Expungement in Miami: How to Clear Your Criminal Record in 2025

In today’s competitive job market and tight rental landscape, a criminal record—even for a dismissed charge—can hold you back. Employers, landlords, and even universities in South Florida frequently conduct background checks, and one mistake from your past could cost you a fresh start.

The good news? Florida law allows eligible individuals to seal or expunge criminal records, clearing the way for better opportunities. At the Law Offices of Francisco Marty, we guide clients through every step of the expungement process, helping them turn the page and take back control of their future.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process of removing a criminal record from public view. When a record is expunged:

• It no longer appears in most background checks
• You are legally allowed to deny the incident occurred (with a few exceptions)
• Your record is no longer visible online or in court databases

In Florida, there are two main types of record-clearing:

• Expungement (for cases dismissed or dropped)
• Sealing (for charges where adjudication was withheld)

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Florida?

In Miami–Dade and across Florida, you may qualify for expungement if:

• Your charges were dismissed, dropped, or no-billed
• You were found not guilty at trial
• You have never been convicted of a crime in Florida or any other state
• You have no other sealed or expunged records

Each person is only allowed one expungement or sealing per lifetime—so it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney to get it right.

Common Charges Eligible for Expungement

Francisco Marty has helped clients clear a wide variety of records, including:

• Drug possession (dropped or dismissed)
• Disorderly conduct
• Theft or shoplifting
• Juvenile offenses
• Resisting arrest without violence
• Battery or assault with no conviction

Even if your case was resolved years ago, your record may still be publicly visible—and hurting your opportunities today.

The Expungement Process in Miami

Our law office handles the process from start to finish:

1. Reviewing Eligibility

We begin by reviewing your charges, outcomes, and background to confirm eligibility.

2. Obtaining Certificate of Eligibility

We apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This step requires fingerprints, forms, and a $75 fee.

3. Filing a Petition with the Court

Once approved by the FDLE, we file a petition with the court in the county where your case was handled—typically Miami-Dade.

4. Court Review or Hearing

Most petitions are approved without a hearing, but if the State Attorney objects, we represent you in court to argue your right to expungement.

5. Final Order & Record Update

Once the judge signs the order, we work to ensure all related agencies and databases remove your record from public access.

Why Hire an Attorney for Expungement?

While it may seem straightforward, expungement laws are strict and technical. A simple mistake can result in delays—or a permanent denial. An attorney ensures:

• Accurate eligibility assessment
• Proper and timely filing
• Representation if objections arise
• Maximum privacy after the process is complete

At Francisco Marty’s office, we’ve successfully expunged records for professionals, students, and first-time offenders across South Florida.

Final Thoughts

Your past doesn’t have to define your future. If you’re ready to clear your record and move forward, now is the time to take action.

At the Law Offices of Francisco Marty, we believe in second chances—and we know how to fight for them.

Contact us today for a free expungement eligibility review, and start building a clean slate in 2025.