Can I Expunge a Florida Burglary Charge?

The consequences of a burglary charge are widely known to be severe and can affect more than your pockets and criminal record. However, Florida law does offer certain individuals the opportunity to seal or expunge their charges under strict qualifications.

If you believe that your burglary charge may be eligible for expungement, working with a top Florida expungement lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan may help you successfully have your record “cleared.”

Understanding Expungement in Florida

Simply put, expungement is the legal process of removing a criminal record from public view. When a record is expunged, it is as though the arrest or charge never happened in most circumstances. Expungement is handled through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and requires court approval. Because of the sensitive and complicated nature of the expungement process, it is highly advised to seek out a lawyer who is familiar with Florida record sealing and expungement procedures.

Burglary Charges Are Often Ineligible

Under Florida law, certain charges are ineligible for sealing or expungement, even if you were never convicted. That being said, burglary can be one of those ineligible offenses, unless your case meets very specific conditions.

You cannot expunge a burglary charge in Florida if:

• You were convicted or pled guilty or no contest, and adjudication was not withheld
• The burglary charge involved a home
• There were any aggravating circumstances, such as being armed or causing harm to an individual

That being said, you may be eligible to expunge or seal your battery charge if:

• The charge was dismissed, dropped by the prosecutor, or you were found not guilty
• You have no prior convictions and no other criminal history
• You have never previously sealed or expunged a record in Florida

In these cases, you could apply to have the burglary arrest expunged from your record, but court approval is not guaranteed. The application process is lengthy and requires attention to detail, making legal guidance and representation even more important. Work with the leading expungement lawyer in Florida with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan for confidence that can only come from a lawyer with years of successful expungement cases.

Why It’s Important to Speak with an Attorney 

Working with an experienced lawyer before taking any steps can help set you in the right direction. At the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, your lawyer will carefully review your specific eligibility, assist with gathering all of the proper documentation, and help you navigate the complex Florida Department of Law Enforcement and court processes. Mistakes in the application can result in unnecessary delays or denials.

Contact Us for Help Clearing Your Record Today

If you were arrested for burglary but were not convicted, you may still have a chance to clear your name. The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan is prepared to help you understand your options and guide you through the complex expungement process to achieve the most favorable outcome. 

Contact us today and take the first step toward putting your past behind you. For your complimentary case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717 today.