About Sealing & Expunging Records

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Clearwater

A criminal record can lead to reduced opportunities for employment, education and other crucial aspects of personal survival. Prospective employers will be wary of hiring those with a criminal record or even an arrest where the charges were eventually dropped. You may wonder if there is a way to seal your criminal record- and the good news is that there are options open for many individuals. Through the powerful processes of sealing or expunging your records, you may be able to have a clean slate and end the problems related to an arrest record. For a personal consultation, contact a Clearwater criminal defense attorney immediately.

Sealing of criminal records will mean that the public - including prospective employers and others engaging in a background check - cannot obtain your criminal history. The only exception will be a very short list of agencies specified by statute. In order to be eligible for a sealing, you had to have received a "withhold of adjudication" as part of a criminal sentencing or have had the charges dropped or dismissed as part of a diversion program.

Expungement is an even more effectual option where all courts and government agencies must physically destroy your record. One copy remains on file with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, but information is not accessible without a court order. It is important to determine your eligibility and how the process will work in your case.

Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney

Sealing and expunging of records are solutions for many people, but it is important to understand fully what these processes involve and what the specific qualifications are. Our team at The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger is knowledgeable in criminal defense and is prepared to help clients seek these powerful options and are committed to making every possible effort to achieve the best result in your case.