Expungement Attorney in Pensacola

Clear A Past Record & Move Forward

A past arrest or criminal case can follow you for years. Background checks for jobs, housing, school, or military service may keep bringing up something you thought was behind you. If this sounds familiar, our team at Michael J. Griffith, P.A. is here to help you understand your options under Florida law.

We have represented individuals in the Florida Panhandle for decades, and we know how a record can limit good opportunities. Our role is to review your history carefully, explain whether expungement or record sealing may apply, and guide you through the process with clear, honest advice. You do not have to guess your way through this alone.

Clear your path to a better future. Contact an expungement attorney in Pensacola today by calling (850) 495-7977 or reaching out online. Our proven track record and +50 years of experience are dedicated to helping you secure a clean slate.

Florida Expungement Basics

Florida law offers two main forms of criminal record relief in many situations. Expungement generally refers to the removal of certain criminal history records from public view, while sealing restricts who can see a record. Both options are limited by specific eligibility requirements and are not available in every case.

When a record is expunged under Florida law, it is typically removed from most public background checks. Certain agencies may still have access for limited purposes, but most private employers and landlords usually do not see it in the same way. When a record is sealed, it is placed under restrictions so that it is not easily accessible to the general public.

These forms of relief can make a real difference when you are applying for work, housing, or professional licenses. However, Florida statutes control when expungement or sealing is allowed, what types of offenses are excluded, and how many times a person may obtain relief. It is important to have your specific history reviewed, rather than assuming you qualify based on someone else’s situation.

Key Elements for Eligibility in Florida

Not every case is eligible for clearance. To qualify for a court-ordered expungement or seal in Escambia County, our firm must verify several critical elements:

• No Prior Adjudications: You cannot have ever been "adjudicated guilty" (convicted) of any criminal offense in Florida, or any comparable offense in another state. This includes even minor misdemeanors.
• No Prior Relief: You must not have successfully sealed or expunged a record in Florida previously.
• No Pending Litigation: You cannot be under any form of court supervision (probation or community control) or have any active criminal cases pending against you.
• The "Non-Disqualifying" List: Even if you received a withhold of adjudication, Florida law prohibits the sealing of certain serious crimes, such as sexual battery, aggravated stalking, or drug trafficking.

During an initial consultation, we review your paperwork and listen to the story behind your case. Our goal is to give you a realistic assessment, not a quick guess. If expungement or sealing is not available, we can discuss whether any other form of relief may exist or whether it is better to take no legal action at this time.

How The Expungement Process Works in Pensacola

Even when you qualify, the expungement process in Florida involves several steps. Understanding these stages can make the experience less stressful and help you plan for upcoming deadlines, hearings, or paperwork. We guide clients through each phase, from gathering records to following through in court.

The specific steps can vary depending on whether you are seeking expungement or sealing and where your original case was handled. For many clients, where a case began in Escambia County or another county in the Florida Panhandle will determine which court receives the petition. Agency processing times and court schedules also affect how long the entire process takes.

In a typical expungement or sealing matter, the process can include:

• Reviewing your criminal history and court documents to confirm potential eligibility
• Collecting required records, such as certified case dockets or final dispositions
• Preparing and submitting materials to the FDLE when a certificate of eligibility is required
• Drafting and filing a petition with the appropriate court once eligibility steps are complete
• Responding to any objections from the state and addressing questions from the judge
• Explaining the court’s ruling and next steps for updating your records

Throughout this process, we work to keep you informed. Our firm explains what we are doing at each stage, what you may need to do, and how long each step generally takes, given current workloads at agencies and in the courts. We handle the legal filings and communications so you can focus on your daily life while your case moves forward.

Working With Our Pensacola Team

When you reach out to our firm, you can expect a straightforward and respectful experience. During an initial consultation, we talk with you about your case history, including any arrests or court dates in Pensacola or elsewhere in Florida. We will also ask about your goals, such as employment, licensing, or military service, so we understand what matters most to you.

Our long-standing presence in the Florida Panhandle means we are familiar with how cases are handled in Escambia County and surrounding jurisdictions. That knowledge allows us to give more precise guidance about filings, hearings, and practical expectations. For someone looking for an expungement attorney in Pensacola, this local experience can be very valuable.

We emphasize open and transparent communication from the first meeting onward. You are encouraged to ask questions, and we outline the steps we plan to take before moving forward. Our team explains legal concepts in everyday language, including in Spanish or French when needed, so there is no confusion about your rights or the process.

Why Choose Our Expungement Attorneys

Choosing the right lawyer to help clear your record is important. Florida’s expungement and sealing rules are detailed, and small mistakes can lead to delays or denials. At Michael J. Griffith, P.A., we bring more than 40 years of experience in criminal, civil, and family law to every record review. That background helps us spot important details and explain realistic options from the start.

Our firm has served individuals throughout the Florida Panhandle since 1990. Over that time, we have appeared frequently in courts that handle cases from Pensacola and nearby communities, including Escambia County Circuit Court. This experience helps us understand how cases move through the system and what clients should expect at each stage.

Attorney Michael J. Griffith is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and has been named to the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida. These distinctions reflect a long-standing commitment to careful preparation and advocacy. For someone looking for an expungement lawyer in Pensacola, these credentials offer an added measure of reassurance.

To discuss your situation with our team at Michael J. Griffith, P.A., call (850) 495-7977 or reach out online for a confidential consultation. We offer our services in English, Spanish, and French.