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Tampa Expungement and Record Sealing Lawyer

I WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.

Effective Defense from an AV Preeminent* Rated Former Prosecutor with more than 25 Years of Experience

Tampa DUI Lawyer

I WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.

Effective Defense from an AV Preeminent* Rated Former Prosecutor with more than 25 Years of Experience

If you have ever been arrested or received a summons for a criminal matter in Florida, you have a criminal record. Even if the case was dismissed or the state drops the charges, the legal matter will remain on your public record and available for examination by future employers or anyone else who finds it necessary to review your past.

EXPUNGEMENT VS RECORD SEALING

Expungement fully erases criminal records, making them inaccessible to the public, while record sealing hides them from public view, but retains them in the criminal justice system for certain agencies or for background checks.
 
While our goal is total expungement of criminal records, there are some situations where record sealing can provide a level of confidentiality when complete erasure isn’t possible—the outcome will depend on your specific case.

 

FREE CASE REVIEW TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOU QUALIFY FOR EXPUNGEMENT

If you meet the following conditions for expungement, call me, attorney Mike G, at Mike G Law in Tampa at 813-221-4303. I have extensive experience helping people clear their public records following an arrest that did not result in a conviction. I offer a free case review and an honest evaluation of whether I can help you clear your record.

You may qualify for expungement of a specific criminal charge or summons if:

  • You have no other criminal charges on your record
  • Your case was dismissed
  • Charges were dropped by the state (nolle prosequi)
  • You were summoned but no charges resulted

HOW DO I GET MY FLORIDA RECORD EXPUNGED? AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS 

Once you are determined to be eligible for expungement, you can attempt to have your criminal record sealed with my guidance as an experienced expungement attorney. 

  1. Filing a Petition: The first step in the expungement process is to file a petition with the court in the county where the arrest or criminal record exists. The petition must include specific information, such as your personal details, case number, and a description of the arrest or charges. 
  1. Background Check: After filing the petition, a thorough background check is conducted by law enforcement agencies and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This process includes reviewing your criminal record, fingerprints, and other relevant information. 
  1. Prosecution and Agency Review: The State Attorney’s Office and the agencies involved in your arrest or case will review the petition and background check results. They have the opportunity to object to or support the expungement request. 
  1. Court Hearing: In some cases, a court hearing may be required to determine whether your petition for expungement should be granted. During the hearing, you or your attorney will present arguments in support of the expungement, and the prosecution or other involved parties may present their objections. 
  1. Expungement Order: If the court approves your expungement request, it will issue an expungement order. This order directs law enforcement agencies, the FDLE, and other relevant entities to seal or destroy the records related to your arrest or case. Once the order is issued, the records will no longer be publicly accessible. 

WHAT IF YOU WERE ACQUITTED (NOT GUILTY) IN TRIAL?

Under current Florida law, your record is not automatically expunged if you were taken to trial and found not guilty. You must first have your record sealed, followed by a formal expungement process. In order to qualify for expungement after sealing your record for an acquittal, your record cannot include any previous or subsequent charges or convictions for other offenses. I can assist you with the entire process.

EXPUNGEMENT OF JUVENILE RECORDS: PROVIDING A FRESH START FOR YOUNG INDIVIDUALS 

Juvenile records, like adult criminal records, can have a lasting impact on a person’s future opportunities. Fortunately, Florida has provisions in place to allow for the expungement of a juvenile’s criminal history. Expunging juvenile records provides young individuals with a chance to start afresh and move forward without the burden of past mistakes. 

Navigating the expungement process for juvenile criminal records can be complex, requiring legal expertise to ensure all requirements are met. I can guide you through the process, advocate on your behalf, and increase the chances of a successful expungement, giving you or your child a fresh start and a brighter future. 

CALL A LAWYER WHO WILL REALLY HELP

If you feel you qualify for sealing your record or an expungement, call my office at 813-221-4303 or contact me by email to arrange a free evaluation of your case.

Let Mike G Help Protect Your Rights

The decisions you make after you have been arrested can determine the outcome of your case — and possibly your life. Call Mike G Law at 813-221-4303, or contact me online.

Contact Mike G Now

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I would do more than 5 stars if it was available. Mr. Gonzalez was outstanding. Told everything how it was, very responsive to call and email. Fought very hard to get my husband the outcome he received. If We were to ever need a attorney in Florida again, We would use him as many times as We needed. We highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome attorney to go with Mike G Law!!! He gets to the point!!!

Ashley F.

I cannot recommend Mr Gonzalez enough. He is extremely professional as is his entire firm. Mr Gonzalez has been very knowledgeable and forthcoming throughout the entire legal process. I highly recommend him and a definite five star!

Bonnie B.

Mike G. is a great attorney. Very professional, very punctual, easy to talk to. Thanks to him my case was dismissed charges dropped.

Eric G.

I was able to text or call Mike anytime I needed to. He worked with me, on a real level and communicated realistic expectations for my situation. Thanks again guys.

Nicole S.