Criminal Record Expungements

Erase eligible criminal records to restore your clean slate. As a trusted criminal justice attorney in North Miami, Florida, we guide you through petitioning for expungement under Florida law to clear convictions and sealed records.

A criminal record can follow you for life, even long after you’ve paid your debt to society. It can block job opportunities, restrict housing options, and create ongoing anxiety in your daily life. At Reynoso Erickson Trial Law, PA, we believe everyone deserves a second chance—and that starts with clearing your name. Florida law allows eligible individuals to expunge or seal certain criminal records, effectively removing them from public access. Our firm offers comprehensive guidance through every step of the expungement process. From eligibility evaluations to courtroom representation, we work to restore your reputation, protect your privacy, and give you a real opportunity to move forward without the weight of your past holding you back.

What Is Record Expungement in Florida?

In Florida, expungement is a legal process that completely removes a criminal charge or arrest from your public record. Once expunged, the incident no longer appears in most background checks, and you’re legally permitted to deny the arrest or charge in most situations. Record sealing, while slightly different, restricts access to your criminal history but does not erase it. Both options are governed by strict state statutes and require a thorough understanding of legal procedures and deadlines. Expungement is available only for certain non-violent offenses and typically only if the charge was dropped, dismissed, or if you were acquitted. Our attorneys know exactly what the courts and state agencies require and will make sure your petition is complete, timely, and compelling.

Who Qualifies for Expungement or Sealing?

Expungement eligibility depends on several key factors, including the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and your prior record. You may qualify for expungement or sealing if:

• You were arrested but not convicted.
• Your charges were dropped, dismissed, or never filed.
• You were acquitted at trial.
• You have never been previously convicted of a criminal offense.

Certain charges—especially those involving sexual misconduct, domestic violence, or serious felonies—are excluded from expungement under Florida law. At Reynoso Erickson, we review your case history in detail to determine if your record qualifies for either expungement or sealing. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, our legal team can conduct a full analysis and walk you through your options.

The Step-by-Step Expungement Process

Getting your record expunged involves multiple stages and requires interaction with several state agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Eligibility Review: We assess your record and ensure no disqualifying convictions exist.
2. Application for Certificate of Eligibility: We prepare and submit your application to the FDLE with supporting documents.
3. Filing the Petition: Once the certificate is issued, we file a formal petition with the appropriate court in Miami-Dade County.
4. Judicial Review: A judge reviews your petition and may schedule a hearing, especially if the prosecution objects.
5. Final Order: If granted, the court issues an order directing agencies to expunge or seal your record.

Our role is to make sure every part of this process is handled efficiently and correctly. We prepare all required documentation, advocate for you in court, and follow up to ensure that your record is cleared from public view.

Benefits of Expungement

Expunging or sealing a criminal record can open doors that were previously closed. Key benefits include:

• Increased employment opportunities—no longer worry about failing background checks.
• Improved chances of securing housing or professional licenses.
• Restored reputation and peace of mind.
• Legal ability to deny the arrest or charge in most applications and interviews.
• Prevention of discrimination based on past incidents that are no longer relevant.

We’ve helped numerous North Miami residents reclaim their lives by wiping their records clean. Let us help you take the next step toward a better future.

Common Misconceptions About Expungement

Many people assume they’re not eligible for expungement because of the nature of their arrest or because time has passed. Others think sealing a record has the same effect as expungement. It’s important to separate fact from fiction:

• Myth: “If my case was dropped, my record is clean.”
  Truth: An arrest still appears on your record unless expunged, even if charges were dropped.
• Myth: “I can expunge multiple cases.”
  Truth: Florida generally allows only one expungement or sealing in a lifetime, with very limited exceptions.
• Myth: “I don’t need a lawyer for expungement.”
  Truth: A single mistake can delay or jeopardize your petition. Legal guidance ensures you follow every required step.

If you have questions or believe your record may still be visible despite a favorable outcome, it’s worth speaking to our team for clarity and direction.

Don’t let your past stand in the way of your future. At Reynoso Erickson Trial Law, PA, we specialize in giving people the fresh start they deserve. Contact us today to find out if your record qualifies for expungement and let us help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.