CRIMINAL Defense

Sealing & Expungements.

We also offer Sealing and Expungement services! Whether you are applying for a job or seeking a business loan, a simple background check can reveal many things about a person – including their criminal history. Fortunately, Florida allows you the opportunity to seal or expunge your criminal record so that your future is secure.

Sealing vs. Expunging.

Sealing is a process whereby the documents related to a criminal case are literally “sealed” from public records
and made confidential and only able to be opened pursuant to a court order. This means that the general public and
many agencies will not be able to access your court case and the details surrounding your case. On the other hand,
an expungement essentially “destroys” the documents electronically and physically so that they cannot be accessed by anyone.

Am I eligible to have my record expunged?

You may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged if:

• No indictment, Information, or other charging document was filed in the case that is the subject of the expunction, or the case was later dismissed or the subject of a nolle pros;
• You have no prior convictions for any criminal offense or comparable ordinance violation, and no prior adjudications of delinquency (juvenile cases) for any criminal act outlined in Section 943.051(3)(b) of the Florida Statues;
• You were not adjudicated guilty or delinquent in the case that is the subject of the expunction; and
• You have never had a case sealed or expunged in the past.
• FOR JUVENILES: Qualifying juveniles may have their records automatically expunged at the age of either 24 or 26, depending on the details of the criminal offense

Am I eligible to have my record sealed?

You may be eligible to have your criminal record sealed if:

• You have no prior convictions for any criminal offense or comparable ordinance violation, and no prior adjudications of delinquency (juvenile cases) for any criminal act outlined in Section 943.051(3)(b) of the Florida Statues;
• Adjudication was withheld or you successfully completed a diversion program which led to the dismissal of your criminal case;
• You have never had a case sealed or expunged in the past;
• The charge to which the applicant pled is not a “disqualifying” offense (see below);
• The charge you are trying to seal does not fall under the prohibited “related offenses” under Sections 943.059 and 943.0585, Florida Statutes; and
• You have completed all the conditions of any probation or community control that was ordered as a result of the offense, and all court supervision has been terminated.
• FOR JUVENILES: If a juvenile successfully completes a diversion program or if charges were dismissed, they can petition to have their records sealed.

Whether you are facing a criminal charge today or want to to seal a criminal case from the past,
Agosto Law is here to help. Call us today to schedule your free consultation!