Butash Law Group helps eligible Florida residents seal or expunge criminal records, removing barriers to employment, housing, and loans. Serving Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties for 30+ years, the firm guides clients through every step, from eligibility review to final agency notification. Call (813) 341-2232 for a free consultation.
Tell us about your situation, we respond promptly.
Expertise.com Best DUI Lawyers in Spring Hill (2024)
National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Expertise.com Best DUI Lawyers in Spring Hill (2025)
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Expertise.com Best Divorce Lawyer in Wesley Chapel
City of .com Premier Service
Expertise.com Best Car Accident Lawyer in Wesley Chapel
A criminal record in Florida can silently close doors to jobs, housing, and financial opportunities long after a case is resolved. At Butash Law Group, our attorneys help clients throughout Pasco County and the greater Tampa Bay area pursue record sealing and expungement, two distinct legal remedies that can significantly limit or eliminate public access to past arrests and charges. Sealing a record hides it from public view while the record itself is preserved, whereas expunging a record results in its complete physical and electronic destruction, generally eliminating any future obligation to disclose the conviction.
Florida law imposes strict eligibility requirements for sealing and expunging criminal records, including restrictions on the type of offense, completion of all court-ordered obligations, and a lifetime limit of one sealing or expungement per person. Non-violent misdemeanors and certain qualifying felony offenses may be eligible, but serious or violent crimes are typically excluded. Because the process involves petitioning the court, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) background review, potential prosecutorial objections, and multi-agency notification, working with an experienced criminal record relief attorney is essential to navigating the process efficiently and correctly.
★★★★★ 
★★★★★ 
★★★★★ 
★★★★★ Your attorney reviews the nature of your offense, your criminal history, and whether you have fulfilled all court-ordered obligations to determine whether your record qualifies for sealing or expungement under Florida law. This critical first step prevents wasted time and ensures you pursue the correct remedy.
Once eligibility is confirmed, your attorney prepares and files a formal petition with the court, including a sworn affidavit and all required supporting documentation. Accurate, complete paperwork at this stage reduces the risk of delays or procedural objections.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and relevant law enforcement agencies conduct a background investigation to verify your eligibility and confirm the details of your criminal record. Your attorney monitors this review and addresses any discrepancies that arise.
The state attorney's office reviews your petition and may raise objections; your attorney responds to any concerns and, if a hearing is required, presents arguments and evidence to the judge on your behalf. The presiding judge then weighs the nature of the offense, your history, and public safety considerations before issuing a ruling.
If the judge grants your petition, a sealing or expungement order is issued and must be formally served on every agency holding a record of your case, including law enforcement, the court clerk, and the FDLE, so each entity updates or destroys its records accordingly. Your attorney manages this notification process to ensure full compliance and that no agency is overlooked.
Butash Law Group proudly serves clients seeking criminal record sealing and expungement throughout Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties, including Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Dade City and Tampa. With more than 30 years of local experience, the firm understands the courts, procedures, and agencies that matter most to your case.
Butash Law Group represents Tampa Bay clients across a full range of legal matters.
Sealing a record hides it from public view but does not destroy it, the record still exists and may need to be disclosed in certain circumstances, such as applications for specific professional licenses, government positions, or law enforcement roles. Expunging a record results in its complete physical and electronic destruction, generally eliminating any future obligation to disclose the conviction. Because the two remedies carry different long-term consequences, an attorney at Butash Law Group can help you determine which option best fits your situation.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including the nature of the offense, whether you were convicted or the charges were dismissed, and whether you have completed all court-ordered obligations such as probation or community service. Generally, non-violent misdemeanors and certain qualifying felony offenses may be eligible, but serious or violent crimes are typically excluded. Florida also limits most individuals to one sealing or expungement in their lifetime, making it essential to consult an experienced attorney before proceeding so you use this opportunity wisely.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, court schedules, and how quickly agencies such as the FDLE complete their background review, but the process typically takes several months from petition filing to final order. Delays can occur if the prosecutor raises objections or if additional documentation is required. Working with an experienced attorney helps keep the process moving as efficiently as possible and reduces the likelihood of avoidable setbacks.
In most private employment situations, a sealed or expunged record does not need to be disclosed, and you may legally answer 'no' when asked about prior arrests or convictions. However, important exceptions exist, certain government positions, law enforcement roles, teaching licenses, and applications requiring security clearances may still require disclosure of sealed records. Your attorney at Butash Law Group can advise you on the specific disclosure obligations that apply to your individual circumstances.
A sealed record can still be accessed by certain government agencies and may be considered in future criminal proceedings, even though it is hidden from the general public. An expunged record is destroyed and is far less accessible, though certain criminal justice agencies may retain limited identifying information. Understanding these nuances is one of the most important reasons to consult a knowledgeable attorney before choosing between sealing and expungement.
Mike grew up in the Tampa Bay area and graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1997. He was immediately hired as an Assistant State Attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas and Pasco Counties, where he prosecuted everything from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. Today he uses that insider experience to defend clients across Tampa Bay. With more than three decades of practice, lead counsel in over 40 jury trials, and thousands of cases handled, Mike brings the kind of courtroom judgment that only comes from years on both sides of the aisle.
40+ jury trials as lead counsel | 30+ years practicing | Thousands of cases
Free, confidential consultation. Call (813) 341-2232 or send us a message.
