Arrested Development, Part 3: Can you erase your criminal record?

EXPUNGE is when the criminal record is destroyed. If the Court grants a Petition to Expunge, the State Attorney's file, the arresting agency's reports and files, the Clerk of Court's records, and the jail records should be destroyed.  Additionally, a petitioner's photograph is removed from the jail's internet website and all information is removed from the Clerk of Court's website.

A person is eligible to have a criminal record expunged ONLY in the following circumstances:    

• Applicant was arrested but never formally charged by the State Attorney's Office.
• Applicant was arrested and formally charged, but the charge was later dismissed or "nolle prossed" (dropped) in Court.
• Applicant was arrested, charged, but entered into and successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program (i.e. PTI, MIP, or DVI), which ultimately resulted in the case being dismissed by the Court.
• In all of the above three scenarios, the applicant MUST have no other Adjudications of Guilt (convictions) on their record.  (For example, 25 years ago John was convicted of a misdemeanor DUI.  Since then he has had no run-ins with the Police.  But, John is arrested today for grand theft.  Tomorrow, the police release John saying they made a mistake and no grand theft charges are filed against John.   Unfortunately, John would NOT be allowed to get this grand theft arrest expunged because of his prior misdemeanor DUI conviction from 25 years ago.)   

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A record which is SEALED by the Court is not destroyed but placed in an envelope and sealed shut. The envelope cannot be legally opened without a Court order. If a record is sealed, a petitioner's photograph is removed from the jail's internet website. The Clerk of Court's file is also sealed and all information about the case is removed from the Clerk of Court's website.  

A person is eligible to apply for a sealing ONLY in the following circumstances:

• Petitioner was arrested, formally charged, pled guilty or no contest to the charge and was sentenced to a WITHHOLD OF ADJUDICATION OF GUILT by the Court.
• If the Petitioner receives a Withhold of Adjudication and is sentenced to probation by the Court - and successfully completes the probation, the petitioner may seek to have that record SEALED.
• There are certain offenses that are never allowed to be sealed, even if the applicant received a withhold of adjudication. Some of these offenses include, but not limited to, sexual offenses, offenses against children, other violent offenses, and drug trafficking charges.
• As noted above, if you have ever been convicted, you are not eligible to have any case sealed or expunged.  

With both the Expunge and Seal petition process, there are other reasons why you may not be eligible or why your Petition may be denied.  Additionally, you can only have a Petition to Seal or Petition to Expunge granted once per lifetime and you can only choose one date of offense to have sealed or expunged. 

(Click on www.fdle.state.fl.us  or our website www.andrewshein.com for more detailed information). 

As you can see, the eligibility requirements and the petition process can be very intricate and confusing.  You may wish to consult an attorney to help determine whether you are eligible to have your record sealed or expunged.  Afterwards, you may choose to Petition to Seal or Expunge your record on your own.  However, the process can be very time consuming, confusing, and stressful.  I have helped many clients to first, determine their eligibility; second, file the petition with the correct supporting paperwork; and finally, I explain exactly what they can and cannot say about their criminal record.  As your attorney, I have handled scores of petitions to seal or expunge which makes the process stress-free for my clients.   

I would be happy to discuss with you whether you are eligible to apply for a Petition to Seal or a Petition to Expunge and if eligible to help you through the Petition process.

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Part 2: Collateral Consequences of an Arrest

Aside from the obvious consequence of being arrested, (i.e., going to jail) there are many other potential "hidden" consequences of an arrest. Here are a few of them:

TRANSPORTATION: some arrests and criminal convictions will result in your driver's license being suspended, and I am not just talking about DUI arrests. Even misdemeanor drug offenses (possession of marijuana or possession of drug paraphernalia) can carry lengthy license suspensions. Clearly, not having a driver's license could affect one's ability to get to work, keep their job and earn money to support themselves and their family. Not having a driver's license would create HUGE problems for a parent who drives their child to and from school or to various activities.   

JOBS. Especially in this down economy and tough economic times, employers have an abundance of applicants to fill an open position. As such, employers often will not "take a chance" on a potential employee who has a criminal record vs. a similar potential employee with a clean record. Additionally, many employees are learning that if and when they apply for a promotion within their company a new background check is run which may turn up a previously unknown arrest. This is especially true for an employee who has been with the same company for many years and no new background checks have been conducted in years.

LIVING: Many people who live in apartment complexes have realized that their prior arrests/criminal convictions (even for misdemeanors) resulted in them being DENIED the ability to rent an apartment or live where they want to live. Most apartment complexes are running detailed background checks on potential renters and DENYING applications because of prior arrests. Furthermore, if you live at an apartment complex and get arrested on site, apartment complexes have often terminated the lease and kicked renters out of their apartments for safety and liability reasons.

REPUTATION: In Hillsborough and local counties, the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court websites post arrest and case information, including photographs of each person arrested and some details of the arrest including the crime charged. There are also private companies who have created internet based businesses to make money off your arrest. Mugshots.com is an example of this type of company as each day they post the "mugshot" photos of those arrested. When anyone searches your name or a name similar to yours on any of the search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing) those search engines may and often will attach links to Mugshots.com with links to your arrest photo and arrest information. Obviously, this could cause you, your family, and friends embarrassment and may damage your reputation.

There are also local newspapers and publications that print the photos and information of those arrested. Some of these publications are available free at local businesses. Once your photo and arrest information is on the public domain via the internet, it is almost impossible to completely erase that information.

TRAVEL: If placed on probation by the Court for a felony crime, oftentimes a person is then prohibited from leaving their county of residence. If you live in Hillsborough County, this means no trips to Clearwater Beach while on probation, no Rays Games, no trips to Orlando, etc. Further, without getting pre-approved written permission from the probation officer and/or the Judge, a person is not allowed to leave the State of Florida to attend a wedding, funeral, or other important family event.

The above are "hidden" but very important potential collateral consequences of being arrested. If you have any questions about this information, please contact me at 813-877-HELP (4357) or email me at sheinlaw@hotmail.com. 

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT in 3 Parts

PART 1 - THE ARREST

if you get arrested, here's what you do: 

First: DON'T PANIC. I know this is far easier to say than do but it is very important that you try and stay calm, cool, and collected. When you are detained or being arrested, the police will ask a lot of questions. They will inform you of the procedures surrounding your arrest. If you are not paying close attention and staying focused you will not understand what is happening which will make the process worse: more frightening, longer, and may actually hurt your case. Remember, although you have been arrested, it does not mean you are guilty of committing a crime. The officer has opined that you have broken the law, but it is not a fact or a truth. But, now is not the time to argue with the police officer.

Second: DON'T TALK. I strongly advise my clients to give the police officer only your identifying information:   your name, SS#, and DOB. Otherwise, do NOT answer the officer's questions without me or an attorney being present. You may think by cooperating with the police they will not arrest you. However, in my experience, there is only a very very small chance that you will be released. And that small chance of being released is far outweighed by the harm you do to your case by talking to the officer.

Do not tell the officer what you do for a living or your employer. If you provide this information it will be publicly displayed on the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office public access website for all to see. Local media outlets scour the arrest reports multiple times a day to see who has been arrested and if it is newsworthy. If they deem you or your arrest is newsworthy, they may print it in the local newspaper or online. Additionally, the police officer may call or notify certain employers if an employee is arrested (i.e., School Board, Military, etc.).

Third: BONDING OUT. If arrested, you will be brought to the jail and during processing, you will be told the bond amount. This is the amount of money that you must pay to be released from jail.

To bond out (i.e. be released from jail), you can pay the entire cash amount and be released from the jail. Or, you can hire a bondsman. Customarily, you will pay a bondsman 10% of the bond amount and the bondsman will pay the Jail the balance. You will never get that 10% back. The bondsman may require collateral (e.g., title to your house or your car) for the remaining bond amount. (Many bondsman no longer require collateral and just require the 10% as their fee.) Some offenses carry an automatic NO BOND status and you cannot bond out of jail until you see a Judge the next day. If you get arrested and booked into the jail before 11:59 pm, and you don't or cannot bond out, you will see the Judge the next morning on the video monitor. However, if you get booked into the jail after 12:00 am, you will not see the Judge until the following morning.  

Fourth: JAIL MONITORING.  Remember, the phones at the jail are recorded and anything you say on the phone can be used against you in Court. Additionally, your fellow jail inmates are not your friends. Do not talk about the facts of your case on the phones or with anyone at the jail.

Finally, DON'T DELAY.   The sooner you know about the legal process and the timeline for your case,t he sooner you can relax, get back into your normal routine, and feel confident your case is being professionally and expertly handled. 

Time is of the essence. If you get arrested, you should call me, Andrew Shein immediately. Each case has its own set of unique facts and circumstances which may require immediate action by me in representing you and to preserve your rights. The sooner we can discuss your case the quicker we can set in motion the game plan for showing your arrest was without legal justification or to minimize the consequences of your arrest.   

As always, you can call me ANYTIME at (813) 877-HELP (4357), text me at (813) 833-4200, email me at sheinlaw@hotmail.com , or get more information about the law at www.AndrewShein.com.    

Be well!

 

GO BUCS!

It's time once again for Buccaneer Football!

As most of the Tampa Bay community is gearing up for an exciting and interesting season with new coach Raheem Morris, the Law Offices of Andrew Shein, P.A. wants the football community to be aware that local law enforcement is ALWAYS in force in and around Raymond James Stadium.

During football season, our office has handled many cases where a Buc fan may have gotten too close and too argumentative with their stadium neighbors and worse yet, the cop who comes to investigate. It is our experience that it is always best to step back from the situation and defer to the cop even if you are in the right. Staying cool headed may keep you from getting ejected from the stadium and from spending the rest of game day behind bars.

Also, our local law enforcement is always out patrolling the streets and on the lookout for possible DUI drivers. This is even more true before, during, and after a Buc game. As always, designate a sober - non-drinking driver to make sure everyone gets home safely!

If you find yourself arrested, call THE LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW SHEIN, P.A. for a free consultation.

ENJOY THE GAME! GO BUCS!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

As Labor Day weekend approaches, many of you are looking forward to a relaxing long weekend with friends and family. We at the Law Offices of Andrew Shein, P.A. certainly hope everyone in the Tampa Bay community has a great weekend celebrating and honoring America's hard-working labor force. However, it is important to note that Labor Day weekend is also one of the worst weekends for DUI incidents and DUI arrests. You can be sure that our Law Enforcement will be out patrolling the roads this weekend.

If you go out and drink this weekend, please make sure to have a non-drinking designated driver take you home. If you are arrested for DUI, call our offices as soon as possible for a free consultation.

Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day Weekend.

http//www.chipleypaper.com/news/unsafe-4119-impaired-crackdown.html

OMG!!! Check out our new ad in the TBT

Our new ad campaign for the TBT paper. We considered many different texting phrases but OMG seemed to capture the substance of the ad and still allow non-texters to get the message. Just another way to catch the eye and the interest of the TBT readers and give the Tampa community something new.

Even though we are always trying to be creative with the advertisements, our main focus is to help our clients navigate through the criminal court system and achieve the best result possible. We are committed to providing exceptional service and give each and every client the personal attention that they deserve.

Grand Opening

The Law Offices of Andrew Shein, P.A. is pleased to announce the grand opening of their brand new office at 3605 W. Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609. The Mediterranean style building, first conceived by Andrew’s father in-law and designed by local architect Meyer Weitzman, took many years of collaboration and planning to design. However, it took JAVIC HOMES less than a year to build. After years of waiting, The Law Offices of Andrew Shein, P.A. finally moved into the luxurious new space in February of 2009.

The entire first floor is occupied by THE LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW SHEIN, P.A. This space more than doubles the work area that Andrew previously had. Clients can now comfortably enjoy the growing collection of artwork and the always abundant chocolates.

With over 2500 square feet of space, the new two-story building has enough space for Andrew’s law practice as well as space to rent to other professionals. The location is convenient to major highways, the interstate, and downtown Tampa. The building is beautiful, spacious and modern – complete with WI-FI and each office comes loaded with plenty of phone and LAN ports. Our tenants enjoy a brand new and well-maintained building with many amenities included.

We love our new space and hope our clients, our tenants, and our visitors do too.