Is Sealing or Expunging My Florida Arrest Record Worth the Money?

It is no secret that having an arrest record works against you. It can manifest in higher insurance rates, lost job opportunities, difficulties in finding quality housing, and even difficulties in rebuilding your reputation, but sealing or expunging your record offers a fresh start. 

As the leading expungement attorneys in Florida, we have noticed that for many individuals, the ability to move forward past their arrest makes the process of sealing or expunging their arrest record a worthwhile investment.

How a Sealed or Expunged Record Affects Background Checks

One of the greatest benefits of sealing or expunging an arrest record is its impact on background checks. When potential employers, landlords, and licensing agencies conduct their mandatory screenings, even an arrest that never led to a conviction can potentially raise their concerns. However, once a record is sealed or expunged, most private employers and landlords actually will no longer have access to that information whenever they do conduct a background check. 

Bearing this in mind, having an expungement lawyer in Florida with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan help you seal or expunge a record can dramatically reduce the likelihood of raised red flags or any following negative consequences.

Can Anyone Still See a Sealed or Expunged Arrest Record?

While sealing or expungement removes the record from most public databases, certain government agencies and law enforcement entities may still be able to view it. This typically applies to positions in law enforcement, public schools, the government, or roles requiring levels of security clearance. That being said, third-party websites or databases might still show information such as your arrest details or your mugshot, but the arrest will not appear in standard background checks.

Weighing the Cost vs. Long-Term Benefits

The cost of sealing or expunging a record includes court filing fees and the associated costs of working with a top expungement attorney in Florida. However, while there is no faking that it requires a financial investment, the long-term benefits of seeking sealing or expungement often far outweigh the initial price tag.

Ultimately, if you feel that your arrest record is impeding your ability to move forward in life or achieve your goals, it is worth it to explore the possibility of having your record expunged.

The Process of Sealing or Expunging an Arrest Record in Florida

To qualify for sealing or expungement under Florida law, you must have no prior convictions, your arrest charges must have been dropped, dismissed, or resulted in an acquittal, and you need to have never had a record sealed or expunged in the state of Florida. After you and your lawyer complete an initial, unofficial assessment and determine that you would be eligible, the expungement process can look like this:

1. Your expungement lawyer in Florida with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan will help you apply to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to confirm that your record is eligible, which can take around 12 weeks of processing time
2. You will then gather necessary documents, including the certificate of eligibility, affidavits, and any other required court records
3. You and your lawyer will submit your completed petition to the court, and you will be required to pay any filing fees
4. A judge will then review the petition and may schedule a hearing before making a final determination
5. If the judge approves your petition, your record is removed from most public databases

Do You Think Your Arrest Record Is Eligible for Sealing or Expungement? Contact The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan Today

If an arrest record is affecting your future, sealing or expunging it could be your key to moving forward. If you believe that you would be eligible for sealing or expungement, consult with an attorney who has extensive experience in successfully navigating sealing and expunging cases, like the expungement attorneys with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. 

Take Our Free Quiz to Determine if you are Eligible to Seal or Expunge the Record of your Florida Arrest.

To speak with one of our expungement lawyers, a complimentary case consultation, call The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan at (727) 291-9717.

For More Information, please view this VIDEO discussing the benefits of pursuing arrest record sealing or expungement.