How Long Does It Take to Expunge a Record in Florida?

David Weisselberger | February 9, 2023

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Expunging criminal records is a rather interesting option for people who want to keep other people from knowing they were arrested in the past.

However, erasing a criminal record in Florida is not something simple to do, and it can take a lot of time to either seal or expunge a criminal offense depending on how you approach the process.

On average, an expungement in Florida takes 5-7 months

Law enforcement entities promote this process and encourage anyone looking forward to expunging their criminal record to do it. Fortunately, Erase the Case is the State's fastest in which the expungement or seal process takes on average 90 days, so people eligible to get their Florida criminal record sealed or expunged can do it with no problem and peace of mind. What's more? The amount of time it takes to complete your expungement also depend on how well you know about the expungement process. Therefore, it is suggested that you clearly understand how to apply for expungement in Florida before moving to further steps.

Expunge Your Records in Less Than 5 Months?

Over 85% of our cases are expunged from 3-5 months (data proven)

Hiring the Right People for the Job

Not everyone can seal their criminal record, though, so it's best for people to hire expungement lawyers to address the whole process for them and tell them what the requirements to seal or expunge their arrest record are according to Florida law.

We are Erase the Case, and we focus 100% on expunging and sealing arrest records, so you can rely on us if you want to prevent your future bosses or any other person from seeing what you did in the past.

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"David Weisselberger is the man! You want when you need a clean slate. He took my case and in less than 3 months everything was erased. He erased the case. No mess, No fuss. Constant contact the whole way. Please don't let these problems hold you back from getting everything you deserve in life. Call today! Talk to David. You will be very happy you did.. Thanks David you changed my life for the better."

How Can It Help Me to Expunge a Criminal Record?

expunge a record in floridaWhether you decide to seal or expunge your felony records or any other misdemeanor you committed, doing it brings you excellent benefits.

Take into account that many people and most business owners background-check their potential employees before giving them a job. Having a Florida record or criminal case under your name can make the district school board, bank, or company you are reaching out to reject you.

Can Someone Study a Sealed or Expunged Record?

People can't study any arrest occurred in Florida that involves you if your record is sealed or expunged. Nonetheless, a sealed record can sometimes be checked by law enforcement agencies, a state attorney, or an arresting agency. The reason for that is that sealed records are only hidden from the public, but not for any enumerated criminal justice agency enumerated under Florida Statutes 943.0585, and 943.059.

Likewise, an expunged record, is completely eliminated for both the public and most agencies except the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Getting your record expunged means that not even a state attorney can check it, and it doesn't matter if you pled guilty in the first place.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Record Expunged in Florida?

how long does it take to get a record expunged in FloridaThe average time that it takes to get a record sealed or expunged is not the same for everyone. Even if you follow all the processes stated in the Florida Administrative Code and hire a lawyer to help you speed things up, the whole process takes them on average from five to seven months. Although with Erase The Case, we have the fastest track record in Florida where we can expunge your record in only 90 days.

Things can change depending on the crime you committed, the circumstances involved, and the complexity of the requirements for expungement depending on each State. If you, for example, have more than one criminal charge under the same criminal incident of arrest and you were found guilty of all the offenses but the court withheld adjudication, your case might qualify to be sealed in less than 90 days. For the case to get Florida expungement, the charges would need to be dropped.

Take into account that some crimes don't allow you to get sealed/expunged records, so criminal justice agencies can't approve the whole process even if you plead not guilty for those crimes.

Here are crimes that can't be sealed nor expunged if you were found guilty or the adjudication withheld:

  • Drug trafficking

  • Child abuse

However, if you don't know if the criminal charge you committed is eligible for record sealing or expungement under the Florida statute or the Florida expungement law, it's best for you to seek legal advice from an experienced expungement lawyer.

Read more: How To Know If You Are Eligible For Expungment ?

Which Law Enforcement Entity or Criminal Justice Agency to Go for When Expunging a Record?

The first thing to do when looking forward to sealing or expunging a record is to contact a knowledgeable law firm or an expungement attorney. They can help you at all stages of the process.

Your lawyer first needs to study your case. They might then contact the FDLE and the State Attorney's Office to talk about the case and file the petition to expunge it or seal it. Things can change a little if you already have an FDLE Certificate of Eligibility, but that's not a common case.

Afterwards, your attorney contacts the clerk's office; the local governmental entity assigned to erase your criminal history information and everything about you publicly available in the criminal justice information system. If you are eligible for an expungement and have a valid certificate of eligibility, the petition is filed with the appropriate court that originally addressed your case to rule on the petition to expunge or seal.

The process to seal or expunge juvenile cases is different since lawyers need information from the Department of Children and Family Services, as well as the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Read more: The Process of Expunging Your Criminal Record

Expunging Your Record Faster with Erase the Case

As you could see, the process to expunge or seal your official records can be a little complex. If you just hire a lawyer who is semi-experienced and knows about the court system, you can get your file expunged in six to nine months - because after all this is not their priority. But with Erase the Case, you get the fastest expungement results in the State of Florida, averaging only 90 days from beginning to end.

Erase the case is always available to take your case and get you the expungement you need. Don't hesitate to contact us! We are ready to address your situation in the best way possible.

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David Weisselberger
Author | Founder
"David Weisselberger is the founder of Erase The Case. He completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Florida, & also his Juris Doctor from UM School of Law. Afterwards, He has been working as a former Miami-Dade County Assistant Public Defender. Also, as a solo lawyer and former associate at South Florida’s honored Saban & Solomon Law Firm. He has learned firsthand the effects people face from having a public criminal arrest record mark their lives. Therefore, David has always been working hard to help people get rid of haunting crimnal past and have a second chance in life"

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  • google logogoogle reviews stars
    "My experience with this law firm was exceptional. After submitting the required documents, they took care of everything with ease, professionalism, and expediency. I was kept informed throughout the process. In only 3 months, all record of my case was erased from my background check. I used the "expunge now, pay later" option, which let me pay the fee over time with Affirm."
    Lee County
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    "I'm beyond happy right now, I contacted David about my case few months ago and right away he was able to help me , the whole process was very easy they kept me updated every step now my case is sealed.very professional I recommend this firm, if I can give more than 5 stars I would. "
    Miami-Dade County
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    "I would recommend anyone that has a background to use Erase the Case Services. David is a great lawyer answers all of your questions keeps you updated during the process. The staff there are excellent people very professional. The process doesn't even take long!"
    Broward County
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    "After having doubts about Erase the case the expungement law firm, David and his team gave me the piece of mind I've been searching for after successfully expunging my case... I 100% recommend Erase the case to anybody in need of help. Again, thanks David for everything."
    Orange County
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    "It was such a clear and straightforward experience all the way through, I'm grateful and thankful that I found their services! Companies like this give hope to those that have had hardships in life a chance to a better future. Erase the Case did an amazing job, they stand on behalf of those looking to change their lives for good! Thank you."
    Hillsborough County
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    "David is extremely professional and knowledgable in his craft. He and his team will ensure you receive excellent legal care and advice. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for representation that you can trust and at reasonable retainers. Do not hesitate to reach out. Thanks David"
    Palm Beach County
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    "Erase the case has been a pleasure to work with. Attorneys are respectful of your situation and provide realistic honest expectations. They are very responsive and there if you need to contact them. It's great to be able to speak directly with the attorney regarding any issue."
    Duval County
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    "Great communication and keeping me updated with the process. He handled everything so professionally and kept in the loop at all times. I highly recommend EraseTheCase! Thank you so much for your assistance with my case."
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    "David made the process simple and thoroughly explained everything. He made himself available to answer questions and was timely in responding to emails. He is very knowledgeable In this area and I would recommend him to anyone looking to complete this process."
    Polk County
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