What Happens if I Was Charged But Not Convicted?
Being charged with a crime can be frightening and stressful, but what happens if the case ends without a conviction? Many people assume that once the charges are dropped or they are found not guilty, the matter disappears. Yet in reality, the arrest and charge can still remain on your public record, potentially impacting your job opportunities, housing applications, and reputation.
The good news is that Florida law allows certain individuals to seal or expunge their records. If you want to learn more about effectively removing public access and giving you a fresh start, connect with a Clearwater criminal lawyer.
Eligibility for Clearing Your Record
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, sealing and expungement are two different processes. When a record is sealed, the record still exists but it is placed under highly restricted access. Government agencies can see it under certain conditions, but it is no longer available to the general public.
On the other hand, expungement is when the record is physically destroyed (with limited exceptions for law enforcement agencies), meaning it is treated as though it never existed for most purposes. Both sealing and expungement options prevent the public from seeing your arrest information and allow you to legally deny that the arrest occurred in most situations.
Some examples of charges that could be cleared include the following:
- You were arrested for shoplifting, but the store later dropped the charges when surveillance footage proved your innocence.
- You were charged with disorderly conduct after a misunderstanding at a public event, but the prosecutor dismissed the case for lack of evidence.
- You were accused of minor drug possession, but the court dismissed the case after you completed a diversion program.
In each case, the arrest record remains unless you take action to have it sealed or expunged. To access the process, you need to have never previously had a criminal record sealed or expunged in the state of Florida.
Also, it’s important to recognize that some offenses, such as violent crimes, sex offenses, or crimes against children, are not eligible for sealing or expungement even if there was no conviction.
Professionals Can Carefully Guide You Through the Process
The process of clearing a record can be complicated and time-sensitive. It involves paperwork with both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the court, as well as strict eligibility requirements. Missing a step can delay your case or result in a denial.
An experienced Clearwater criminal lawyer can confirm your eligibility and gather the necessary documentation. They will file all required petitions and represent you in court, if needed. By working with a skilled attorney, you can clear your name, protect your future, and move forward without the weight of an arrest holding you back.
Were you recently arrested? Talk to the lawyers at King Law Group about getting the charges dropped, dismissed, or resulting in a not guilty verdict. You may be able to clear your record if you can access one of those outcomes. Schedule your confidential consultation today.