Felony expungement provides opportunity to people in Florida with criminal records. The process involves destroying or removing criminal history from the state’s system, and taking it away from public access. But before you dwell on the idea of expungement, you must know how to get a felony expunged in Florida, and this guide will help you out.
Learn more about felony expungement, the costs, and other important details as you read on. Take the chance to live a better life without the hindrance of a criminal record through expungement.
How Much Does It Cost To Expunge Your Record in Florida
The cost of expungement in Florida can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and whether you hire an attorney to assist you. In Florida, it costs a minimum of $995 to get your record expunged but this may change over time.
Additionally, if you hire an attorney, their fees will add to the overall cost. It’s recommended to consult with a local expungement lawyer to get a more accurate estimate.
Felony expungement
A felony record can remain for the rest of a person’s life. This poses a disadvantage to your employment, housing, and finances. It doesn’t matter if you are proven innocent and you just happened to be at the same place of a crime and was arrested without fault, it will always be on your criminal history report.
Thankfully, the existence of felony expungement helped many people reclaim their lives. Expunging a felony involves several steps and typically requires adherence to specific legal procedures. Here’s a general overview of the process:
Assessment of Eligibility
Can you get a felony expunged? Know if you are eligible for expungement under your state’s law. Eligibility criteria may include the type of offense, the disposition of the case, and whether you meet the waiting period requirements. Learn about Florida statutes regarding expungement through this article.
File for petition
Once you meet the requirements for felony expungement, fill out the required application and get it notarized. Make sure to acquire the paperwork from the county clerk’s office where the case was filed. Complete the necessary paperwork completely and precisely, then submit the petition to the court clerk. In Florida, the filing fee cost $75.
Undergo a background check and request for certificate of eligibility
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will then do a background investigation on you. Upon completion and verification of your eligibility, acquire a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE.
A court hearing might take place
In certain situations, a judge may take your case to court before considering an expungement petition. In front of the court, state your case and provide any supporting paperwork or proof for your desire to have your record cleared. Make sure to be cooperative throughout the process.
Granting order of Expungement
The court will issue an expungement order if your petition for expungement is approved. This order directs law enforcement agencies and other pertinent parties to discard your criminal records.
Notification and Implementation
The clerk of the court will send out copies of the expungement order to agencies such as the FDLE and local law enforcement. Then they will update their records to apply the expungement and seal or destroy your criminal records.
Completing the process
Once the expungement process is complete, your criminal record related to the expunged felony should be inaccessible to the public but only to people in authority.
Benefits of Felony Expungement Lawyers
Felony expungement is confusing and takes too long to process. Hence, it’s best to consult with Felony Expungement Lawyers to help you out with your case.
- Legal Assistance: Felony expungement lawyers are knowledgeable regarding laws and procedures related to expungement and are experienced for such related cases. They will help you throughout the process making it a simple and stress-free experience.
- Case Evaluation: Your expungement lawyer will evaluate your case and determine your eligibility based on the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. They can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and provide guidance on the best course of action.
- Preparation of Documents: Expungement involves a lot of paperwork and documentation. A lawyer can help you gather and prepare the documents required for expungement, ensuring everything is completed and on time.
- Representation: There are times when an expungement needs a court hearing. Your lawyer will represent you in court if that happens.
Overall, knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced felony expungement lawyer advocating for you can provide peace of mind during a stressful and complicated process. Hiring a felony expungement lawyer can significantly increase your chances of clearing your criminal record and save time and effort.