A past mistake doesn’t have to define your future, and you deserve the chance to move forward without the weight of an old criminal record holding you back.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, our Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyers understand the challenges that a criminal record can create—from securing employment and housing to rebuilding your reputation and peace of mind.
We help people throughout Brevard County seal or expunge their criminal records, giving them a real opportunity to move forward with dignity and confidence.
Whether your charges were dismissed, you completed probation, or you simply deserve a clean slate, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Our Cocoa Beach criminal defense lawyers offer a free consultation to see if you qualify and to help you start the path toward a fresh chapter.
Why Choose Our Cocoa Beach Record Sealing and Expungement Lawyer?
When it comes to your criminal record, the choice of a Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyer can make a significant difference both in the process and outcome. At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we bring years of specialized experience handling Florida record sealing and expungement cases, with an in-depth understanding of Brevard County’s unique legal procedures and court expectations.
Our attorneys have helped numerous clients successfully navigate this complex area of the law, boasting a high success rate in getting records cleared. We meticulously review all aspects of your case, including your criminal history, case outcomes, and any prior petitions, to provide you with realistic and thorough guidance.
Moreover, we recognize how important privacy is to our clients. Discretion and confidentiality are cornerstones of our practice. When you entrust us with your case, you become more than a file number — you receive personalized attention rooted in respect, compassion, and professional diligence.
Our commitment is not only to help you clear your record but also to protect your future opportunities by making sure the sealing or expungement is done correctly and thoroughly. Choosing our Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyers at DeGraff Hicks Law Group means choosing a team that fights tirelessly to help you reclaim your life, reputation, and peace of mind.
What is the Difference Between Sealing and Expungement in Florida?
Understanding the difference between record sealing and expungement in Florida is crucial as they affect your criminal record in different ways, and eligibility for each depends on the circumstances of your case.
Record Sealing
When your record is sealed, it is essentially hidden from public access. This means employers, landlords, neighbors, and the general public cannot view the record during background checks.
However, sealed records still exist in government databases and remain accessible to certain authorized agencies such as law enforcement, the courts, and some state regulatory bodies. Sealing is often available for cases where the charges did not lead to a conviction or for minor offenses.
It’s a powerful way to protect your privacy while recognizing that some entities must have access for safety or regulatory reasons.
Expungement
Expungement is a more thorough remedy. It means that your criminal record is destroyed or completely erased from government databases, and it is as if the case never occurred in the eyes of most agencies. Only under very limited and exceptional circumstances can expunged records be accessed.
This option is typically reserved for cases where charges were dismissed, dropped, or no formal charges were filed. Expungement provides the greatest level of relief and freedom from the consequences of your past.
Choosing which option is right for you depends on your eligibility, the details of your criminal case, and your goals for the future. Our Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyers carefully analyze your situation and explain the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of Sealing or Expunging Your Record
Sealing or expunging your criminal record brings a host of important personal and professional benefits that can dramatically improve your quality of life:
- Improved Employment Opportunities: Many employers require background checks as a condition of hiring. A sealed or expunged record cannot be viewed by most employers, which can remove a significant barrier to securing jobs you deserve.
- Better Housing Prospects: Landlords commonly screen applicants for criminal histories. Clearing your record helps you qualify for rental housing in a competitive market.
- Professional Licensing Made Easier: Various state boards require background checks before granting professional licenses, including in healthcare, education, real estate, and more. Sealed or expunged records increase your chances of obtaining or renewing these licenses.
- Peace of Mind and Restored Reputation: Clearing your record offers emotional relief and the chance to rebuild your reputation, both personally and professionally.
- Protection of Private Information: Sealing or expungement keeps your sensitive legal history out of public databases, protecting your privacy and reducing the risk of discrimination or stigma.
The ability to move forward unburdened by a criminal record can truly be life-changing. It means second chances and renewed hope for your future. Retain the skills of a knowledgeable Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyer.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing or Expungement in Florida?
Not everyone is eligible for sealing or expunging a record, but many individuals qualify if they meet Florida’s statutory requirements.
Key qualifications include:
- No Prior Sealing or Expungement: Courts generally will not grant relief for a record that has already been sealed or expunged.
- No Pending Criminal Charges: You must not currently face any unresolved charges.
- Eligibility of the Offense: Certain offenses are excluded from sealing or expungement, such as serious felonies, violent crimes, sexual offenses, certain DUI-related offenses, offenses requiring registration as a sexual offender, juvenile offenses involving capital or life felonies, and cases involving the use of a firearm in commission of a crime.
- Completion of Sentence: All probation, community control, court-ordered programs, and sentences must be fully completed before filing.
- Final Case Disposition: For expungement, your case must have ended without a conviction — typically charges dismissed, nolle prosse (state’s decision to not prosecute), acquittal, or diversion programs completed with no guilty plea.
Because laws can be complex and eligibility is case-specific, an experienced Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyer can help you assess whether your case qualifies and how best to proceed.
The Cocoa Beach Sealing & Expungement Process
The Brevard County process to seal or expunge a criminal record in Cocoa Beach involves multiple steps which must be followed carefully to avoid common pitfalls:
- Determine Eligibility: A detailed review of your criminal record and case history to ensure you meet all legal requirements.
- Certificate of Eligibility: You (or your attorney) apply to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. FDLE verifies your record statewide and issues this document if you qualify.
- File Petition in Brevard County Court: With the certificate in hand, a petition is filed in the court where your case was adjudicated.
- Attend Court Hearing (if required): The court reviews the petition, and if there are objections from any parties (such as prosecutors or victims), a hearing may be scheduled. Otherwise, many cases are granted without hearing.
- Receive Court Order: Once granted, the court issues a final order directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge your record. This order triggers the removal or concealment of your criminal history from public access.
The entire process typically takes several months but can extend up to a year or more depending on court schedules and FDLE processing times. Enlist the help of an experienced Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyer.
How We Help You Through the Process
Navigating Florida’s record sealing and expungement laws is often confusing and procedurally complex.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we are dedicated to making the process seamless and successful:
- Eligibility Analysis: We thoroughly assess your background and case outcomes to determine if you qualify and which relief option is best suited.
- Document Gathering: We assist in obtaining certified copies of all necessary court records, police reports, and final dispositions.
- Petition Preparation and Filing: We draft, review, and file all petitions and motions on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and completeness to avoid delays.
- Court Representation: If a hearing is needed, we represent you zealously in court, advocating for your right to a fresh start.
- Follow-Up: We monitor compliance with court orders to confirm your record is properly sealed or expunged, and we educate you on your rights after the process is complete.
The goal of our Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyer is to reduce your stress and increase your chances of success by handling every detail with knowledge and care.
FAQs About Sealing & Expungement in Cocoa Beach, Florida
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about record sealing and expungement in Florida, and what the process means for your future.
How long does the process take in Brevard County?
The timeline varies. Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE can take several months, followed by additional time for court processing. Overall, the process generally spans between 6 months to 12 months.
Will a sealed or expunged record still show up for certain employers?
Yes, while sealed or expunged records are hidden from most background checks, entitled entities such as government agencies, law enforcement, and employers working with vulnerable populations—such as schools or law enforcement—sometimes have access.
Can I expunge a case if charges were dropped?
Typically, yes. If charges were dropped, dismissed, or you were acquitted, your case may qualify for expungement.
What’s the cost of filing for expungement?
Filing fees vary by county and court. In Brevard County, costs can vary due to arresting agencies, etc. Additionally, you must pay for certified copies of records, notaries, and attorney fees if you hire legal representation. We provide transparent information about all costs upfront.
Can sealing or expungement restore professional licenses?
While it improves your background, certain professional licensing boards have their own rules. We can advise you on how record relief may affect your licensing prospects.
Take Control of Your Future—Start With a Free Consultation Today
If you are considering sealing or expunging your criminal record, don’t attempt this important legal step alone. Mistakes can delay your case or even result in denial, prolonging the challenges you face. The process is complex, and each case is different — expert legal counsel is critical.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we offer a free eligibility consultation to evaluate your case and provide clear guidance on your options. Let our experienced Cocoa Beach record sealing and expungement lawyers work with you to protect your privacy, restore your opportunities, and help you move forward with confidence.
Call us today at (321) 44-SHARK or fill out our contact form on our website to schedule your free consultation. Together, we can help you reclaim your future.
