Experienced Melbourne Expungement Attorneys

People who have been charged with a crime but not convicted – or who have a clean criminal record despite a one-time arrest – may have the option of having their criminal records expunged or sealed.

If you wish to have your criminal record expunged, you need to work with an experienced expungement attorney. At Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC, we represent people throughout Melbourne and Brevard County who want to get a fresh start and clear their record.

Understanding Expungements In Florida

Every arrest and conviction begins as a public record. Sealing your record means that only authorized governmental entities have access to it. Expunging your record means authorized governmental entities may access your information only with a court order. Once your arrest is expunged, you can, in most instances, state under oath that you were not charged with a crime.

Two separate statutes govern record sealing and expungement. Both rules state that you do not qualify if you have previously been adjudicated guilty of a crime. Other eligibility requirements may include:

• No prior sealed or expunged cases are being pursued under Florida law
• No other sealing expunging petitions are pending before any court
• No indictment or other charging document has been filed for the case that you are trying to expunge

These rules apply to criminal records of adults. Rules for juvenile arrests are different, and generally more lenient. Not every arrest or conviction is expungable. We can help determine your eligibility for expunction or expungement. If you are eligible for expungement, we will help you through the next steps which includes applying for a certification of eligibility, filling certified disposition of the charges and filing a petition with the court.

Our expungement lawyers are experienced in the complexities of Florida expungement law and are familiar with all the key elements of the expungement process. We have helped many individuals and families feel more secure about the consequences of a single bad day.

It is a good idea to request that your record be sealed sooner rather than later, to prevent your records from being seen by banks, lenders, employers, admissions offices and others.