West Palm Beach Expungement Lawyer

A West Palm Beach expungement lawyer helps people seal or expunge an eligible Florida criminal record so it no longer follows them. Michael T. Rabideau has practiced criminal defense in Florida since 1999 and is admitted to all Florida state courts. An old arrest can show up on a background check years later, even if the case was dropped. That can cost you a job, an apartment or a loan. Florida allows most people one chance to clear an eligible record. Here is who qualifies, how the process works, and how we handle it for you.

What Is Expungement in Florida?

Florida offers two kinds of record relief. Expunction, under section 943.0585, removes the record from public view and orders most copies destroyed. Sealing, under section 943.059, keeps the record but makes it confidential. Both are handled by petition to the circuit court. Before you can file, you need a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). A judge still has discretion to grant or deny the petition.

Sealing vs. Expungement: Who Qualifies

There are other limits. You generally cannot have a prior adjudication of guilt in Florida. You cannot still be on probation for the case. You also generally get only one sealing or expunction in your lifetime. Some offenses can never be sealed or expunged. They are listed in section 943.0584 and include many violent and sex offenses.

Mistakes an Expungement Attorney Helps You Avoid

• Applying with the wrong case or disposition, which wastes your one lifetime chance.
• Missing a disqualifying prior that leads FDLE to deny the application.
• Choosing sealing when expunction was available, or the other way around.
• Filing an incomplete certified statement from the State Attorney’s Office.
• Petitioning in the wrong county or court.
• Assuming juvenile or out-of-state records follow the same rules.

We review your full criminal history first, so we know which record to clear and which option fits.

How the Florida Expungement Process Works

The process has two stages. First, we gather a certified copy of the case disposition and a certified statement from the State Attorney’s Office. You submit fingerprints, and we file the FDLE application with its $75 processing fee. FDLE review can take several months. Once FDLE issues a certificate of eligibility, we file a petition with the circuit court in the county where you were arrested. If the judge grants it, the order goes to the clerk, the arresting agency and FDLE. Each agency then seals or destroys its copy.

West Palm Beach Expungement Lawyer Serving Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County petitions are filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit. Michael Rabideau helps clients across the county, including Wellington, Boca Raton, Jupiter and Delray Beach. If your case is still open, the outcome affects whether you can clear it later. A dismissal or a withhold of adjudication can keep that door open. We also defend drug, theft, juvenile and DUI cases. See all criminal defense services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I expunge a DUI in Florida?

Not if you were convicted. Florida does not allow a withhold of adjudication on a DUI, so a DUI conviction cannot be sealed. If the DUI charge was dropped or reduced to a different offense, you may be eligible.

Do I have to tell employers about a sealed record?

Usually no. Florida law lets you lawfully deny a sealed arrest in most situations. There are exceptions, such as jobs with law enforcement, The Florida Bar and agencies that work with children or vulnerable adults.

How long does expungement take in Palm Beach County?

Most cases take several months from start to finish. The FDLE review is usually the longest step. The court stage moves faster once the certificate is issued.

Ready to Clear Your Record? Talk to Michael Rabideau

A sealed or expunged record can open doors that an old arrest has kept closed. A West Palm Beach expungement lawyer can confirm your eligibility and handle every filing for you. Michael Rabideau will review your history, explain your options and tell you honestly whether you qualify. Consultations are free and confidential.

Call (561) 820-4848 or schedule a free consultation. Affordable payment plans are available, with offices in West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Boca Raton.