If you have ever been arrested, there will be a public record of your case. This is a scary thought when you think about how many people have access to the internet, and free time on their hands. With a simple search, the details of your case may be visible to a complete stranger or even worse, a friend or family member. If you want to keep your private life out of public viewing, there are things you can do to make it so your criminal record cannot be seen. But there are some restrictions on the process, and some important things to know about what you can accomplish.

A few good reasons to have your criminal record sealed, called expungement, are:

  • Cleaning up your record can make it easier to get a job. Many potential employers perform background checks on new hires, and if your record shows up you might miss out on a great job opportunity.
  • Clearing your record will work for not only one charge, but all charges associated with your case. This means if you got a speeding ticket AND a DUI, you can have both expunged. This is helpful for a variety of reasons; the most important may be the ability to keep your driver’s license.

It is important to remember that in order to have a record expunged you cannot have been convicted of the crime. Those people who are eligible for an expungement include those who were arrested but charges were never filed, the charges were dismissed, or there was a finding of not guilty made. This information could come in handy when you are negotiating a plea agreement in a case, because it is always important to look to the future and possible consequences when trying to resolve a current case. These criteria are also good to know when you are making the determination as to whether you should seek an expungement. You would not want to undertake an action that is not going to lead to the desired results, and we can take a look at your case to help you understand what type of outcome is likely. If you have been arrested for a crime and are wondering if it will stick around on your record, or whether you can have it wiped clean, call us for help.

For questions about expunging your criminal record, call us to schedule an appointment. Let one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Stuart and the Treasure Coast to help you with your case. Your first visit with us is a free initial consultation.