Record Sealing & Expungement Lawyers in West Palm Beach, FL
Top Record Sealing and Expungement Attorneys in South Florida
When charged with a criminal offense, individuals usually focus on how a conviction will impact their immediate future. They are concerned with the potential of fines, probation, or even time behind bars. However, when an individual is convicted of a crime, their criminal record follows them for life, which could seriously impact their ability to gain employment or receive a quality education.
Fortunately, there are options for individuals who have been convicted of crimes. Under certain circumstances, offenders can have their criminal record sealed or expunged. This would effectively wipe the slate clean, making it easier to live a productive life free of limitations. If you are seeking to have your record sealed or expunged in Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or the surrounding areas, contact McLaughlin Morris Law. Our attorneys, Jeff Morris and Drew McLaughlin, have the knowledge and resources necessary to prepare you for a record sealing or expunction hearing.
Are you looking to have your record sealed or expunged in West Palm Beach, FL? Contact the expungement lawyers at McLaughlin Morris Law today to learn more! Schedule an appointment online today!
Understanding Record Sealing vs. Expungement
Although very similar, record sealing and expungement have slight differences. Record sealing means that certain governmental or related entities have full access to your record, but the public does not.
Record expungement means that the governmental or related entities that have access to a sealed record will be informed that you had an expungement, therefore they cannot access your expunged record without a court order.
Steps to Seal or Expunge Your Criminal Record
If you seek to have your criminal record sealed or expunged in Florida, you will undergo the following steps:
- The first step in the process is to apply through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement so that they may determine your eligibility. If they determine you are eligible to have your record sealed, then you will receive a certificate of eligibility.
- Upon receiving your certificate, you must file a petition with the court. Your petition must include your certificate of eligibility, and a sworn statement that says you have never been convicted of certain offenses, you have not had your criminal record sealed or expunged in the past, and you are eligible to have your record sealed or expunged.
Crimes Eligible for Record Sealing or Expunction
There are some circumstances in which one can get their criminal record sealed and expunged:
- Victims of human trafficking
- Lawful self-defense
- Juvenile crimes
- Unlawful or mistaken arrests
- Arrested but not convicted
- No prior expungement or record sealing history
We Help People Move Forward
Our Results
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Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery
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Cases Dismissed Battery
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Case Dismissed Carrying a Concealed Firearm
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Case Dismissed Grand Theft
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Case Dismissed Identity Theft
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"Professional, courteous, always available for any questions/updates and a genuinely nice person."
I would strongly recommend McLaughlin Morris, P.A. and will use their services in the future should the need arise.- Cesar J. -
"If you want to be represented by someone you can trust, don't hesitate call McLaughlin Morris."
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be represented by this firm on serval occasion and I am ever so grateful- Kimmie C. -
"I can honestly recommend Jeffrey Morris without any hesitation and I hold him in the highest regard."
Mr. Morris made himself available throughout the case with prompt return calls, frequent updates and patient explanations of the legal process.- Nicole C. -
"Jeff gave me hope and got me through it."
Jeff gave me hope and got me through it now I have my family back and got another chance at giving my daughter a bright future and myself a bright future Jeff resolved my case in about a month he put all he had into it and was there for me every single day- Chantel B. -
"From the very beginning they treated me with respect and listened to my concerns."
I give five stars to this law firm. From the very beginning they treated me with respect and listened to my concerns. They were responsive to my needs and always returned my phone calls within 24 hours. I highly recommend them it was a pleasure to work wit- Tom G. -
"I recommend Andrew and his firm wholeheartedly."
Andrew was able to get me through the deposition with ease. When it came time for the negotiations, he settled my case for much more than I ever had expected. The entire experience could not have been any smoother considering it was a tedious endeavor. I r- Joe N. -
"The truth is that he made what I thought impossible possible."
The truth is that he made what I thought impossible possible. My charges dropped completely and before my court date. Thank you and God bless you !- Vanessa B. -
"Mr. Morris did an outstanding job defending our son."
Mr. Morris did an outstanding job defending our son and the peace of mind having him as our attorney was priceless. I would absolutely recommend Mr. Morris to anyone looking for a honest, reliable, hardworking attorney to have represent you.- Jessica H.
Advantages of Sealing or Expunging Your Criminal Record
If you go through the necessary process and ultimately have your record sealed, you can legally deny that the incident for which you were arrested or convicted ever took place. The incident will not appear on background checks performed by employers or educational institutions, it will be inaccessible to the public, and it will only be visible to certain governmental agencies.
If your record is expunged, it will be as if the incident never occurred and any record of the arrest or conviction will be destroyed. It will not be accessible by anyone who runs a background check or checks your criminal history. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will keep one copy of the record, but it will not be accessible by anyone without a court order.
