Tampa Record Sealing Lawyer
At the Matassini Law Firm, P.A., we understand that everyone makes mistakes. We believe that everyone also deserves a second chance, and should not be punished for a crime for which they were not even convicted. If your arrest record is keeping you from getting your dream job or being approved for a loan, you may be able to take legal measures to hide your criminal record from public view. Record sealing is the process of removing one’s criminal record from public databases, allowing individuals who were charged with crimes, but not formally convicted, to move on with their lives in a productive manner. Our Tampa record sealing lawyer can help you take the first steps in this complex, but very achievable process.
What Exactly is Record Sealing?
Record sealing and expungement are sometimes used interchangeably, but record sealing and expungement are two different actions entirely. Expungement is the process of physically destroying one’s criminal record, while record sealing is the process of hiding a criminal record from public view. The eligibility requirements of record sealing are slightly less stringent than expungement. By sealing your record, you effectively hide your criminal record from potential employers, landlords, lenders, and other people who may wish to perform a background check on you. Moreover, you can legally deny having a criminal record in all but a few narrow circumstances.
Eligibility to Have Your Record Sealed
Not everyone can have their record sealed, and not all criminal offenses can be sealed. Eligibility requirements include the following:
- No adjudication of guilt or delinquency in the specific case you are trying to seal
- No prior adjudications of guilt for another criminal offense
- No prior adjudications of delinquency
- No prior record sealing or expungement
- No current/ongoing petitions to seal or expunge a record
- Completion of probation, court supervision, and fines paid
Charges That Cannot be Sealed
As stated above, not all criminal charges can be sealed, even if adjudication of guilt was withheld, when a plea was entered or a verdict was reached. Ineligible charges for record sealing include:
- Abandonment of a child
- Abduction of a child
- Act of domestic violence
- Act of terrorism
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated stalking
- Aircraft piracy
- Arson
- Burglary of a dwelling
- Carjacking
- Child abuse or aggravated child abuse
- Computer pornography, traveling to meet minor
- Homicide
- Illegal use of explosives
- Kidnapping
- Lewd or lascivious offenses
- Luring or enticing a child
- Manslaughter
- Manufacturing any substances
- Offenses by public officers and employees
- Procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution
- Robbery
- Selling or buying of minors
- Sexual activity with a child
- Solicitation of a person in familial or custodial authority
- Sexual battery
- Sexual misconduct with certain individuals
- Sexual performance by a child
- Showing obscene literature to a minor
- Stalking
- Trafficking in controlled substances
- Voyeurism
However, if the case was dismissed, an individual can apply to have any criminal charge sealed.
Call a Tampa Record Sealing Lawyer Today
Record sealing allows individuals who were not convicted of crimes to have their records sealed and hidden from public view. The record sealing process is incredibly complex, however. As such, it is essential to work with a skilled Tampa record sealing attorney. Contact The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. today at 813-217-5715 for a free consultation.
