298) What’s the Difference between Sealing and Expungement? #HaberPA Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer
Channel: Michael Haber
Date: 2018-10-18

What’s the Difference between Sealing and Expungement?

Before I explain the differences I’m gonna tell you what they have in common.  

First, both secret the facts and circumstances of your case from public records and hide them from public view and second, neither removes the fact that you were arrested (or charged or prosecuted) from any private record... including the internet. 

That said, the biggest difference is what happens to the public record. Remember I just said both sealing and expungement secret the facts and circumstances of your case from public view, so imagine that you case is visible to the public in the form of a paper file.  In the case of sealing that file is put inside of a manilla envelope, is taped shut and can only be opened by way of a court order.  In the case of expungement, after the file is put into the manilla envelope, the envelope is set on fire and is completely destroyed.

Sealing is available in a non-disqualified case where you got a withhold of adjudication, and expunction is available in a case which was dismissed, nolle pros'd, no actioned or where you were acquitted, and in Florida you can only seal OR expunge one eligible (non-disqualified) offense in your lifetime. 

That said it probably doesn't matter where you were arrested, what you were arrested for, what the final disposition was or whether or not you seal or expunge the case. This is the internet age, where nothing is private, sacred or truly hidden from public scrutiny. 

Once it’s hit the net, unfortunately, that cat’ll never get back inside the bag.

Thank you for your question.  I appreciate your having asked it.  Please remember that at #HaberPA it’s all about reasonable doubt!

At Michael A. Haber, PA "it's all about reasonable doubt"!

Please note that no attorney-client relationship with either Michael A. Haber, PA or Michael A. Haber, Esq. exists as a result of your watching this Webisode series.  Further any and all information which is both contained in and may be construed from this Webisode series is generic in nature and should only be considered as informational and not as actual legal advise in any specific case.  Should you wish to seek actual legal advise then please feel free to contact Michael A. Haber, Esq. as follows:

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