A drug crime conviction on your criminal record can lead to obstacles in your future. After being convicted of a drug offense, you may be wondering if there is any way to remove this information from your permanent record.
Record Expungement
A record expungement allows you to remove past arrests and some convictions from your criminal record. This makes it so that your past offense is no longer accessible through background checks or in the public records.
While this opportunity seems ideal, there are many stipulations around who and what types of offenses qualify for record expungement.
Drug Crime Expungement in Florida
To begin with, some drug offenses are not eligible to be expunged from your record. This includes drug trafficking and manufacturing. However, if you were only arrested for these offenses, you may be able to have the arrest expunged. This is the case only if the charges against you were dropped or your case was dismissed.
Low-level misdemeanor drug offense convictions may be eligible for expungement. For a more detailed list of which offenses do and do not qualify for expungement, click here to view Florida Statutes §§ 943.0585 and 943.059.
It’s important to note that felony and DUI convictions are never eligible for expungement.
Record Sealing in Florida
Record sealing is another option available to those looking for relief from their criminal record. While record expungement essentially deletes a past arrest from existing, record sealing instead makes the record inaccessible to the public. However, information about the past charge(s) is still accessible with a court order and for law enforcement.
While this option does not have the finality that expungement does, it still offers more privacy than having the drug charge remain on your record.
Drug Crimes and Expungement Defense in Fort Lauderdale
Do you have more questions about record expungement? Our team at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can help determine whether or not you are an eligible candidate. Contact us to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our defense attorneys. Once we learn more about your situation, we can provide the legal guidance you need to move forward.
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