Call Us Today: 863.646.7636
I have been handling criminal record sealing and expunging cases for a very long time throughout Central Florida. It is important that you have a capable attorney to not only handle your criminal case but also has the experience necessary to handle sealing and expunging issues, even if there are issues or obstacles that must be addressed before you can successfully have a criminal record sealed or expunged.
You want to make sure that you have an Attorney that will properly prepare the documents for your case, who makes sure the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Court System handles the sealing or expunging expeditiously so that you are not waiting many months for the process to be properly completed. You also want to make sure that not only are your core records expunged or sealed, but the records contained by private websites as well. While I cannot help you sue private websites for monetary damages I can help sue the private websites to ensure the removal of damaging information relating to the criminal records that have been successfully sealed or expunged.
Not everyone with a criminal record qualifies to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. Therefore, in a free initial consultation, I will help you determine if you qualify to have your criminal record sealed or expunged.
Don't let a criminal record hurt your future. Cohen Law, P.A., assists Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida residents put their pasts where they should be – in the past. We aggressively fight for those who deserve the right to make progress and grow in their careers and lives. Criminal record sealing or expungement of misdemeanors or felony offenses can help you move forward and far away from your criminal past.
Miranda Rights
By Attorney, Lee Cohen
A Legal Success Story
of Attorney, Lee Cohen
ATTORNEY, LEE A. COHEN
BIOGRAPHY
Attorney Lee A. Cohen has been practicing law in the State of Florida since 1996. His law practice focuses on protecting the rights of those accused of committing criminal offences. Over the years, Mr. Cohen has Successfully represented countless residents of, and visitors to, Polk County and Central Florida regarding criminal matters. Mr. Cohen strongly believes that everyone is presumed innocent, and aggressively utilized every legal resource available unter the law in an effort to always provide the highest standard of legal representation.
READ MORE › › ›
BOARD CERTIFIED IN
CRIMINAL TRIAL LAW
I Lee Cohen, am Board certified in criminal trial law. You’re not going to talk to too many attorneys that are board certified in the area that they practice. Board certification means that I am a specialist in Criminal Trial Law. Which means I have passed a special review by the Florida Bar Association to be recognized as a specialist in practicing criminal trial law.
CONTACT US › › ›
ATTORNEY, LEE A. COHEN
BIOGRAPHY
Attorney Lee A. Cohen has been practicing law in the State of Florida since 1996. His law practice focuses on protecting the rights of those accused of committing criminal offences. Over the years, Mr. Cohen has Successfully represented countless residents of, and visitors to, Polk County and Central Florida regarding criminal matters. Mr. Cohen strongly believes that everyone is presumed innocent, and aggressively utilized every legal resource available unter the law in an effort to always provide the highest standard of legal representation.
LEE A. COHEN'S BIOGRAPHY › › ›
BOARD CERTIFIED IN
CRIMINAL TRIAL LAW
I Lee Cohen, am Board certified in criminal trial law. You’re not going to talk to too many attorneys that are board certified in the area that they practice. Board certification means that I am a specialist in Criminal Trial Law. Which means I have passed a special review by the Florida Bar Association to be recognized as a specialist in practicing criminal trial law.
CONTACT COHEN LAW, P.A. › › ›
The difference between criminal record sealing and criminal record expungement in the State of Florida depends on the outcome of the case and the level of access to the record. Sealing is the process of hiding the record from public view, but it can still be accessed by certain government entities or by a court order. Expungement is the process of physically destroying or obliterating the record, so that it is not available to anyone except for a few specified agencies. To qualify for sealing, the case must have resulted in a withhold of adjudication or a dismissal. To qualify for expungement, the case must have been dismissed, dropped, not pursued, or acquitted.
According to Florida law, a person may be eligible to seal their criminal record if they meet the following criteria: (1) they have not been adjudicated guilty of any criminal offense in Florida or elsewhere; (2) they have not previously obtained a court ordered sealing or expungement in Florida; and (3) they are not currently under any form of supervision, such as probation or pretrial release. Additionally, some offenses are ineligible for sealing, such as sexual offenses, violent crimes, and drug trafficking. To apply for sealing, the person must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and file a petition with the court.
A criminal record expungement is a court-ordered process that erases the legal record of an arrest or conviction from public view. However, some government agencies may still access the expunged record with a court order. In Florida, not all criminal records are eligible for expungement. To qualify, the applicant must not have any prior or subsequent convictions, must not have entered a guilty or no contest plea to an ineligible offense, and must not have received a previous sealing or expungement. The applicant must also complete a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and file a petition with the court that handled the case.
The question of whether there is a limit to how many times can you expunge your criminal record in Florida depends on several factors. Generally, Florida law only allows for the expungement or sealing of one arrest or incident of alleged criminal activity in a lifetime, unless the episodes have a sufficient relationship or nexus . However, not all criminal records qualify for expungement or sealing. A person cannot seek expungement or sealing if they have any prior adult convictions or adjudications of guilt, or if they were charged with certain offenses that are ineligible for expungement or sealing . Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and advise you on your options for expunging or sealing your criminal record in Florida.
If you have a criminal record in Lakeland or Polk County, Florida, you may be eligible to seal or expunge it under certain circumstances. However, the process of obtaining a certificate of eligibility and filing a petition can be complex and time-consuming. That is why it is advisable to hire a Lakeland and Polk County criminal defense attorney who has experience and knowledge in this area of law. An attorney can help you determine if you qualify for sealing or expungement, gather the necessary documents, and represent you in court. By hiring an attorney, you may increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome and clearing your criminal record.
5430 Strickland Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33812
Phone: 863.646.7636 • Fax: 863.648.0983
Home • Lee A. Cohen
Criminal Defense • DUI Defense • Contact Us
Copyright Image Credits
Website Design: Tiger Prey Media