A criminal record in Florida can follow you for years—limiting your opportunities, damaging your reputation, and making it difficult to move on with your life. Even if the charges were ultimately dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty, the fact that you were arrested may still appear in public databases and background checks. This record can affect your chances of securing employment, qualifying for housing, obtaining professional licenses, or pursuing higher education. At The Ishak Law Firm, P.A., we are committed to helping clients clean up their records and restore their futures through Florida’s sealing and expungement process.
If you are searching for a trusted Florida record sealing and expungement attorney, or a knowledgeable Florida criminal defense attorney, our legal team is ready to guide you every step of the way. We work with clients across the state to help them navigate this complex but life-changing legal process.
Sealing or expunging your record is one of the most effective ways to remove the stigma of a past arrest or criminal case. When a record is sealed, it becomes hidden from public view. While certain government agencies and law enforcement entities may still access the record, private employers, landlords, and the general public cannot. Expungement offers even greater protection. If granted, most copies of the record are physically destroyed, and only a confidential file is retained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This legal remedy allows you to lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the incident in most situations, such as job interviews, housing applications, and professional forms.
Eligibility for sealing or expungement in Florida depends on several factors. To qualify, you typically must not have been convicted of a crime (i.e., adjudicated guilty), and your case must have been resolved in your favor—through dismissal, acquittal, or a withhold of adjudication for a qualifying offense. Importantly, Florida law only allows one criminal case to be sealed or expunged in a lifetime, except under very narrow exceptions. Furthermore, certain serious offenses—including those involving violence, sex crimes, or child abuse—are statutorily excluded from eligibility.
At The Ishak Law Firm, we take pride in helping individuals reclaim their peace of mind and future potential. We handle every aspect of the sealing or expungement process, from determining your eligibility to preparing and filing your application with the FDLE. We draft and submit all required documents, file petitions in the proper circuit court, and represent you at any required hearings. Our approach is thorough, timely, and personalized—focused on making the process as seamless and successful as possible.
We believe that your past should not define your future. Whether you’re trying to land a new job, return to school, or simply live free from the shadow of a prior mistake, clearing your criminal record can be a transformative step. If you’re ready to move forward, connect with The Ishak Law Firm, P.A., your experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney and advocate for second chances. Let us help you restore your reputation and secure the clean slate you deserve.
A first appearance, also known as an initial appearance, is the defendant’s first court hearing following an arrest, typically occurring within 24 hours. During this hearing, the judge advises the defendant of the charges, confirms that they understand their rights, determines whether they qualify for a public defender, and sets or reviews the bond amount. If the defendant remains in custody, this appearance is a critical step in determining the conditions for their potential release.
A bond is a financial mechanism that allows a defendant to be released from jail while ensuring they return for all required court proceedings. Bonds can take several forms. A cash bond requires the full amount to be paid in cash. A surety bond involves using a bail bondsman who charges a non-refundable fee, usually a percentage of the total bond. A release on recognizance, or ROR, allows a defendant to be released without monetary payment, based solely on a promise to appear. In some cases, a Nebbia hold may be imposed, requiring proof that the funds used for the bond come from legitimate sources. An experienced defense attorney can often advocate for a lower bond or release without monetary conditions, depending on the circumstances.
Once we are retained, our firm acts swiftly and strategically to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense. We immediately file a Notice of Appearance to inform the court that we represent you. In appropriate cases, we file a waiver of the defendant’s presence, allowing us to appear in court on your behalf and sparing you from unnecessary hearings. We also file a waiver of arraignment when permitted, avoiding the need for you to attend a formal reading of the charges. From there, we appear on your behalf in court, address bond issues, and begin the legal defense process.
If you are in custody, we make arrangements to visit you, explain your rights and options, and begin gathering critical information. Our team conducts a thorough investigation, which may include reviewing police reports, surveillance or body camera footage, and interviewing witnesses. We also schedule and take depositions of key individuals under oath to expose inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Every step we take is focused on building the strongest defense possible and guiding you through the criminal justice system with clarity and confidence.