Jacksonville expungement lawyer Kate Mesic can help you decide if you qualify.
Call our office at (904)388-4030 ext. 408 to speak directly with Attorney Kate Mesic.
An expungement or a sealing of your criminal record will make a difference on job applications. It is important your criminal case is evaluated to see if you qualify.
If you are trying to move on with your life, but your past is not letting you, the team at Mosaic Law Firm, can help you get your life back by helping your get your criminal record sealed or expunged..Many people simply do not know that once they are arrested, the police report and court records are a public record. This means that anyone can go online or to the courthouse and see these documents. Even after your case is dismissed or a not guilty verdict, the record remains public !
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why should I consider expunging or sealing my criminal record?
Under Florida law, once the record is sealed or expunged, you simply do not need to acknowledge any arrests covered by the sealed or expunged record.
How do I get started?
Call our office. Our expungement lawyer will evaluate your case and advise you if you qualify. All communications throughout the case can be conducted by phone, email or mail.
How long will it take to seal or expunge my record?
The process can be lengthy and requires precision. We will help you every step of the way. A safe estimate of the entire process would be between six and seven months, before your record is no longer available to the general public. Since expungement has an extra step of getting the application approved through the State Attorney’s Office, the expungement process can take longer.
Who may qualify for sealing of a criminal record?
The following conditions apply to those considering sealing of their criminal record:
1. Generally, a person must have no prior convictions (i.e. adjudications of guilty) .
2. A person should have never applied for a sealing or expungement, previously. This means that if you have a Withhold of Adjudication, you may be able to seal your record.
To see if you qualify please call our office to discuss your particular situation.
Note: Florida Statute 943.059 lists offenses that cannot be sealed.
Who may qualify for an expungement of a criminal record?
Similar to the conditions applicable to those applying for the sealing of their criminal record, those who seek to get their criminal record expunged:
1. Must have no prior convictions.
2. The charge in question must be dropped, dismissed, Nolle prosequi ( be unwilling to pursue, or no information filed. Call us to discuss your case, and we will help you determine if you qualify to apply for an expungment.
What would disqualify me from having my record sealed or expunged?
If you have ever been adjudicated guilty (convicted as an adult) of a criminal offense, including a criminal traffic offense, such as DUI, or DWLS, criminal ordinance violation, misdemeanor or felony, you will not qualify for having your record sealed or expunged.Call us to discuss your case.
Can I seal or expunge more than one arrest?
State of Florida allows only “one bite at the apple,” meaning you can only petition once in your lifetime to seal or expunge your record, unless the Judge determines that an additional arrest was directly related to the original arrest.
What is the difference between the sealing and expunging a criminal record?
When a record is sealed, the public will no longer have access to the record through the government databases. For purposes of employment background checks, this means most employers will not have access to the information. However, please be aware that city, county, state and federal government agencies will continue to have access to your criminal record.
On the other hand, when a record is expunged, the file will be physically destroyed and agencies that would have access to a sealed record will receive the identity segment of the criminal history record, with an indication that criminal information has been expunged from the record, and would only have access to the record through a court order.
Are there circumstances, when I still have to acknowledge the arrest?
Yes, you cannot deny or fail to acknowledge the arrest if you are applying to change your immigration status, are a defendant in a criminal case or are applying for: a job with a criminal justice agency, contract with, or license by the Department of Children and Family Services, a job with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Education, any district school board, any university laboratory school, and charter school, any private or parochial school, or any local governmental entity that licenses child care facilities; or for use by such contractor or licensee in a sensitive position having direct contact with children, the developmentally disabled, the aged, or the elderly; or a job with or access to a seaport, or admission to The Florida Bar; or petitioning to seal or expunge.
