Case Disposition
Dismissal, no information, acquittal, withholding of adjudication, and adjudication can have different consequences.
Florida Record Sealing and Expungement
A past case should be reviewed before assumptions are made.
Florida sealing and expungement eligibility depends on the charge, disposition, criminal history, prior relief, and statutory exclusions. Konkle Law Firm helps clients evaluate eligibility and navigate the certificate and court process.
Free consultations are available by telephone, video, or in person by appointment.
Understanding the Matter
Sealing and expungement are different forms of relief with different effects.
For many court-ordered cases, the process begins with an application to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a Certificate of Eligibility. The person must then petition the appropriate court, and the final decision remains with the court.
Every case turns on its own facts, records, deadlines, and governing law. Early review helps identify what must be preserved and what decisions may be approaching.
Issues to Examine
A focused review starts with the records and facts that actually matter.
These are common areas of investigation, not a prediction about any particular result.
Criminal History
Prior convictions, prior sealing or expungement, pending cases, and records in other jurisdictions may affect eligibility.
Excluded Offenses
Florida law excludes various offenses and circumstances. The exact statute and final disposition must be checked.
FDLE Certificate
The application generally requires identifying information, case details, fingerprints, certified dispositions, and other materials.
Court Petition
After eligibility certification, a petition, affidavit, proposed order, and service on required agencies may be necessary.
After an Order
Sealed and expunged records are treated differently, and disclosure exceptions remain. Relief does not erase every private or online record automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical questions deserve careful answers.
Is an expungement guaranteed after receiving an FDLE certificate?
No. FDLE states that the certificate confirms statutory eligibility, but the court retains discretion over the petition.
How many court-ordered sealings or expungements are generally available?
FDLE states that a person proceeding under the primary court-ordered statutes is generally entitled to one court-ordered sealing or expungement in a lifetime, subject to the statutes and exceptions.
Will the internet immediately forget the arrest?
Not necessarily. Government records, private databases, news reports, cached pages, and background-check vendors may require separate follow-up.
Official References
General information from primary Florida sources.
Statutes and procedures can change. These sources are provided for general education and do not replace advice about a specific matter.
Free Consultation
Start with a direct conversation.
Consultations are available by telephone, video, or in person at the Naples office by appointment. The firm aims to respond within one business day.