Panama City Expungement Lawyer – Seal Your Criminal Record
A Florida expungement allows a person who qualifies to have a criminal record removed from public access under Florida law. If you need a Panama City expungement lawyer, The Morris Law Firm helps clients in Bay County, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, and across Northwest Florida. Once expunged, a record is sealed from most background checks, and, except in limited circumstances, you may lawfully deny the arrest occurred.
Many productive, law-abiding individuals have made mistakes and have records related to criminal activity. Broadly defined, criminal records include documentation regarding an arrest, investigation, or court proceeding, or any official record of involvement with a law enforcement agency.
In many cases, the documents are a matter of public record, meaning that anyone sufficiently motivated may access them. Criminal records often contain embarrassing or sensitive information that individuals justifiably would rather not be accessible to the public. In some cases, the mere existence of a record can result in personal stress, damage to your reputation and result in adverse consequences.
The good news is, in many cases, a criminal record can be expunged or sealed.
Call one of our Panama City expungement lawyers today at (850) 257-5680 for a free case review and start clearing your record immediately. We help clients in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Bay County, and across Northwest Florida.
What is Expungement in Florida for Bay County Residents?
Expungement is the legal process through which information regarding a criminal matter is removed from a person’s record. When a record is expunged, the public no longer has access to it, and governmental entities cannot view the record without a court order.
Not all records qualify. Convictions generally cannot be expunged, and certain offenses may make a person ineligible. Florida expungements are governed by Florida Statute § 943.0585, while record sealing is addressed under § 943.059.
Because the Bay County expungement process can be complicated, it is highly advisable for anyone seeking to have a record expunged to retain a Panama City criminal defense law firm as soon as possible. Contact a Panama City expungement attorney at The Morris Law Firm today at (850) 257-5680 for a free consultation.
What Are the Benefits of Expungement in Florida?
There are many ways that expungement of a criminal record can improve a person’s life. Some of the things that may be significantly easier after an expungement include the following:
Obtaining employment – More and more employers are requiring that job applicants submit to a full background check. In most circumstances, a person who has had their criminal record expunged is legally allowed to deny the existence of any record.
Getting an apartment – Many landlords may be hesitant to rent to an individual with a criminal history. As a result, it may be significantly easier for a person whose record has been expunged to secure an apartment or other housing.
Being approved for a loan – Some lenders believe that lending to a person with a criminal record involves a significant degree of risk. As a result, individuals with a criminal record often receive a much higher interest rate than people who do not have a record. In some cases, the existence of a criminal record may even result in an outright denial from a lender.
What Other Benefits Come From Expunging My Criminal Record?
- Your record is removed from government offices such as the Clerk of Court in Bay County, Local Law Enforcement Agencies, State Attorney’s Office.
- Your record is no longer a Public Record under Florida law.
- The State of Florida can no longer disseminate information pertaining to that record to private citizens or corporations.
- In most situations, you can lawfully deny that the arrest occurred.
In addition to these tangible benefits, having a criminal record expunged often gives a person significant peace of mind. When a criminal record exists, it could potentially be accessed by friends, family, coworkers, even potential romantic partners. Expungement can ensure that any record is highly restricted and not accessed by anyone who is simply curious about your past.
How Does the Florida Expungement Process Work?
- Apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility
- Obtain a certified court disposition
- File a petition with the court
- Attend a hearing (if required)
- Court order sent to agencies for record removal
Who Can Help Me Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Panama City?
Florida attorney Dana Morris has practiced law for over 25 years, including 12+ years as a criminal defense attorney in Panama City and Bay County, and more than 10 years as a prosecutor. He works hard to secure the best possible outcome for each client. He is qualified to handle a wide variety of criminal matters, from probation violations in Panama City to serious violent crimes.
A criminal record can cause significant problems in day-to-day life. Individuals with a discoverable arrest or conviction should discuss options with an experienced Florida expungement lawyer.
Contact a Panama City Expungement Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
Clear your record with a Bay County expungement attorney. Free consultation. Call our office at (850) 257-5680 to discuss whether your charges can be expunged or sealed, or contact us through our online contact form.
We serve clients in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Bay County, and throughout Northwest Florida. With our help, hundreds of clients have had their criminal records expunged, leaving those mistakes in the past.
