When applying to have your criminal record sealed or expunged, you must submit fingerprints to FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement). That's because FDLE will conduct a detailed criminal background check to determine whether you are eligible to have your record sealed or expunged.
Click here to determine whether you are eligible to have your record sealed or expunged.
Using your fingerprints and personal information, FDLE conducts criminal history record checks in Florida through the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), national record checks through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), local Court databases, and driving history checks through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
If you have any criminal convictions on your record (adjudications) or have ever secured a prior sealing or expungement, you will be denied a certificate of eligibility.
This background check is very thorough and will detect any criminal conviction you may have in your past. Before you retain an attorney to seal or expunge your record, discuss with the attorney whether or not you are eligible to apply.
Eric Matheny can be reached at (305) 504-6655 He handles expungements and sealings throughout the State of Florida.