Gainesville Expungement Attorneys
Everyone makes mistakes but for some people, those errors in judgment result in a criminal record. Sometimes, individuals are left with a criminal record even though they never did anything wrong. Whatever the case is, if you have a criminal record, you have likely already learned of the obstacles it can pose in your life. It will make it more difficult to obtain employment, housing, and even academic opportunities. If you have a criminal record and would like to restore your good name, speak to a Gainesville expungement attorney that can help.
Our Attorney Can Help with Expungement and Sealing of Records
There is more than one way to erase your criminal history in Gainesville. An expungement will destroy your criminal record, making it as though it never happened. Sealing your records, on the other hand, does not entirely remove your record. Instead, it restricts access to your record to only law enforcement, the courts, and other similar parties. Regardless of whether you choose to get an expungement or get your records sealed, you must first be determined as eligible to do so.
Our Attorney Will Help You Petition for Expungement
Your petition for expunging your criminal records is only considered complete if you have a valid eligibility certificate. The certificate must include a sworn statement that states the following:
- You have not been convicted of any other offenses, crimes, violations, or misdemeanors.
- You have not been adjudicated for any offenses similar to those listed within the petition.
- You have not secured another petition unless you are seeking expungement for a crime that took place at least ten years before petitioning the court.
- You are fully eligible for expungement, and you have not filed for any other expungements.
Our Attorney Will Walk You Through the Steps of Expungement
You must take certain steps when petitioning the court to expunge your criminal records. Those steps are as follows:
- Obtain an application: You must first apply for a certificate of eligibility. Section A of the application must be filled out in front of a Deputy Clerk of the Court or a Notary Public. The prosecuting attorney will fill out Section B.
- Submit fingerprints: You can submit your fingerprints using the forms provided in the package, or you can submit a fingerprint card.
- Obtain a disposition of the case: The disposition is a document detailing the outcome of your original court case. If you do not have the document, you can obtain it from the Clerk of the Court or the State Attorney’s Office.
- Pay the fee: You will have to pay an administrative fee, and cash payments are not an option.
- Provide a letter from your attorney: Your attorney must also submit a letter, if you have legal representation.
Our Gainesville Expungement Attorneys Will Give You the Best Chance of Success
If you have a criminal record and would like to have it erased, our Gainesville expungement attorney at Meldon Law can guide you through the process and give you the best chance of success. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
