You handled the court case. You made it through probation. You did everything the judge asked. But months or years later, you’re still getting that uneasy feeling when someone says, “We just need to run a quick background check.”
That lingering fear? That’s your record, still haunting you.
People think once a case is closed, it’s over. Not always. In fact, for many, the court’s final ruling is just step one. If you never seal or expunge the record, it can show up in the most unexpected places—on a job application, at a PTA meeting, even during a lease signing.
It’s not fair, but it’s fixable. Sealing or expunging your criminal record is often the final step in truly moving on.
What’s the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging?
Most folks don’t realize these two are different legal tools—and the impact they have isn’t quite the same.
Expungement:
Expungement is the legal version of a disappearing act. The record is not only hidden; it’s physically destroyed. Gone from databases, not visible to employers, landlords, or background check services. If someone tries to find it, they won’t. You can legally say the arrest or charge never happened in most everyday situations.
To qualify in Florida, your case usually must’ve been dropped, dismissed, or ended in a not guilty verdict. No prior convictions. And only one criminal case in your history can ever be expunged. But if you’re eligible? It’s as close to a total reset as the law allows.
Sealing:
Sealing keeps your record from public view. It’s like putting it in a locked vault where the general public can’t access it. Employers, landlords, banks—they won’t see anything. But law enforcement and some government agencies still can.
It’s ideal if you entered a plea deal and received a withhold of adjudication (which means you weren’t officially convicted). You still get protection from public judgment—and freedom from explaining yourself every time someone runs your name.
Why It Matters
Here’s what people forget: background checks don’t tell the whole story. They don’t include context. Just dates and charges. That’s often enough to shut down a job interview or cancel a housing application before you’ve even had a chance to speak.
Sealing or expunging your record takes control back. It restores privacy. And it gives you a clean slate without constantly revisiting the past.
You’ve already faced the system once. You don’t need to do it every time you apply for a job.
Why Choose The Ticket Clinic?
Because this isn’t guesswork. We’ve helped thousands of people across Florida do exactly this—clear their names, protect their futures, and get peace of mind. With more than 5 million cases behind us, we know how to navigate the system quickly, affordably, and without surprises. Just check our recent criminal wins.
Smaller firms may charge more and move slower. Our scale means we’ve streamlined the entire process. We offer full-service sealing and expungement with real attorneys who know what they’re doing.
You’ve done your time. Now it’s time to clean the slate.
Call us today or fill out our quick consultation form. The past doesn’t have to keep showing up in your present. Let us help you take that last step and put it all behind you.
