How Long Does a Florida Records Expungement Take?

While many people wish that expunging your criminal record was as simple as a snap of the fingers, the process is decidedly more complex than that. With the help of an experienced Florida expungement attorney with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, you won’t miss any important steps or deadlines during the expungement proceedings.

Overview of the Expungement Process

Expungement in Florida involves a legal process to remove certain criminal records from public view. This process begins with determining eligibility, as not all charges or convictions qualify. Typically, with the help of a Florida expungement lawyer at The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, expungement is available for charges that did not result in a guilty conviction, such as when the charges were dismissed or dropped.

The process involves:

1. Confirming that your record qualifies for expungement.
2. Submitting the necessary documents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, including fingerprints and certified court documents.
3. Filing the petition for expungement in the court where the case was handled.
4. A judge reviews the petition and determines whether to grant the expungement.

Typical Timeline for Expungement

The expungement process can take several months to complete. A general breakdown of the timeline includes:

• Eligibility Review and Preparation: 2–4 weeks. This involves gathering all required documents and ensuring your record qualifies.
• FDLE Certificate of Eligibility: 6–12 weeks. The FDLE reviews your application and issues a certificate if you meet the requirements.
• Court Petition and Hearing: 1–3 months. Once the certificate is issued, your Florida expungement attorney files the petition with the court. A hearing may be scheduled depending on the case specifics.

Usually, most expungements take 4–9 months from start to finish.

Factors That Affect Expungement Timeline

Several factors can impact how long the process takes, and there are many potential delays that can occur. 

Some common processing factors can include missing or incomplete paperwork, high volumes of applications, additional review for cases involving multiple charges or older records, and delays from law enforcement or other agencies in providing necessary documents.

Contact The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan – the Leading Expungement Firm in Florida Today!

Expunging your criminal record in Florida typically takes several months, but the benefits of a clean slate can make it well worth the effort. By understanding the process and working with an experienced Florida expungement attorney with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your petition is filed correctly.

To see whether your case would be eligible for expungement, schedule a complimentary case consultation or simply call our office at (727) 291-9717.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.