What does a Criminal Record Consist of?

A criminal record is a history of all of your arrests and court dispositions.

Why would  you Want to Seal or Expunge your Criminal  Record?

Having a criminal record impacts your ability to obtain credit or to get the job you want. There are other serious consequences of having a criminal conviction. For example, in today's tight economy employers are doing extensive background checks before hiring new employees. Apartment complexes often reject tenant applications based on criminal convictions. Criminal records can affect your ability to obtain a professional license. A potential employer or landlord can easily obtain your criminal record or history. Law enforcement agencies, (Police and Sheriff's departments), Court and County clerks' offices, prosecutorial agencies (District Attorney, City Attorney, U.S. Attorney), and the FBI maintain criminal histories. Many of these records are now available to the general public by way of the Internet. If your criminal record is sealed or expunged then you are legally allowed to say that the conviction or arrest never occurred on documents such as job applications, rental applications, or for many other purposes. An expungement gives someone a "clean slate", the opportunity to start fresh.

What is the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging my case?

When you SEAL a case, the case still exists but is shielded from public record. Private entities do not have access to your case, the charges, arrest dates or the disposition of your case. When you EXPUNGE your case, your case is erased from all records. An expungement results in the deletion of your computer based criminal record and physical destruction of any records maintained by the Court, the prosecutor and law enforcement agencies such as:

• The arresting agency
• The booking agency
• The Department of Corrections
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Depending on the charge and the disposition of your case, you may qualify for sealing or expunging of your case

Can All Convictions be Sealed or Expunged?

No, not all criminal convictions can be sealed. Most misdemeanors and some felonies can be expunged. Contact the Law Offices of Jauregui & Jauregui, P.A. for a free consultation as to whether your criminal record can be sealed or expunged

We take care of everything all you have to do is have your fingerprints taken and sign the applications. There are four steps to a Petition to Seal or Expunge:
Obtain a certified disposition of your case
Obtain the certification for an expungement by the State Attorney's Office.
Obtain the Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE in Tallahassee
Obtain and win a court hearing where the judge will seal or expunge your case.

How Long will it Take to Get your Record Sealed ?

The process usually takes 2 to 4 months to complete locally.