Expungements

Record Sealing & Expungement in Orlando

Old Arrest Still Public? Get Guidance Backed by More Than 85 Years of Experience

An arrest can remain on a Florida criminal history record even when charges are dismissed, no charges are filed, or the case ends without an adjudication of guilt. Record sealing or expungement may limit access, but the appropriate remedy depends on the disposition, offense, broader criminal history, and any previous record-clearing proceeding.

Sealing generally restricts public access while preserving the record. Expungement, also called expunction under Florida law, limits access more substantially. Neither remedy automatically removes arrest information or images from every privately operated website.

Call (407) 753-1312 to discuss whether sealing or expungement may fit your situation and what an eligibility review requires.

How Former Prosecutors Assess a Florida Record-Clearing Request

Charging decisions, dispositions, and adjudication status can each affect a record-clearing request. Because every attorney at our firm is a former prosecutor, we examine the legal history behind the arrest rather than assuming that a dismissal or withheld adjudication automatically qualifies.

At Ali & Blankner, we bring more than 85 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense matters. We have represented more than 100,000 clients in complex criminal cases, giving us substantial experience with court records, charging histories, and case dispositions.

How Florida Record Sealing Differs From Expungement

A sealed record is generally unavailable to the public, although specified government agencies and licensing entities may retain access under Florida law. The record continues to exist, but its public visibility is restricted.

When a record is expunged, most entities that could access a sealed record are instead informed that the record was expunged. Access to the underlying record generally requires a court order. However, an expungement order doesn’t necessarily remove information already collected by private background check companies, news outlets, or mugshot websites.

What Determines Eligibility for Sealing or Expungement in Florida?

Florida Statutes sections 943.0585 and 943.059 establish the requirements for the standard process. A favorable case result alone doesn’t establish eligibility.

Important issues in an eligibility review include:

Case disposition: The review considers whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resolved and whether the court entered an adjudication of guilt.
Adjudication status: An adult adjudication of guilt generally creates a barrier under the standard statutes. Adjudication withheld means the court withheld a formal adjudication of guilt, but it doesn’t guarantee eligibility.
Offense involved: Florida excludes certain offenses even when adjudication was withheld.
Prior relief: Florida generally permits one court-ordered sealing or expungement proceeding, subject to statutory exceptions and provisions for directly related arrests handled together.
Broader history: Other entries in a person’s criminal history record can affect whether the statutory criteria are met.

From FDLE Certification to Florida Court Review

The standard process begins with an application to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for an FDLE Certificate of Eligibility. The certificate confirms that FDLE has found the applicant statutorily eligible to apply. It isn’t a court order or approval of the petition.

The usual sequence involves:

Reviewing eligibility: Relevant arrest information, charging history, dispositions, and prior record-clearing proceedings are examined.
Applying for certification: The required application materials are submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Filing in court: After certification, the applicant submits a petition, affidavit, certificate, and proposed order to the court with jurisdiction over the arrest.
Undergoing court review: The court independently decides whether to grant the petition and retains discretion after the certificate is issued.
Implementing the order: If the court grants relief, a certified order is distributed to the relevant criminal justice agencies for processing.

Because filing requirements depend on the record and jurisdiction, we review the applicable procedures and explain where FDLE certification ends and the court’s discretion begins.

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OUR WINNING STRATEGY

Why You Want Ali & Blankner In Your Corner

Fighters & Advocates in the Courtroom

The criminal lawyers in Orlando at Ali & Blankner are aggressive advocates who are willing to do whatever it takes to obtain a favorable resolution. We are committed to defending your rights and protecting your future.
Prosecutor Insight & Knowledge

All of our Orlando criminal attorneys are former prosecutors and understand how the other side thinks. When you work with our team, you get a group of individuals who knows how to prepare and fight a winning case.

Large Firm Results, Small Firm Attention

Our criminal defense team in Orlando understands the ins and out of the legal industry, and we have the infrastructure and resources to handle any case that comes our way. We focus on your case specifically to ensure we get the best result for you.
Dedicated & Experienced Counsel
With over 35 years of experience and thousands of clients helped, Ali & Blankner has the skills, resources, and determination to get you the best possible result.

Documents & History We Review Before Recommending a Path

A careful assessment starts with the arrest information, case number, charging documents, and final disposition. We also consider whether adjudication was withheld, whether another record has previously been sealed or expunged, and whether an offense-specific exclusion may apply.

We examine the complete procedural history connected to the request, not just the outcome of a single case. Clients have direct access to our attorneys rather than communication limited to staff, allowing them to ask questions about the eligibility issues and court procedures affecting their request.

Orange County Sealing & Expungement Filings

For an arrest within Orange County, the filing generally proceeds through the court with jurisdiction over that arrest. Orange County is part of Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, which includes Orange and Osceola counties.

The Orange County Clerk of Court identifies the petition, affidavit, FDLE Certificate of Eligibility, and proposed order as part of the local filing process. Copies must also be served on the prosecutor and arresting agency. Filing requirements, administrative procedures, and fees can change, so applicants should confirm current instructions with the appropriate clerk before submitting documents.

Discuss Your Orlando Record-Clearing Options

Our criminal defense experience and direct attorney communication can help you understand which records require review, whether sealing or expungement is the appropriate path to evaluate, and what the Florida process may involve.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation by phone or online. Our phone line is available 24/7, so you can speak with us when you’re ready to take the next step.

Call (407) 753-1312 to speak with Ali & Blankner about an Orlando record sealing or expungement matter.

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KNOCKOUT RESULTS

Case Dismissed Disorderly Conduct
Ali & Blankner represented a client charged with disorderly conduct.
Case Dismissed Battery & Resisting Arrest
We represented an individual charged with battery on an officer and resisting arrest, successfully getting the case dismissed.
Case Dismissal Drug Possession
Ali & Blankner obtained a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with Drug Possession.
Case Dismissed DUI & Citations
Ali & Blankner worked to get a case dismissed involving a client with both a DUI and citations.
Case Dismissed Battery & Assault
Ali & Blankner secure a case dismissal on behalf of a client charged with battery.

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