Get A Fresh Start By Expunging Or Sealing Your Criminal Record In Jacksonville

Last updated on June 26, 2026

If you have been charged with a crime in the state of Florida, that record does not have to follow you around for the rest of your life. When a person was charged with an offense, but there was no conviction, they might be eligible to have their criminal record sealed. A big benefit to having a sealed criminal record is that, in some situations, it is legal for an employment applicant with a sealed or expunged record to answer “No” when they are asked if they have ever been charged with a criminal offense.

Below, you’ll find answers to some common questions about sealing and expungement. After reading, you can contact Janet E. Johnson, P.A., by calling 904-820-3455 and discussing your case with an attorney in a free consultation.

How Expunging And Sealing Criminal Records Work In Duval County

While both remove your history from public view, expunging and sealing criminal records are two distinct processes in Florida. Expungement results in the physical destruction of the record by most agencies. Meanwhile, record sealing refers to hiding the record from public access.

Florida law imposes strict rules on who can apply for expungement or record sealing. To qualify for expungement, a judge must completely drop or dismiss the case, the prosecutor must drop it or a jury or judge must find you not guilty at trial. To qualify for record sealing, you must have a clean record, no prior clear records and have no adjudication of guilt. For both paths, you also need to secure a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Will the record completely disappear?

Sealing or expunging a criminal record in Duval County restricts access to the information so that it would not be visible to most people/organizations conducting a background check. However, it does not make it totally “disappear.” Sealed and expunged records are still accessible by certain employers, including the judicial system and law enforcement agencies.

Can a record of a conviction be sealed or expunged in Duval County?

Unfortunately, sealing and expungement of records is not available for any charges for which the person was convicted. It is primarily for individuals who have had a run-in with the criminal justice system (arrest and/or charges) that were ultimately dropped or otherwise didn’t end in a conviction.

Can juvenile crime records be expunged or sealed?

Juveniles from Jacksonville can have their records automatically expunged at the age of either 24 or 26, depending on the charges. If a juvenile has charges that are dismissed, they can petition to have records sealed.

Talk To An Attorney About Your Legal Options For Free

Sealing and expungement are tools for those who are eligible, but determining eligibility can be confusing, and the application process can be complex and time-consuming. For more detailed information and to find out whether your case can be sealed or expunged in Jacksonville, contact Janet E. Johnson, P.A., for a free initial consultation. Just call 904-820-3455 or reach out online.