Orlando Sealing & Expungement Lawyers
Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Attorney Mark O’Mara
Content last updated on: September 26, 2023
In many cases, months, years, and even decades after defendants pay their debts to society, criminal convictions continue to affect their everyday lives. Many of these individuals cannot find a good job, obtain student financial aid, find a good place to live, pursue certain career choices, own a firearm, and do other things that most people take for granted. Defendants in these situations have several options. There are ways to reduce, or even eliminate, the collateral consequences of criminal convictions.
In our experience, the first step in effective post-conviction relief proceedings is understanding the defendant’s problem. So, our compassionate Orlando sealing & expungement lawyers make a special effort to understand your plight. That’s usually easy for us to do. Many of the legal professionals at the O’Mara Law Group have been in situations where past conduct affected future events. Understanding is just the beginning. Throughout the expungement or sealing process, we keep the lines of communication open, so you are never in the dark.
The Services We Offer in Orange County
Many people were in the wrong place at the wrong time and are charged with serious crimes. Florida’s expungement and sealing laws are designed to protect people in these situations. So, we offer a full range of services in this area, including:
Early Discharge from Probation
A Section 948.05 motion is often the precursor to a successful expungement or other proceeding. At any time during probation, if the action “will be for the best interests of justice and the welfare of society, it may discharge the probationer or offender in community control from further supervision.” So, there is a current history of good conduct in the file.
Expungement
Sometimes, prosecutors file charges and then dismiss them later. Other times, law enforcement officers arrest individuals, but prosecutors never file charges. In both these cases, assuming the defendant has a clean criminal record, a court may expunge (erase) all records of the matter.
Adult Record Sealing
In some cases, even individuals who pleaded guilty and received probation might be eligible for record sealing. Unlike expungement, if the records are sealed, they are not physically destroyed. However, the general public cannot view these records, and neither can many official agencies.
Juvenile Record Sealing
Contrary to popular myth, juvenile records are not always sealed when the offender turns 18. In some cases, the offender must request administrative sealing or complete a court-ordered pretrial diversion program.
Firearm Ownership Rights Restoration
Most all felonies, and even some misdemeanors, may terminate a person’s Second Amendment rights. If the former offender completes an eight-year waiting period and meets some other qualifications, a judge might restore these ownership rights.
At your initial consultation, an O’Mara Law Group attorney will carefully go over your criminal record, ascertain your goals, and then suggest a course of action.
Once the judge signs an order, it’s usually necessary to publish that order to every affected agency. For example, a judge may expunge your criminal record, but the people at the DMV do not know about this directive until you tell them about it.
Contact Orlando Sealing & Expungement Lawyers
Sealing and expungement proceedings let former offenders truly put their pasts behind them. At the O’Mara Law Group, we can help you answer questions related to DUI expungement and much more.
For a consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Orlando, contact the O’Mara Law Group. Convenient payment plans are available.
“Such a professional and personable firm. Everyone treated me with respect throughout my entire process. I absolutely dread ever needing the services of an attorney again but I would certainly go straight back to Mark. Susan was awesome and she totally got me from day one. I can’t begin to say how helpful that was for me. Thank you to the entire team!!"
Susan Dolan5-star Google Review
“By far, the best person, if you ever need an attorney and someone who will always be there for you. I am truly proud to have Mark as my attorney, advisor and friend. Thanks Mark and Alyssa. Michael Hoffman, Attorney at Law and C.P.A."
Michael Hoffman5-star Google Review
“O’Mara Law Group I would highly recommend Mark O’Mara to anyone seeking legal representation and will keep your best interest at the forefront. Should a situation arise, I would not hesitate to obtain representation from the O’Mara Law Group."
Mike Shwagger5-star Google Review
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