It's a common misconception that you may only seal or expunge your record when it is your first arrest. This is not true.
You may seal or expunge any arrest provided you are eligible. This could be your first arrest or your hundredth.
A good rule of thumb to follow when determining eligibility is whether you have ever been convicted of any crime. If you have ever been convicted of any crime, even if the conviction occurred after the arrest you are seeking to seal or expunge, you will not be allowed to seal or expunge any record.
This means ANY conviction, even for a DUI or
driving while license suspended.
Obviously, traffic infractions do not count.
So as long as you have never been convicted, you should be eligible provided the offense qualifies.
Several offenses do not qualify for sealing. All offenses qualify for expungement, however, as the charge must have been dismissed.
If you have a prior or subsequent disqualifying charge on your record but adjudication was withheld, you may still seal or expunge a different arrest provided that arrest itself is eligible.
So what you really must consider is whether you are eligible (no convictions), and whether the charge is eligible.
Sealing and expunging can be confusing. That is why you may want to hire a criminal defense attorney to handle the process.
Call me to discuss cleaning your record. I handle sealing and expunging all throughout the State of Florida.