A conviction cannot be sealed or expunged. In the State of Florida, it remains on your record.
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you will not lose your civil rights. Civil rights include the ability to vote, own a firearm, or run for public office. However, certain convictions - even misdemeanors - may subject you to penalties.
For instance, if you are convicted of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, you will lose your driver's license for two years. If you are convicted of
reckless driving, your insurance rates will go up and you will have to do a mandatory 4-hour traffic school course or risk a license suspension.
DUI carries a mandatory conviction.
Also, a conviction for driving while license suspended (DWLS) may lead you to become a
habitual traffic offender (HTO) if you have prior driving while license suspended charges.
A felony conviction is much worse because you will lose your civil rights. If you are convicted of a felony, you will not be able to vote, own a gun, or run for public office.
You may, however, apply for restoration of civil rights.
Even if your rights are restored, the felony conviction remains. You may find it difficult to get a job if you are a convicted felon. Many doors will be closed to you because of your past mistakes.
Avoid convictions at all costs. Not only can they make you unemployable, they could subject you to deportation if you are not a U.S. citizen. Click here to learn about the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction.
I am a criminal defense attorney who represents clients in Miami-Dade and Broward. I fight hard to make sure that my clients avoid convictions at all costs.
You should never accept a plea that would result in your conviction without first discussing the consequences with your attorney.
For more information on criminal convictions, contact me. I am happy to discuss your legal issue confidentially.