In a previous blog post, I discussed the process by which a criminal record is sealed in Florida. I also reviewed the benefits of having a criminal history sealed so that one's employment and personal life would not be jeopardized.
Expunging a criminal record is different from sealing a record in a few ways. First of all, expunging a record means that the Clerk of Court has the legal ability to destroy (not seal) the record. Any other person or agency that has information regarding the criminal record must also destroy the record. Once the record is expunged, you may legally deny having been arrested or charged with the crime.
The same qualifications for sealing apply to expungement. You must not have been convicted of a crime. You must not have applied for sealing or expungement before. Also, you must not be under any type of court supervision such as probation or community control.
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