Will Florida Juvenile Criminal Records Be Expunged?
Some people mistakenly assume that all juvenile criminal records will be automatically expunged (legally erased) when the juvenile turns eighteen years old. This is not the case. Florida law does allow for expungement of juvenile criminal records in certain cases, but in many cases, the person with the criminal record must initiate the process him- or herself. He or she will also have to prove his or eligibility for expungement under the appropriate statute. Because of this, it is important to have the advice of an experienced Miami criminal defense attorney when applying for the expungement of juvenile criminal records.
At Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, our attorney has worked extensively in Miami’s juvenile courts. We know how to prepare clients to apply for expungement and how to present the case to a judge in a way that will maximize the chances that an expungement will be granted. To schedule a free case evaluation with a Miami expungement attorney, call our office today at 305-615-1285.
The Different Grounds for Juvenile Expungement
There are several different processes for juvenile expungement. It is important to find the process that applies to your circumstances so that your application will not be denied if you are ineligible for the process selected. If the juvenile was not admitted to a juvenile correctional facility or juvenile prison, has not been classified as a serious or habitual offender, and does not commit another crime as an adult, the juvenile criminal record will automatically be expunged when the juvenile turns 21 years old under the provisions of Section 943.0515 of the Florida Statutes. This Section also allows for an early application for expungement once the juvenile turns 18 (provided he or she has not committed any other crimes for five years prior to the early application).
This is just one of several options available to expunge a Florida juvenile criminal record. There are also other statutes that provide for expunging the records of a pretrial diversion program, or an arrest made contrary to law or as the result of a mistake. Florida also has unique provisions for child victims of human trafficking. Under Section 943.0583, such victims can apply for expunction of records of crimes committed while they were victimized. As you can see, there are many different processes that apply to a wide variety of circumstances. It is important to consult with an experienced Miami criminal defense attorney to determine which process is most appropriate for your situation.
Seeking an Expungement? Speak to a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Even a juvenile criminal record can follow a person well into adulthood. A youthful offender who is attempting to make a fresh start as an adult can be impaired in employment, housing, financial matters, and other critical areas of life. The skilled attorney at Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney has decades of experience working in the Florida juvenile courts. He knows how to protect the rights of a juvenile both during the course of a criminal prosecution and in subsequent post-conviction matters (such as appeals or expungements).
Call 305-615-1285 for a free phone consultation. The sooner you seek legal advice, the more likely it is that your case will be resolved as favorably as possible. You can also reach us online through our online contact form.
Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney handles a variety of criminal law cases, so call now if you have any questions.
View more contact information here: Juvenile Crimes Miami Attorney.