What is the Difference between “Sealing” and “Expungement”?

What is the difference between “sealing” a record and “expungement“?

Have you been arrested and want to try and have those records sealed or expunged.  Not sure what the different is or what is required to do so.  Let Orlando Criminal Record Sealing or Expungement attorney, Michael Ferrin and Victoria Anderson of Anderson & Ferrin, Attorneys at Law, PA, help you.

When a criminal history record is sealed, the public will not have access to it. Certain governmental or related entities, primarily those listed in s. 943.059(4)(a), Florida Statutes, have access to sealed record information in its entirety.  More information on this is provided in the link below.  Sealing is a court procedure that seals court and police records. the records are not destroyed or returned, but are put “under seal,” meaning they are not accessible by employers, members of the general public, or most public entities. Law enforcement officials have access to the records. the procedure for obtaining a court order to seal records is virtually identical to the expungement procedure.

When a record has been expunged, those entities which would have access to a sealed record will be informed that the subject of the record has had a record expunged, but would not have access to the record itself without a court order. All they would receive is a caveat statement indicating that “Criminal Information has been Expunged from this Record”.

An individual must qualify to have their records sealed or expunged.  Some of the qualifications that we look at is what the charge was, what the outcome of the case was such as if it was dismissed, plead guilty, no contest, went to trial and won as well as if adjudication of guilt was withheld.

Having a criminal record may cost you a job, make it difficult for you to obtain a job, visit foreign countries or lease an apartment. This is why it is absolutely important to speak with a seasoned attorney to see if you qualify for sealing or the expungement of your records.

Certain entities are entitled to sealed and expunged records.  You can look at this information online at the FDLE website by clinking on this link http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cms/Seal-and-Expunge-Process/Entitled-Agencies.aspx

Call the Law Offices of Anderson and Ferrin

Free Consultation. 407-412-7041