clear communication throughout the process
Prompt handling of all paperwork and court appearances
Commonly Asked Questions About Record Sealing and Expungement
While expungement provides greater protection than sealing, certain government agencies may still access your record under specific circumstances. We'll explain exactly what this means for your particular situation.
Typically, the complete process takes 4-7 months from application to final order, depending on current court caseloads and any complications that arise.
We can handle multi-county situations, filing the appropriate paperwork in each jurisdiction, including Seminole County and beyond.
Florida's sealing and expungement laws apply to state charges only. Federal charges fall under different rules. We can advise you on your options if you have federal charges.
Contact Our Seminole County Record Sealing and Expungement Attorneys
Don’t let a past mistake continue to limit your future. Our experienced attorneys can help you determine if you’re eligible to have your record sealed or expunged and guide you through the entire process.
Call our office today to schedule a confidential consultation where we’ll review your criminal history and explain your options for clearing your record in Seminole County.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique and requires individual analysis by a qualified attorney.
Seminole County Criminal Court Information
The Seminole County criminal courts are located at:
Seminole County Criminal Justice Center
101 Eslinger Way
Sanford, FL 32773
Cases are typically heard before judges in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which covers both Seminole and Brevard counties.