Tampa Record Sealing & Expungement Attorney
It is important that people are given a second chance to live up to their full potential once they have served their time or they are found innocent of a charge. Unfortunately, a permanent criminal record often stands in the way of this opportunity. A criminal history can interfere with one’s ability to gain employment, to find housing, or to pass a background check. Fortunately, Florida’s record sealing and expungement laws assist those who find themselves in such a situation. Clearing your criminal history can result in improved job prospects and other opportunities. Retaining counsel can help ensure that this delicate process is handled quickly and efficiently. Omar Abdelghany is a Tampa record sealing & expungement attorney dealing with such matters. Contact our office today for an initial consultation.
Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa Helping Florida Residents Seal or Expunge Their Records
A Florida resident’s criminal history will generally appear as part of a background check. It is possible, however, to deal with this problem by sealing or expunging a criminal record. Record sealing does not erase a prior conviction or arrest but it does limit the number of individuals or entities who can access the record. Under many situations an individual will be legally permitted to deny the existence of a sealed record. Expungement (also known as “expunction”) goes one step further and completely erases the record. As with a sealing, those who gain an expungement may deny that the record ever existed.
A record may be sealed if the accused’s conviction was withheld (meaning that the charge was dismissed after they successfully completed probation) and as long as there are no other convictions on their record. It is important to understand that there are several classes of records which are not eligible to be sealed. One may be eligible for an expungement under certain conditions. These conditions include:
- You were arrested, but not charged or convicted with a crime
- You were acquitted of a crime
- The charges against you were dismissed
- You were convicted of certain misdemeanors
- You were convicted as a juvenile
Hiring an attorney can be crucial to understanding whether you are eligible to clear your history. Counsel can also help to ensure that the process is handled correctly.
Omar Abdelghany is a Tampa criminal defense lawyer assisting Florida residents with record sealing and expungement. Omar will help you understand whether you are eligible to go forward and he will acquire all necessary records from the Court. He will complete a proper Certification for Eligibility and he will file your Petition as soon as possible. Should there be an objection to the Petition then Omar will make all necessary arguments on your behalf. Our firm understands that having a criminal history is an incredible hinderance for many people. We are here to assist those who need a fresh start.
Omar also serves clients in Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Lakeland, Largo, Palm Harbor, Sarasota, Spring Hill, St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Tampa Attorney Providing “Hands On” Service to Those Seeking to Seal or Expunge Their Records
The choice to seal or expunge your criminal history is not one to be taken lightly. There are many factors that will be considered in determining your eligibility. The last thing you want to do is entrust your future to an attorney who will not make your case a priority. Omar is a Tampa expungement attorney who will personally handle the details of your sealing or expungement from beginning to end. He will promptly return all messages and phone calls and keep you updated on the status of your case. Contact our office today for assistance.
