What is it?
Most people don't realize that if you were arrested and never formally charged or even if your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, the record of your arrest and court case still exists. This is your non-judicial and judicial criminal record. This is a PUBLIC RECORD. Contrary to popular belief, a criminal record is not automatically sealed or goes away over time. It remains public and permanent until ordered sealed or expunged by a judge.
In today's world, criminal background checks are common when applying for jobs, schools, housing (apts, condos, community associations), loans, grants, special licenses, getting promotions, security clearances, in personal relationships, and any other times when a person's criminal background is an issue. If you qualify to have your record sealed or expunged, and the court grants your petition, you no longer have to worry that one mistake you made or thing you were wrongly accused of will follow you around forever.
Florida law allows a person who has never been convicted (adjudicated) of a crime and who has never received a previous record sealing or expunction to request that the court seal or expunge non-judicial records (police and corrections records) and judicial records (court case records). Once sealed or expunged, all records of your arrest and/or subsequent court case are removed from the public record! Even better, once sealed, you may LEGALLY DENY OR FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE that you were arrested for the crime which you had sealed or expunged!
This one time privilege is not available for all crimes in certain circumstances. Also, even if your arrest and/or court record sealed or expunged, you may have to divulge the fact that your record was sealed or expunged in certain situations. See our EXCEPTIONS page for more information
Do you qualify?
In order to qualify for a records sealing or expunction you must meet the following criteria:
- You never were found guilty of a misdemeanor, felony, or comparable ordinance violation either as an adult or a juvenile. (See our "Previously Convicted?" Section if you have ever been convicted or adjudicated for a crime. There still may be hope to seal or expunge your record.)
- You never secured a prior criminal history record sealing or expunction.
- You are not currently under court supervision (probation, community control, etc.)
- Your crime isn't one of the crimes listed in the "EXCEPTIONS" section of this website, for which you received a withhold of adjudication. However, if you were found not guilty, your charges were dismissed, or the charges were never filed, then you can expunge the record even if your crime is listed in the "Exceptions" page.
Not sure if you qualify? Click here for a free evaluation
Key Benefits of Sealing or Expunging Your Record...
- Keeps the record of your arrest and/or court case out of the public record!
- Allows you to LEGALLY deny or fail to acknowledge that you were arrested for the incident which you sealed or expunged.
- Protects your privacy and may allow you to take advantage of job, school, and other opportunities once closed because of your arrest being a part of the public record.
Click on the corresponding tab below to get detailed information on sealing and expungement.
How much does it cost?
Sealing or expunging your record is also one of the best investments you can make in your future. All those years of school and job training may not get you the job you want if you have an arrest record holding you back. Do you qualify? Get started now by completing our online QUESTIONNAIRE.
| Standard |
$599.00 (Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement fee and court fees not included. FDLE fee is $75.00. Court fees range between $40.00 to $80.00. You will be advised of the court fees prior to final hearing.) |
Student/Military/Veteran
(Current school schedule or I.D. required for proof or DD214 or military I.D.) |
$499.00 (Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement fee and court fees not included. FDLE fee is $75.00. Court fees range between $40.00 to $80.00. You will be advised of the court fees prior to final hearing.) |
| Self-Help Seal and Expunge |
$199.00 includes self-help seal and expunge kit and CD. Price includes online unlimited attorney support until your case is sealed or expunged. Go to the self-help page for further information on how to seal your record yourself. |
* Florida cases outside of Miami Dade or Broward County MAY require an additional $100.00 attorney appearance fee IF the court in your county requires an attorney to be present at the final hearing. Personal Checks, Money Orders, Credit/DebitCards Welcome.
Visa/MC/ Amex
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