Clear Your Record
Sealing and Expungement in Florida, Washington, D.C. and Maryland
A criminal record can follow you long after an arrest or minor offense, affecting employment, housing, education, professional licenses, and other opportunities. LAR Legal Group helps eligible clients understand whether sealing or expungement can help them move forward. Serving Florida, Washington, D.C. & Maryland.
Sealing and expungement are different remedies
Record sealing generally keeps a record in existence but hides it from the general public. Certain government agencies and law enforcement may still access a sealed record, and it typically will not appear on standard background checks.
Expungement is the physical destruction of the record. In Florida, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement retains a limited confidential copy. In Washington, D.C., expungement removes the offense from public view under the applicable rules.
Which option may fit my situation?
The right path depends on the disposition of the case, the offense, the time that has passed, and the jurisdiction. We review the record and explain what the law allows before preparing an application.
Eligibility in Florida and Washington, D.C.
Eligibility rules are specific and a prior arrest or conviction does not automatically qualify for relief. A careful review can identify both the available remedy and any issue that may prevent an application from succeeding.
Florida record relief
Florida generally limits a person to one sealing or expungement in a lifetime, and only certain offenses qualify. Violent crimes, sex crimes, and serious felonies are generally ineligible. A judge may have discretion when multiple charges arise from a single arrest.
Washington, D.C. record relief
In Washington, D.C., certain arrests and convictions may qualify depending on the offense and time elapsed. Non-convictions, minor offenses, and some misdemeanors may be eligible under the applicable requirements.
Juvenile records
Juvenile record sealing and expungement may be available in both Florida and Washington, D.C. We evaluate the record and the person’s eligibility under the rules that apply to the jurisdiction.
A clear process from eligibility review to filing
LAR Legal Group evaluates eligibility, prepares and files the required paperwork, represents the client at hearings, and protects the client’s rights throughout the process. The firm has helped clients pursue sealing and expungement of misdemeanor and felony records.
Protecting the future you are building
A record can create uncertainty when an employer, landlord, school, or licensing body runs a background check. We help you understand what relief can and cannot do so you can make decisions with greater confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions
What is the difference between sealing and expungement?
Sealing hides a record from the general public while leaving it in existence. Expungement destroys the record, subject to the limited confidential copies and jurisdiction-specific rules described above.
Can a felony record be sealed or expunged?
Some felony records may qualify, but eligibility depends on the offense, outcome, jurisdiction, and other requirements. The firm reviews the record before recommending a path.
Can juvenile records be sealed or expunged?
Juvenile record relief may be available in Florida and Washington, D.C. The answer depends on the record and the rules that apply to the case.