Sealing Records in Fort Lauderdale

Sealing your records is a way to remove them from public view. However, the process is complicated and requires the help of a skilled lawyer.

If you are considering sealing your records, speak with a qualified attorney. The Hoffman Firm has served hundreds of clients in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas for over two decades. Choose a lawyer you can trust to fight for you.

Call The Hoffman Firm today at (305) 928-1669.

What Does it Mean to Seal a Record?

If a criminal record has been sealed, a record confidentially remains on file with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) as well as the courthouse and criminal justice agency that handled the case, but the record is not viewable by the public.

Essentially, sealing a record removes it from view, but it is still accessible within the Florida judicial system. However, keep in mind that some crimes cannot be sealed.

Crimes That Cannot Be Sealed

People cannot seal their records if they were ever adjudicated guilty, if they are in any diversion program or under court supervision, or if they have previously sealed or expunged separate offenses from their criminal records. Alleged offenders also cannot seal criminal records if they were found guilty or pleaded guilty or nolo contrendere (no contest) to certain violations of state law even when adjudication was withheld.

Individuals are ineligible to have their records sealed if their arrests involved any one of the following offenses classified as a “dangerous crime” under Florida Statute § 907.041(4)(a):

• Arson
• Aggravated assault
• Aggravated battery
• Illegal use of explosives
• Child abuse or aggravated child abuse
• Abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult, or aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult
• Aircraft piracy
• Kidnapping
• Homicide
• Manslaughter
• Sexual battery
• Robbery
• Carjacking
• Lewd, lascivious, or indecent assault or act upon or in presence of a child under the age of 16 years
• Sexual activity with a child, who is 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age, by or at solicitation of person in familial or custodial authority
• Burglary of a dwelling
• Stalking and aggravated stalking
• Act of domestic violence
• Home invasion robbery
• Act of terrorism
• Manufacturing any substances in violation of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
• Attempting or conspiring to commit any crime listed above