One brush with the criminal justice system can have a devastating effect on your future. It can prevent you from obtaining a job, a promotion, a license, housing, and many other opportunities. Perhaps the charges against you were dropped, adjudication was withheld, or you were found not guilty. Nonetheless, you may be surprised to learn that the arrest still appears in criminal background searches.

You may be able to free yourself from your past. Florida law allows individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements to seal or expunge their criminal arrest record. Once a criminal arrest record is sealed or expunged, it no longer appears in criminal background searches. In addition, you may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the arrest covered by the sealed or expunged record, except in very limited circumstances (for example, when applying for a job in law enforcement, a child welfare agency or as a teacher).

At David B. Pakula, P.A., we believe in second chances. David B. Pakula, Esq. is a Florida attorney with over 20 years of experience. He is board certified in appellate practice, "AV" rated by Martindale-Hubbell and presided over thousands of cases as a Broward Traffic Magistrate. Mr. Pakula will provide you with a free evaluation of your eligibility for sealing, expungement, or pardon. If you qualify, we can help you achieve the second chance for a better future that you deserve.

Our offices are located in Pembroke Pines, Florida, but we handle sealing and expungement of misdemeanor and felony cases throughout the State of Florida. Our mission is to help as many people as possible obtain a brighter future. To that end, our fees for sealing and expunging are surpisingly affordable. In most cases, we can seal or expunge your record for a flat fee of $750 which may be paid in two $375 payments. This fee includes the usual filing fees and court costs. For an initial investment of as little as $375, you can get started on obtaining your second chance. We accept all major credit cards.

This website is designed to assist you in learning about whether you are eligible for sealing or expungement of your criminal arrest record, about what is involved in the process, and about our law firm. For commonly asked questions, see our FAQ page. In addition, visit the following pages for information about:

· Eligibility. Explains the eligibility criteria for sealing or expunging a Florida criminal arrest record.

· Ineligible Offenses. Lists the offenses for which sealing is not available.

· Effect of a Criminal Record Sealing or Expungement. Discusses the limited situations in which sealed or expunged criminal arrest records are subject to disclosure.

· Administrative Expungement. Describes the process for administratively expunging an arrest record if you were arrested as the result of mistaken identity.

· Juvenile Expungements. Summarizes the criteria and the process for obtaining a juvenile diversion expugement.

For a free consultation, complete our online consultation form, send us an email or call us at (954) 217-5123. Don't delay. Let us help you get started on your second chance today.

We also handle criminal and DUI cases, traffic infractions, appeals and immigration matters.