
Getting a job can be challenging, especially if your record needs to be cleaned. A criminal record, even one that shows only arrests and no convictions, can cost you career opportunities. It is important to understand that there may be opportunities for clearing your record, depending on your situation.
At Barbarette & Quirk, our Gainesville criminal defense attorneys can help you explore your options. We have more than four decades of experience and the resources to handle various cases. We can help walk you through your options and provide you with legal counsel when you need it. We make ourselves available to clients around the clock to best serve their needs.
Call Barbarette & Quirk today at (352) 356-4999 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our expungement attorney in Gainesville!
In Florida, the main difference between a record being expunged and a record being sealed is that an expungement involves the essential deletion of the record. In contrast, when a record is sealed, it still exists, but it can only be viewed by certain government entities.
Not all criminal records are eligible for expungement in Florida. To be eligible for expungement in Florida, an individual must meet certain criteria, which includes:
It's important to note that even if an individual meets these criteria, expungement is not guaranteed. The court will consider the specific circumstances of each case and may deny a petition for expungement if they determine it is not in the interests of justice to grant it.
The time it takes to expunge a record in Florida can vary depending on the case's complexity and the court system's workload. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months, or longer in some cases.
To start the process, the individual must first file a petition for expunction with the court in the county where the case was originally filed. The petition must include specific information, such as the case number, the charges, and the date of arrest.
The court will then review the petition and conduct a background check to ensure the individual is eligible for an expunction. If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order to expunge the record.
The order will be sent to various law enforcement agencies and other entities to have the record removed from their systems. This process can take several months to complete, and the timing can vary depending on the specific agencies involved.
When you meet with us for a free case consultation, our Gainesville criminal defense lawyers will review your case and let you know what legal options make the most sense. If we take on your case, we can move forward through the process, helping you obtain a certificate of eligibility and other required documents. We are committed to standing by your side and pursuing all opportunities to clean your record.
Contact Barbarette & Quirk today to schedule a FREE consultation with our expungement lawyer in Gainesville!