This application is for the expunction or sealing of non-judicial criminal history records by criminal justice agencies. Florida statutes and rules require that you obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) prior to requesting a court for an order to seal or expunge your non-judicial criminal history records, and that you provide the information required by this application process.
FILE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) expungement with felony refers to the legal process of clearing or sealing a criminal record involving a felony offense through the FILE. This process aims to provide individuals with a fresh start by removing or limiting public access to their criminal history. Expungement can be particularly beneficial for those who have made positive changes in their lives since the offense. There are three types of FILE expungement options for individuals with a felony: 1. Sealing of record: This allows the individual's criminal record to be made private, accessible only to specific government agencies or under certain circumstances. Sealed records are not visible to the public or private employers during background checks. 2. Expungement: With this option, the individual's criminal record is physically destroyed or removed from public access. Expunged records are even more limited in visibility compared to sealed records, as they are also removed from government agency databases. 3. Certificate of eligibility: This is the initial step before pursuing an expungement or sealing. The individual must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the FILE, which determines their eligibility to proceed with the expungement process. Once eligibility is established, the individual can then seek expungement or sealing through the appropriate legal channels. It is important to note that not all felony offenses are eligible for expungement or sealing. Serious offenses such as violent crimes, sexual offenses, or certain repeat offenses typically cannot be expunged. Each case is unique, and eligibility depends on various factors, including the nature of the offense, time passed since the conviction or completion of the sentence, and individual circumstances. FILE expungement with felony is a complex legal process that often requires the assistance of an experienced attorney. They can guide individuals through the eligibility determination process, file the necessary paperwork, and represent them in court, ensuring the best chances of a successful expungement or sealing. In summary, FILE expungement with felony provides individuals the opportunity to clear or limit access to their criminal record involving a felony offense. Sealing, expungement, and the certificate of eligibility are the main options available, each with its own restrictions and benefits. Seeking legal advice is crucial to navigate through the requirements and find the best approach for achieving a clean record.
