Being arrested for a crime has consequences beyond the initial arrest and outcome of the case. If you are convicted, the arrest will appear on your criminal history record, and this may prevent you from getting a job or certain licenses. When facing criminal charges it is important to not only aggressively defend the case against you, but to also look forward to what your life will be like after the case completes. For some charges, this will include taking steps to expunge the charge from your record. An expungement will give you a clean record, and can help you when applying for school, for a job, or even when trying to buy a home.
In order to have a record expunged, certain requirements must be met. There are four basic requirements according to the relevant Florida law on expungement of records. Here is the list of standards that must be met in order for you to be successful when seeking to have your criminal record wiped clean:
- You were arrested, but no charges were ever filed against you.
- The charges against you were dismissed.
- A not guilty verdict was entered at the end of a trial.
- If you opted to go on probation, you successfully completed the terms and have paid all the fines and costs associated with the case.
If any one of the above fours scenarios apply to you, you may seek an expungement of your record. When doing so though, it is important to remember that a request to have your criminal record sealed does not automatically mean an order of expungement is entered. You first have to ask the Court to approve your request, and even if it is approved there may be instances where the information is still visible. One common circumstance where the arrest record might still be found is if you are applying for a governmental job. So, before you make the decision to file a request for an expungement, call our office to find out if the results will be what you are after. To learn if expungement is the answer to your needs, call our office.
For answers to questions about how to expunge an arrest record, call an experienced criminal defense attorney today. Skilled criminal defense attorneys in Stuart and the Treasure Coast are here to help you reach workable solutions. Your first visit is a free initial consultation.